10 Classic Colognes That Are Timeless

Just as jeans and a t-shirt or a tailored suit will never go out of style, there are some timeless men's colognes that will never let you down.

They're the reliable scents that you don't have to think twice about splashing on. They're the classic colognes that work whether you're headed out on the town or into a business meeting. And above all, they're the men's fragrances that you know make you smell great.

But what are these classic masculine scents? Keep reading to find out our pick of the top ten colognes of all time.

1. Calvin Klein Eternity for Men

First created in 1989, Eternity by Calvin Klein smells as fresh and relevant today as it did back then. Its heady notes of lavender, jasmine, and amber create a refreshing, spicy scent that is sure to draw attention for all the right reasons.

Beneath the surface, you'll find blended hints of rosewood, crisp sage, basil, sandalwood, and vetiver. This deep and powerful combination surfaces to give you the unforgettable hit of a classic men's cologne.

But, before it gets too much, Eternity draws back to provide soft undertones that only the most established classic masculine scents can pull off.

2. Aramis by Aramis

In contrast to the clean and airy men's colognes that inundate our current fragrance market, Aramis by Aramis is as unashamedly masculine as it is vintage. But, for those of you fascinated by all things retro, this is surely part of its charm.

Created in 1965, it's the kind of scent you could imagine Don Draper from Mad Men wearing. Like Don himself, it's complex, strong, and intense, evoking the self-possessed confidence of a man who knows what he wants.

Aramis features a blend of rich spices, sandalwood, moss, clove, and leather to provide a heady evening scent that is sure to make you stand out from the crowd. If classic is what you're looking for then there's nothing quite like Aramis.

3. Yves Saint Laurent Kouros

Since its original reign in the 1980s, Kouros by Yves Saint Laurent has remained one of the best colognes of all time.

Like many '80s fragrances, Kouros is seductive, deep, and musky, with a long list of 20 notes providing a complex scent range. Standout notes from the mix include cinnamon, patchouli, honey, leather, jasmine, and coriander. The result is as unmistakable as it was back in its heyday, despite Korous being reformulated and refined over the years.

Some might dismiss classic masculine scents like this as being for older men only. But this updated version of Kouros is sure to hold sway with the younger generation, especially if you're looking for a standout signature scent.

4. Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male

You've no doubt seen the distinctive bottle of Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier. But beneath the chiselled torso lies a complex mix of fresh yet seductive notes that define this best-selling fragrance.

Le Male is a versatile cologne that works just as well as a formal fragrance for the office as it does in casual settings. But if you're a fan of switching your scents depending on the season then you might prefer to reserve this classic cologne for the colder weather.

Offering a mix of contrasting notes that hit just right, Le Male is both sophisticated and playful all at once. This clever balance comes off as light and fresh with serious undertones of warmth and depth. Watch out for the heady embrace of warm vanilla, amber, and cinnamon, while lighter hints of lavender, mint, and orange blossom keep things fresh.

5. Calvin Klein Obsession for Men

While Eternity might be more recognisable, no list of classic men's fragrances would be complete without Calvin Klein's Obsession for Men. In fact, we'd go so far as to say that no other scent hits quite like the sexy seduction of this enduring classic.

Obsession delivers a striking blend of spices, rare woods, and botanicals to leave a lasting impression that evokes the pure essence of masculinity. Beyond this refreshing yet woody combination, you'll find key notes of amber, sandalwood, musk, myrrh, and vanilla. The result is a fragrance that's as brooding and compelling as its name would suggest.

6. Guerlain Vetiver Extreme

Guerlain first released their original Vetiver fragrance back in 1958. And, while this Vetiver Extreme update offers a reformulated and repackaged version, the timeless appeal of this classic men's cologne remains.

Compared to the rich and masculine original Vetiver, this re-released version offers a well-considered balance of fresh, spicy, and woody notes. Floral and citrus top notes keep things light, while intense and heady spices make their masculine mark.

These top notes include artemisia, bergamot, liquorice, lemon, and tarragon for a freshness that opens to reveal the cologne's spicy core. Here, you'll find a mix of nutmeg, pepper, vetiver, cedar, and tonka bean for a memorable infusion that's as invigorating as it is seductive.

7. Cartier Declaration

Following their aim to create a classic men's fragrance that is sparkling enough for the evening yet subtle enough for everyday wear, Cartier released their Declaration cologne in 1998. And, to this day, it remains a classic that defies definition.

Declaration is crisp yet woody, combining notes of bergamot, orange rind, coriander, and cumin for an inexplicable flurry of passion and persuasiveness. These aromatic layers serve to provide a complexity that oozes sophistication.

At its core, this leading scent from Cartier embodies everything that the brand is about. With no need for tricks or gimmicks, there's a clear sense of quality within the essence of this cologne. The culmination is a fragrance that smells expensive without ever becoming overpowering or obvious.

8. Burberry Brit for Men

Staying true to the brand's modern take on their traditional roots, Burberry Brit for Men offers an enduring scent that's fresh yet classic.

Unlike many of the classic scents on this list, Burberry Brit offers less of the leather and spice of many colognes and instead opens with bright floral and fruity notes. But that's not to say that this fragrance doesn't have hidden depths. Beyond the bergamot orange and green mandarin, you'll find the warm undertones of nutmeg, grey musk, and cedar.

The lasting impression is one of a perfect everyday fragrance, ideal for men looking for a self-confident yet casual signature scent. But there's undeniable masculinity and strength to Burberry Brit that radiates from the exotic base of this classic men's cologne.

9. Thierry Mugler A*men

A*men by Thierry Mugler is a regular on our best-sellers list, making it a must for this round-up of the best colognes of all time. However, it's also one of the most divisive men's fragrances around, hitting hard with a powerful combination of deep and heady notes for a 'Marmite'-style initial reaction.

The first notes that hit you are those of coffee, patchouli, and caramel, whipping up a sweetness that belies this cologne's true masculine edge. Beyond these sweet top notes, you'll find the adventurous inclusion of statement-making mint and lavender. And finally, these give way to musky undertones to reveal an elegance and originality that will appeal to those who prefer to look beyond the surface.

As the first men's fragrance by Thierry Mugler, A*men works to capture your attention straight away. If you're looking for a fragrance that makes an impact, this alluring combination of sweetness and charisma is the one for you.

10. Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio

Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani quickly became a classic men's cologne following its release in 1996.

As the name suggests, Acqua di Gio captures the feeling of being out on the open water. Breathe it in and you'll soon imagine yourself in the Mediterranean, propelled by freedom and surrounded by the sea's deep and mysterious secrets.

Keeping to the nautical theme, the cologne brings together sweet and salty notes. This combination evokes the sensation of an afternoon in the sun followed by a cool and refreshing sea dip. Dive in and you'll discover sharp and woody undercurrents and the true scent of masculinity within these hidden depths.

Classic Colognes with Timeless Appeal

When it comes to both fashion and fragrance, there's a time to be trendy, and there's a time to be classic.

Sure, it can be fun to try new scents and experiment. But the enduring popularity of these classic colognes shows that they've stood the test of time for a reason.

Whether it's the deep and moody musk of Aramis, the sexy seduction of Obsession, or the captivating contrasts of Le Male, these classic masculine scents offer a timeless appeal that is sure to continue for decades to come.

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