Best men’s fragrances and colognes Australia 2024: top scents for classy gents

We’ve rounded up our pick of the best men's fragrances, including classic and fresh brands

best men’s fragrances and colognes
(Image credit: Future)

How to choose the best men's fragrances

Owning one of the best men's fragrances and smelling excellent has an incredible power that affects the people around you. If you want to walk into a room and instantly grab everyone’s attention in a positive manner, there is no better way than with a good scent. We'd like to stress the importance of the word 'good' here, as a cheap, bargain-basement cologne could have the opposite effect and repel everyone away from you. 

Beyond just making an impression, smell has proven links to memory, meaning you can be in someone’s brain forever if you match your musk to the perfect mood.

As we live in an age before the invention of Smell-o-Vision, it is incredibly hard to work out what a particular aroma will do once it's in your nostrils. Perfume advertising often being a confusing mix of emotions and images definitely doesn’t help.

This is why we’re here to help you cut through the clutter. Whether you’re gifting a loved one something special or are on the hunt for a scent to call your own, we’ve built this list of the best men’s fragrances to help you find your right perfume.

Not sure what you like, or aren’t sure how to put your own preferences into words?  

The best men's fragrances you can buy today:

Best men’s fragrances: Tom Ford Noir

1. Tom Ford Noir

An oriental, sensual fragrance which is subtle yet distinctive

Specifications

Best for: Sophisticated sensual scent
Scent family: Spicy
Type: Eau De Parfum

Reasons to buy

+
Sophisticated fragrance
+
Long lasting scent

Reasons to avoid

-
Perhaps the obvious choice?

Tom Ford Noir is the fourth signature fragrance launched by the American designer. He describes Noir as his most personal fragrance yet, designed for an “urbane sophisticate who the world gets to see and the intriguingly sensuous, private man they don’t”. 

The subtle yet distinctive fragrance packs warm notes of Italian Bergamot, Black Pepper and Patchouli, which are balanced with warm Vanilla, Amber and Nutmeg.

Best men’s fragrances: Dior Sauvage

2. Dior Sauvage

Both masculine and feminine, rugged yet refined, Sauvage is an enticing enigma

Specifications

Best for: Evening scent
Scent family: Woody/floral
Type: Eau de toilette

Reasons to buy

+
Clean and modern
+
Interesting mix of notes

Reasons to avoid

-
More for evening

Dior Sauvage has been designed to offer fresh top notes of bergamot as the dominant force; but as this distinctive scent begins to dry down on the skin, Dior promise a subtle masculine, woody note left in its wake. 

Like its poster boy Johnny Depp, Sauvage is an intriguing mix of rugged manliness (vetiver, pepper, patchouli) and borderline feminine refinement (lavender, geranium) that’s hard to pin down, but there's no end of wearers complimenting its wondrous fusion of scents. A great fragrance to opt for if you are looking for an evening scent.

Best men’s fragrances: Paco Rananne

3. Paco Rabanne 1 Million

This spicy, autumnal scent is one in a million

Specifications

Best for: Winter
Scent family: Spicy
Type: Eau de toilette

Reasons to buy

+
Spicy, wooden and masculine
+
Great for autumn and winter

Reasons to avoid

-
Ugly bottle

If you’re a gent (or you know a gent) who likes to rotate his fragrance wardrobe depending on the season, this warming, spicy fragrance is just the thing for when the nights draw in. 

Inspired by warming autumnal scents, Paco Rabanne have created a scent which promises to start with fresh grapefruit, mandarin and peppermint, but soon evolves into rich rose absolute, cinnamon bark and musk, with an ultra-masculine leather base. Overall, this is a spicy fragrance so citrus lovers, avoid.

Best men’s fragrances: Chanel

4. Chanel Bleu De Chanel

From the design house of Chanel, this EDT can be worn all year round

Specifications

Best for: All seasons
Scent family: Aromatic-woody
Type: Eau de Toilette

Reasons to buy

+
Can be worn all year
+
Classy bottle
+
Great scent

Reasons to avoid

-
Could last longer

Much like the iconic clothes Coco Chanel began designing almost a century ago, Chanel men's fragrances are sophisticated and timeless. What's unique about this fragrance is that it combines aromatic-woody scents with the invigorating freshness of citrus. That makes it suitable for wearing in winter or summer months.

