What Are The Best Winter Fragrances for Men NOW? Top 21 Battle-Tested & Revealed
The best winter colognes.
All have been battle-tested against 10°F with additional wind chill 🌬️.
This review describes everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
#21 – Lalique White in Black
This is a warm and vanilla fragrance with little to no sweetness. The first spray is interesting, while the money lies in the rich vanillic ending.
The smell and development are similar to Parfums de Marly Layton. If you’re unfamiliar with it, this is one of the best fragrances for men. White in Black offers the same aroma for a fraction of the price.
This fragrance is for the guy who wants an easy-to-wear masculine scent at an affordable price.
The performance is decent, but nothing that makes it a no-go.
#20 – Chopard Oud Malaki
Oud Malaki is the winter fragrance for the guy who wants a fragrance that no one has ever heard of. This is not a great first fragrance, but a great way to stand out.
There are citruses in the beginning, followed by tobacco and dark woody notes. The oud note will come through more as the scent develops.
Ultimately, you’re left with a spicy, woody fragrance surrounded by leather (yes, it is sometimes animalic.)
I love this fragrance because it is classy with near beast mode performance.
#19 – Mancera Red Tobacco
Red Tobacco is similar to Parfums de Marly Carlisle, which is, again, one of the best fragrances for men. This is a spicy tobacco fragrance with a tinge of alluring sweetness.
This is not a cologne for everyone; most of the wear is pure joy, but the first 45 minutes are not for everyone. I recommend only collectors blind buy a bottle of this.
However, this decisive nature makes Red Tobacco unique. If you want to walk into a room and demand attention, this is the scent for you.
I will argue this is one of the best fragrances for men. It is the epitome of confidence and masculinity.
#18 – Black Phantom by Kilian
The best dessert fragrance on the list. This is a sweet and tasty fragrance. It is based on caramel, chocolate, sweet rum, and almond smells.
This is the fragrance you wear when you want to seduce. It’s for the type of guy who only goes on dinner first dates.
Yet, it’s as good at being a comforting fragrance that fits a Netflix binge session on the couch while the snow falls outside.
The performance is as good, always lasting seven to eight hours with intimate projection. Considering its gourmand nature, it is best for date nights and formal occasions.
#17 – Paco Rabanne 1 Million Parfum
1 Million Parfum is a tropical winter fragrance. It is a light and clean cologne at the beginning. By the end, it finishes with woody additions, surrounded by masculine leather.
There are a few different versions from the 1 Million line, but this is the best (except Lucky.)
This scents superpower is its uniqueness. I can confidently say that no other winter fragrance comes close.
How well does this perform? This lasts all day, but the scent bubble will fill a room. The best part of the fragrance is the wearability.
1 Million Parfum works in all seasons (shines in the winter). But take it lighter on the sprays in the summer.
#16 – Paco Rabanne Invictus Victory
This is an invigorating and smooth fragrance with a hint of warmth and sweetness.
My favorite part about this scent is, by far, the strength. This leaves a five-to-ten-foot trail as you walk (yes, really); the longevity is always better than 10+ hours.
Invictus Victory is not the most unique fragrance, but it is easy to wear. Great for any guy who wants a winter fragrance that you don’t have to “think” about wearing.
#15 – Viktor and Rolf Spicebomb Infrared
There are multiple Spicebombs, but this is my favorite. As the name suggests, yes, there is a TON of spices. There is also sweetness and a masculine tobacco warmth.
I enjoy Infrared more than the original as there are more unique aspects with the touches of fruits and a more dynamic ending.
The easiest smell comparison is the smell of Big Red gum or cinnamon candy.
When you first spray this one, the scent bubble is explosive and will make everyone around you notice. After this, it calms down and becomes more wearable if you like quieter fragrances.
#14 – Amouage Interlude 53
The best thing about Interlude 53 is its performance. It is hard to wear because it is a great performer, but at least it will always cut through the winter air.
This is a dark, rich, and smoky fragrance. The overall idea is masculine and intriguing.
Interlude 53 is not a fragrance for beginners. Not to say that you can’t wear it, but a $300 cologne would be a hard blind buy.
#13 – Dolce and Gabbana The One Intense
This is a spicy, warm, and woody fragrance with leather edges. It is similar to the original The One EDP but lasts longer. And this has a bigger difference between the smell in the beginning and the end.
At this point, the original’s price point is skyrocketing. Thus, it’s only reasonable to start buying this more often.
