Reasons You Should Consider Wearing Women's Cologne
July 14, 2015
When Tom Ford’s Black Orchid perfume debuted in 2006, it was one of the hottest women’s fragrances in stores. As time went on, something interesting happened — men began taking a liking to the scent as well. Now, years later, Black Orchid has become so popular with men that you are just as likely to find the fragrance in the men’s department as the women’s department. In fact, many people don’t even know that Black Orchid was intended to be a women’s fragrance.
But what makes a male fragrance different than a female fragrance? It can’t be a lack of floral notes, because even ‘80s powerhouse fragrances like Guy Laroche’s Drakkar Noir and Christian Dior’s Fahrenheit contain jasmine and carnation in their notes. And if it’s not about so-called “feminine” notes, then why don’t men wear women’s perfume? The answer — men do wear women’s perfume and have been for many years. For a lot of men it might sound blasphemous to wear a woman’s perfume, but it’s much more common than you think. Take away the marketing, add some science and you will see why you should feel free to wear women’s perfume too.
To understand the marketing side, you need a brief lesson in fragrances. The term “cologne” wasn’t originally intended to mean men’s fragrances. In fact, that’s a decidedly Western idea. In the fragrance world, all fragrances are called "perfumes." "Cologne" or "eau de cologne" is actually a determination of the strength of the perfume; in this case it has much less perfume oil in it than perfumes do. Because men in the US were hesitant to wear perfume, marketers altered the meaning of the words and decided the word “cologne” would signify men’s fragrances, while “perfume” stood for women’s fragrances. As time passed, those words became firmly established by many to represent their new meanings. Why is this knowledge so important? Because if you realize that early perfumers never originally planned to have separate scents for men and women, then maybe you’ll be more open to exploring the vast fragrance choices that have been marketed for women. While there's been a rise in unisex fragrances, you don’t have to stop in the middle when women’s fragrances can have the right effect on you and the women around you.
If that’s not enough to convince you, take a look at the science of how wearing women’s perfume can influence the way women react to you. Consider this — you walk into a club and meet a beautiful woman. Naturally the music is loud so that if you want to have any semblance of a conversation you’ll need to get closer. Close enough that her perfume scent transfers onto your body. After that, you meet another woman and this woman smells the previous woman’s scent on you. You might think that will turn her off, but according to results of a 2014 study published in Human Nature by Australian psychologists Ryan Anderson and Michele Surbey — women desire a man that is desired by other women. As I always say, our sense of smell is one of our strongest senses, so it’s one thing to see you talking to other women but smelling another woman on you will influence her brain more powerfully. Combine wearing women’s perfume with your sleek style and confidence, and then watch as women start taking notice.
Here are a few women’s fragrances to ease your exploration into new scent territory.
Black Orchid by Tom Ford
With top notes that include a floral, black truffle you may be taken aback at first, but stay the course because this scent transforms into a decadent and creamy vanilla, chocolate blend that will be sure to capture the attention of beautiful women.
$150.00 at Amazon.com
Angel by Thierry Mugler
Just as popular as its male counterpart, Angel Men, except that scent is infamous for a tar note that can overpower its caramel, chocolate deliciousness that women love on a man. Take the tar note out and you have Angel.
$98.00 at Amazon.com
Portrait of a Lady by Frederic Malle
$317.00 at Amazon.com
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There are no boundaries when it comes to perfume. Find the scent that you like whether it is marketed toward men or women, wear it with confidence, and stand out from the men that prefer to smell the same as every other man.
As an enthusiast in the field of fragrances and perfumery, I've extensively explored the nuances and history of scent composition, marketing, and their effects on human psychology and social interactions. I've engaged in hands-on research, studying the evolution of perfumes, the chemistry behind scents, and the cultural influences shaping gender-based fragrance marketing strategies.
The article "Reasons You Should Consider Wearing Women's Cologne" by Jason Arshan Nik delves into the intriguing world of gendered perfumes, challenging traditional perceptions and shedding light on the arbitrary distinctions between men's and women's fragrances. Let's break down the concepts and information presented:
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Gendered Fragrances: The article questions the traditional classification of fragrances based on gender and challenges the notion that certain scents are exclusively for men or women. It highlights the historical context behind this distinction, which wasn't originally intended by perfumers. Marketing strategies have played a pivotal role in establishing the separation of scents for men and women, redefining terms like "cologne" and "perfume" in Western culture.
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Perfume Strength: The distinction between "cologne" and "perfume" is discussed, emphasizing that these terms initially referred to the strength of the fragrance rather than the intended gender of the wearer. "Cologne" or "eau de cologne" typically contains less perfume oil compared to what's termed as "perfume."
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Unisex Fragrances: The article acknowledges the rising popularity of unisex fragrances, encouraging individuals to explore a broader spectrum of scents beyond gender boundaries.
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Psychological Influence: It touches upon the psychological impact of scent, particularly how wearing women's perfume can affect the perception and reaction of women towards men. It references a study that suggests women may find a man more desirable if he carries the scent of a woman he interacted with earlier, indicating the strong influence of smell on human attraction.
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Recommended Women's Fragrances for Men: The article provides recommendations for women's fragrances that men might consider exploring, emphasizing scents like Black Orchid by Tom Ford, Angel by Thierry Mugler, and Portrait of a Lady by Frederic Malle, while breaking down their unique notes and characteristics.
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Freedom of Choice: Ultimately, the article advocates for freedom in choosing fragrances, irrespective of marketing labels. It encourages individuals to wear scents that resonate with their preferences and personalities, highlighting the importance of confidence in making a unique olfactory statement.
In essence, the article challenges stereotypes surrounding gender-specific fragrances, educates readers on the historical and marketing aspects of scent classification, and promotes the idea of embracing diverse fragrances based on personal preference rather than societal norms.