The Eau de Toilette is designed to give you "untouchable confidence", and if sure to get plenty of compliments. Note that there are various versions of Bleu De Chanel. The EDT is the more affordable version, but for a longer lasting and slightly more intense scent, you can get an Eau de Parfum. 

Best men’s fragrances: Creed Aventus Eau de Parfum

(Image credit: Creed)

5. Creed Aventus Eau de Parfum

A sensual, audacious and contemporary scent

Specifications

Best for: An uber luxe fragrance
Scent family: Fruity/Rich
Type: Eau de Parfum

Reasons to buy

+
Classic scent
+
Luxurious
+
Classy bottle

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive

This scent was launched in 2010 to celebrate Creed’s 250th anniversary. It celebrates strength, power, vision and success, and is a luxury scent for individuals who savour the finer things in life. Aventus is inspired by the dramatic life of a historic emperor who waged war, peace and romance with equal magnitude. It opens with tantalising top notes of blackcurrant and Italian bergamot, blended with Calville Blanc apples and pineapple. A woody and heady centre is complemented with notes of roses, Jasmine blossom and patchouli, while a rich base of oak moss, ambergris and a touch of vanilla provides a final flourish to this sophisticated scent.

Best men’s fragrances: Boss Bottled by Hugo Boss Eau De Toilette

(Image credit: Hugo Boss)

6. Boss Bottled by Hugo Boss Eau De Toilette

Like Hugo Boss tailoring? You'll love this scent

Specifications

Best for: It's a classic
Scent family: Fresh and fruity
Type: EDT

Reasons to buy

+
Classic scent
+
Changes thoughout the day

Reasons to avoid

-
Some might say it's a bit simple

Boss Bottled by Hugo Boss is a timeless scent that evokes the stereotypical values of the successful, classic Hugo Boss man. The simple and clean lines of the bottle are stylish, and masculine, just like Hugo Boss' impeccable tailoring. 

The fragrance contains fresh top notes including both apple and citrus fruits. In the heart of the fragrance lie the sweeter and warmer notes of geranium, cinnamon and cloves. At the smouldering base lie the notes of dry spicy scents including sandalwood, vetiver, cedarwood, olivewood, amber and musk. The result is a distinctly masculine scent that unfolds and takes on a different quality hour by hour.

There are multiple various of Boss Bottled, and we do recommend you give them a sniff too, but for a safe option, this is the one for us.

Best men’s fragrances: Tom Ford Private Blend Neroli Portofino Eau de Parfum

(Image credit: Tom Ford)

7. Tom Ford Private Blend Neroli Portofino Eau de Parfum

A sexy summery scent

Specifications

Best for: Fresh, summery scent
Scent family: Citrus
Type: Eau de parfum

Reasons to buy

+
Uplifting scent
+
Beautiful bottle
+
Great brand

If you're a man who likes one fragrance for summer and one for winter, then allow us to put forward this Tom Ford scent for your summer option. Tom Ford’s Private Blend Neroli Portofino is inspired by the luxurious Italian Riviera resort, and like the glamorous destination, it’s expensive, but a little goes a long way. A reinvention of a classic eau de cologne, it features Tunisian neroli, Italian bergamot, Sicilian lemon, winter yellow mandarin, lavender, orange flower, rosemary and amber, which makes for an uplifting citrus aromatic scent. If that wasn’t enough, the bottle, which evokes the Mediterranean Sea, is to die for. It’s a real taste of luxury you can enjoy every day.

Best men’s fragrances: Diesel

8. Diesel Only The Brave Tattoo

A strikingly fruity scent for a great price, perfect for young dudes

Specifications

Best for: Strong, long-lasting scent
Scent family: Fruity
Type: Eau de toilette

Reasons to buy

+
Interesting, noticeable fragrance
+
Lasts forever; no need to reapply

Reasons to avoid

-
Will be too sweet for some tastes

This bold fragrance promises to be pure fruit on the nose, coming in straight away with a hit of zesty-sweet apple and mandarin before mellowing to a sage and bourbon pepper middle. 

Finally, there’s a distinctive patchouli and tobacco base, which adds a dark and dangerous note to an otherwise uncomplicated fragrance. Those in search of a refined classic would be better off looking elsewhere, but for the brave (see what we did there?) it appears to be a real standout scent — strong, long-lasting, and good value for money. An ideal gift for young guys.