This is a fragrance for any guy or guys who love the original and are looking for better performance. It, at times, lasts till the next day on clothes.
#12 – Amouage Overture Man
The performance is no different than any other Amouage’s. As you walk by, this will leave a ten-to-twenty-foot scent trail with only a few sprays.
If you’re the guy who enjoys announcing his presence, this is a must-have.
This is a spice-heavy fragrance with a warm, balmy background. The entire wear is a blanket of warmth with a tinge of sweetness later on.
#11 – Salvatore Ferragamo Uomo Signature
If you’re looking for one of the most affordable winter fragrances, this is the choice for you. Even though it’s more affordable, that doesn’t make it any less of a fragrance.
Uomo Signature is a sweet fragrance with strong green, coffee, and leather smells in the background. With this blend of notes, it is an interesting/unique scent.
Whenever I’ve worn this, I got eight hours on the skin with a noticeable but never overwhelming scent bubble.
#10 – Guerlain Ideal L’Homme Intense
This is not a winter fragrance if you’re looking for complexity. The first spray is a slap of chili pepper; then it rolls into a masculine and seductive smoky leather.
The best part about Ideal L’Home Intense is that it’s from Guerlain. I’ve always found them to be underrated. They produce $400 scents for a fraction.
Ideal L’Homme Intense lasts eight hours and fills a scent bubble to your elbow for a few of those. The sweetness will choke you out in the high heat.
#9 – By The Fireplace Maison Martin Margiela
Yes, the name gives it all away. It is the most wonderful campfire smell with sweet vanilla and wood.
If you’re looking for a winter cologne that is a unique, attractive scent, this is the choice for you. Despite containing decisive notes, this can turn anyone’s head.
You could pull this off on any occasion, but since this is the most comforting and coziest winter fragrance on this list, it’s best for couch cuddling and special occasions.
#8 – Zadig & Voltaire This is Him
This is Him, a creamy vanilla on fire with a woody backbone. If you want another affordable fragrance that doesn’t lack quality, here you go.
It’s for the type of guy who’s simple and wants something to easily grab and go for all seasons and occasions.
The performance is above average. The scent trail will be noticeable, but never announce your presence.
#7 – Nishane Ani
Ani starts with spices and ends with woody vanilla. This is not your typical spice; it’s ginger. The vibe given off is vibrant and invigorating. By far, it is one of the best spices in men’s perfumery.
With this simplicity, it makes Ani so easy to wear. This is the best winter office wear fragrance. The vanilla in here is attractive but mild enough to not feel thirsty.
Compared to the other winter fragrances, its most unique quality is its ability to be worn in warmer weather with spray moderation.
Compared to “This is Him” and “Uomo Signature,” this has the same wearability but is a notch higher in quality and slightly more expensive.
#6 – Azzaro The Most Wanted Parfum
Another ginger start with invigorating energy. The Most Wanted Parfum will finish with sweetness, vanilla, and wood.
Many winter fragrances have some derivative of this trio. The depth makes this stand out; it’s like an old man is to life experience as The Most Wanted Parfum is to depth.
This is the type of fragrance for anyone. If you’re looking for your first winter scent, this is easily in the running for you.
Performance? Moderate but consistent projection and wearable in the fall, winter, and early spring.
#5 – Valentino Uomo EDT
One word… distinct.
Uomo EDT has a fresh greenness mixed with nutty coffee, sweetness, and florals. Despite the florals, it is still a masculine scent but classy and refined.
Every time you think you understand this fragrance, it changes. It’ll do this to the end, keeping your attention while it does so.
In terms of vibes, this is the winter equivalent of Prada L’Homme.
Uomo EDT would be best worn by a guy looking for a signature winter, special occasion fragrance.
#4 – Maison Francis Kurkdjian Grand Soir
Grand Soir is as simple as it comes. It is a warm vanilla cologne wrapped in light smokiness. This is the type of fragrance that you keep smelling yourself when you wear it.
It is expensive but could be easily worn by anyone. This is an attractive fragrance that I wear everywhere. It’s unique but not to the extent that it’s hard to wear.
In terms of performance, this is the type of scent you spray once, and it is good for the rest of the day. It will both fill a room and last forever.
#3 – Parfums de Marly Carlisle
Carlisle has the seductive power of an 11/10 mixed with Dracula’s cave. Carlisle is all about a tinge of sweetness with a dark, earthy, and mysterious vanilla.
The earthiness is never dirty but grabs attention. This is one fragrance that every guy needs to try once in their life. You won’t be able to find any other fragrance as unique as this. It’s so simple but beautifully crafted.
Parfums de Marly is known for its quality and is one of the best niche brands (brands that only produce colognes). With this, Carlisle is one of their best overall.
#2 – Stronger with You Intensely
The first spray says, “Toffee, toffee, toffee.” Stronger with You Intensely is a SWEET fragrance; you have to be careful as it can become “syrup-like.”
Behind the boatload of toffee is vanilla and tinges of spice. I wear this a lot when it’s extra cold out. There’s something about a super sweet fragrance in the bitter cold.
Stronger with You Intensely can be pulled off by anyone. It takes different tastes and varying lengths of time to get used to the sweetness. But when you do, I can guarantee you and everyone around will love it.
The performance is the same story… strong! It pushes off the skin for hours, leaving a scent trail a few feet long and a scent bubble well past arm’s length.
#1 – Parfums de Marly Oajan
The best winter fragrance for men is a spicy, semi-sweet, and warm scent. There is a tinge of darkness but nothing comparable to Carlisle.
I like to think of this as having the same quality of charm but more invigorating and receptive. This is the type of scent for the confident, outgoing guy; Carlisle is “more” for an introvert.
Oajan will get your attention and most likely a few broken necks. Either way, it’s a great scent that marks the top spot in all boxes.
The performance is dawn to dusk on your skin and then some. Be careful in the heat; it will choke you out. Yet, this strength will cut right through the cold winter air.
My Experience With Winter Colognes for Men
All of the fragrances are vastly different in their smells and performance. Most of these are exclusively cold-weather wear.
If I lived in a climate below 25°F once or twice a year. I don’t think I would buy one for the coldness aspect. At that point, I would solely focus on the smell, matching an experience.
This leads me to the final aspect I love about winter colognes: their scent-to-season translation. I don’t know about you, but I think of sweets and fireplaces in the fall and winter.
How to Pick the Right Winter Cologne for You
The one thing you don’t have to worry about is when you should wear them :-).
The first fair warning I have on this list. Even though it is ranked, the $350 #1 fragrance is not much better than the $60 #8 fragrance. Like any fragrance, don’t pay more than you want to.
With that, you need to understand what you want out of your fragrance. Is this going to be an everyday wear or for special occasions? You can narrow down the list when considering this.
Next, what’s your summer and/or all-season fragrance? If it’s anything mass-appealing, you’ll want to avoid the decisive colognes on this list.
The good and affordable choices for high compliments and affordability are Paco Rabanne 1 Million Parfum and Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Infrared.
If you’re on the opposite end of the spectrum and want an absolute show-stopper. No matter the price or any other criteria. Then, all Parfums de Marly or Amouage scents are excellent choices.
FAQ’S
What Should A Winter Cologne Smell Like?
Most winter colognes will be rich and heavy with warm, spicy accords. The most common notes in winter fragrances are wood, spices, vanilla, leather, and tobacco.
These notes pack the extra power to push through the dry, cold air. Another common aspect is amplified sweetness; when it is cold out, you want a warm fragrance.
What Is The Difference Between Summer and Winter Fragrances?
It is less about summer and winter and more about the ingredients. Our brains recognize summer as bright and citruses. Think about the only time you see lemonade stands.
So, in fragrances, many people prefer citrus-based scents in the summer. With that said, citruses can be weakened in cold weather for various reasons.
Whereas winter fragrances are thick and heavy. Many of the colognes listed today are sweet; think about when you eat a lot of cookies. During the holidays, right?
Now, this is not set in stone. It’s both human nature and fragrance ingredients that are either too strong or weak.
Can You Wear A Summer Fragrance In The Winter?
What’s The Best Winter Fragrance?
Best Winter Fragrances for Teenage Guys?
Final Words
You may wonder, “What is a good winter cologne?” The best winter colognes have notes with a bit more power to cut through the cold, dry air. This will not only allow them to last longer but project further.
Whether you want a fragrance that does it all or a fragrance specific to an occasion, this list has you covered.
What are your favorite winter men’s fragrances?
It’s great to have a winter cologne, but many of them lack versatility. Now, don’t worry; there’s always a solution. Check out the best summer fragrances for men; this way, you’ll have the entire year covered!