Best men’s fragrances: Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Eau de Toilette

(Image credit: Jean Paul Gaultier)

9. Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Eau de Toilette

A classic scent in a famous bottle

Specifications

Best for: Freshness
Scent family: Fougère
Type: Eau de Toilette

Reasons to buy

+
Long-lasting
+
Strong scent
+
Distinctive bottle

A classic scent first introduced in 1995, you’ll be hard-pushed to find any faults with this magnetic Eau de Toilette. It opens with a fresh hint of mint, and is followed by warming lavender, masculine cinnamon and cumin. To compliment the amazing fragrance is a striking bottle, which will really stand out on a dressing table or bathroom counter.

Best men’s fragrances: Issey Miyake L'Eau d' Issey Homme

(Image credit: Issey Miyake)

10. Issey Miyake L'Eau d' Issey Homme

A fresh and elegantly timeless fragrance with a very masculine signature

Specifications

Best for: Something different
Scent family: Woody Oriental
Type: Eau de Toilette

Reasons to buy

+
Unique ingredients 
+
Masculine scent
+
You will love it

Issey Miyake is known for creating perfumes using rare and unusual ingredients, and this fragrance is no different. The L'Eau d' Issey Homme is a classic for any occasion, with a fresh, vibrant and elegantly timeless scent. It starts with top notes of yuzu, with heart notes of blue water lily, nutmeg, and base notes of tobacco amber and Indian sandalwood.

Best men’s fragrances: Narciso Rodriguez

11. Narciso Rodriguez Bleu Noir

Woods and spice and all things nice come together in this modern fragrance

Specifications

Best for: Classic woody scent
Scent family: Woody
Type: Eau de toilette

Reasons to buy

+
Warming spices and woody notes
+
Smells great; looks great

Reasons to avoid

-
Not for citrus aficiondos

Narciso Rodriguez’ Bleu Noir is the very picture of refinement, with its opaque deep blue interior promising something magical. The scent is just as elegantly modern as its vessel, promising fresh, spicy notes of nutmeg and cardamom combining with deep, sensual woods for a superbly sexy masculine vibe. It's great for wearing every day – pronounced without being overpowering.

Best men’s fragrances: Acqua Di Parma

12. Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Mandorlo di Sicilia

Whisk yourself away to Sicily for a touch of 'la dolce vita' with this almond blossom scent

Specifications

Best for: Fresh outdoor scent
Scent family: Floriental
Type: Eau de toilette

Reasons to buy

+
Lovely light, fresh scent
+
Perfect for summer

Reasons to avoid

-
Almond notes may be too sweet for some

After originally striding onto the market in 1916 with their original Colonia, it seems that Acqua di Parma have perfected a new set of classics with their Blu Mediterraneo range. Reminiscent of a sun-drenched stroll through the almond groves of Sicily, this fresh, green, citrus-laden scent is just the thing to evoke that holiday feeling. 

We really commend its surprising amount of staying power for an eau de toilette, which makes it an equally as fresh, but better value, alternative to Creed’s Original Vetiver. A true holiday scent.

Best men’s fragrances: Creed

13. Creed Original Vetiver

A fresh and bright addition to any gent’s scent wardrobe

Specifications

Best for: A luxurious treat
Scent family: Citrus
Type: Eau de parfum

Reasons to buy

+
Fresh and citrusy for summer
+
Great balance of top, middle and base notes

Reasons to avoid

-
On the pricier side

A fresh, citrusy scent for the man with discerning taste, and deep pockets. Creed fragrances are a designer classic, and with good reason. With the unmistakably masculine hit of vetiver at its heart, this fine fragrance is kept contemporary by zesty bergamot and bitter orange; clean, herbaceous coriander; and smooth sandalwood. We love its freshness, which provokes that 'just out of the shower' feeling — use it to treat your other half, or yourself.

Best men’s fragrances: Calvin Klein CK One Eau de Toilette

(Image credit: Calvin Klein)

14. Calvin Klein CK One Eau de Toilette

A unisex classic

Specifications

Best for: Young, unisex scent
Scent family: Floral
Type: Eau de Toilette

Reasons to buy

+
Sexy, minimalist bottle
+
Unisex and easy to wear
+
Cult classic

Reasons to avoid

-
Might bring back bad memories

In case you didn’t get the memo, the Nineties are cool again and classic fragrances like CK One are smelling fresh. While that old pair of Jeans you had (and Kate Moss) might have aged a little, this fragrance still smells young and is incredibly easy to wear for both sexes, making it a useful option to keep at hand in the bathroom. Bringing together refreshing notes of green tea, papaya, and bergamot, it’s balanced with soft accents of nutmeg, violet, cardamom, and rose. This means it’s a little bit musky and floral, and a lot citrus-y and refreshing. 

Best men’s fragrances: Clinique

15. Clinique Happy for Men Cologne Spray

This zesty mood-booster, bright with citrus, is a classic for a reason

Specifications

Best for: Awesome budget buy
Scent family: Fruity
Type: Cologne

Reasons to buy

+
Bright and zingy
+
Great value

Reasons to avoid

-
Doesn't last long

Packed with joyful notes of lime, lemon, mandarin and ultra-fresh sea spray, backed up by armfuls of delicate white flowers, this classic Clinique fragrance has been praised for its fresh, summery scent, making way for its chirpy name. 

With a woody base for structure, a pleasing floral heart, and the brightest, zestiest citrus tones up top, this is highly rated as a wonderfully 'happy' fragrance that seems to be loved by men and appreciated by women. 

What's the difference between Aftershave, Eau de Toilette, and Cologne?

 

Starting at the start, let's clear up the difference between aftershave, eau de toilette (EDT) and cologne. You wouldn’t be the first to think they’re one and the same, but each of these terms is actually it’s own specific identifier. It’s all to do with the potency of the potpourri. 


Aftershaves are the weakest, with anywhere from 1%-3% perfume oil. They exist to soothe your skin after a shave (wild, we know). Here you’ll find soothing and cooling ingredients, such as aloe vera and alum. You’ll only get around two hours of odour from an aftershave.


A cologne contains between 2%-5% perfume oil, and is a happy medium between aftershave and EDT. You’ll receive plenty of fragrance without having to fear you’ll overpower those around you. This is where the majority of products for men sit. Expect around 4-6 hours from application until dissipation. 


An eau de toilette is the next step up, consisting of around 4%-8% perfume oil. This is too much oil to apply to the delicate skin of the face. To get the best outcome you’ll be applying an EDT on the 'pulse points' (neck, wrist, or chest). It should last around six to eight hours after application.


Finally, if you're looking for something really powerful, a parfum – or perfume – contains around 15%-30% aromatic oil. That huge leap up in potency means you only need a tiny amount on the pulse points to bask in a gorgeous scent cloud for hours. The trade off is that true perfumes are rare and expensive.

How to choose the best fragrances for men

 

Not sure what you like, or aren’t sure how to put your own preferences into words?  

With the above guide helping to provide a few ways to find your scent, there is no substitute for smelling it on your own skin. Real world road testing is key here, though there are several ways to help narrow down your selection.

Fragrance families are your first port of call. For context, scents fall into 7 distinct worlds – floral, fresh, fruity, citrus, oriental, woody or spicy. These should help clarify the starting point of the smell hunt that’s specific to you. 

Another important step is to look towards classic smells, if a certain perfume has remained popular throughout the ages, there’s a definite reason for it. Don’t feel like you have to kick tradition to the curb. 

Once you’ve found your aroma, it’s imperative to note that even the most high-end fragrances will suffer from poor application. Every sitcom has at least one episode where some young buck, eager to impress on a first date, misses the mark and stinks up the place with way too much cologne. Don’t let that be you.

One spritz on dry skin will usually do for polite sillage (that’s how much the fragrance lingers in the air after you). Scents are best applied on the warmest parts of the body to help them project, so pick one spot out of the neck and lower jaw, chest, wrist and forearm, or inner elbow. 

If you do apply to your wrists, don’t rub them together, as this can break the molecular bonds in the perfume and “kill” the note – and nobody wants that.

While you're looking for fragrances, why not look out for the women in your life too? Squizz a gander at our list of the best women's fragrances

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Spencer Hart
Style and Travel Editor

As the Style and Travel Editor at T3, Spencer covers everything from clothes to cars and watches to hotels. Everything that's cool, stylish, and interesting, basically. He's been a part of T3 for over seven years, and in that time covered every industry event known to man, from CES and MWC to the Geneva Motorshow and Baselworld. When he's driving up and down the country in search of the greatest driving roads, he can be found messing around on an electric scooter, playing with luxury watches, or testing the latest fragrances.