Ralph Lauren Polo Black Review – Everything You Need to Know
Polo Black.
Is it as dark and mysterious as the bottle leads on?
Ralph Lauren Polo Black is a men’s fragrance based on fruits, citrus, and woods. The performance is average, and the cost is decently affordable.
In this review, I’ll describe the smell and performance and if it’s worth it.
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Table of Contents
What Does Polo Black Smell Like?
Upon the first spray, sweet and fruity mango is the most prominent.
A fresher tangerine note sits in the background. It is not citric but quite tart. It is an interesting, sweet, and sour idea with the two most prominent top notes.
This is all I can smell for the first 15-20 minutes. The main idea is fresh and tropical. Is there a downfall to the opening? Yes. The mango is synthetic and overstays its welcome.
Is it repulsive? No, but it needs to be better blended.
It takes a few minutes for the opening intensity to die down. Once it does, in comes an aromatic patchouli. It brings the typical light herbal-ness and a hint of earthiness.
Patchouli is the last addition before the final dry-down. It begins quicker than most.
A sandalwood and tonka bean combination takes over. They add a warm, smooth, and woody depth. The rest of the wear is weak top notes and a solid woody base.
Polo Black is a linear scent because of the “one layer” of notes. Yet, it still has enough development that you won’t get bored.
The Official Polo Black Notes:
- Mango
- Sandalwood
- Tangerine
- Patchouli
- Tonka Bean
- Sage
- Lemon
- Wormwood
Polo Black EDT Performance
How Long Does Ralph Lauren Polo Black Last?
Longevity and projection are not Polo Black’s strong points. On the skin, it lasts five to six hours with average to light projection. Pushing out 2 feet for an hour or so before receding.
This performance is with four sprays. It will do a little better if you get heat on the scent, but still nothing spectacular.
Is Polo Black A Summer or Winter Fragrance?
This brings me to the seasonality. It’s spring, summer, and fall wear. This is a very light fragrance, so even the cooler days of fall and spring can be too much of a challenge for Polo Black.
You could consistently get five months of wear out of the fragrance if you live in a four-season climate. The closer you are to the equator, the more versatile Polo Black becomes.
Polo Black is mainly casual and office wear. It’s casual because of the laid-back, fruity-sweet aroma.
I will talk about likability in a second, but this aroma makes you seem more open and receptive as it is so inviting. The same idea can be said for office wear.
On top of this idea, it’s a light projector, so it’ll never overwhelm your co-workers in close-quarter settings.
Does Polo Black EDT Get Compliments?
This wearability is the exact reason it’s so likable. Every time I’ve worn it, I’ve gotten positive reactions, but I wouldn’t consider it an attention magnet or the best fragrance for compliments.
Just something that gives you a pleasant aroma.
Polo Black Clones and Other Concentrations
Polo Black has one flanker, and it’s called double black. It has the same tropical opening but a heavy, fresh, and spicy accent. While in the base, the wood notes have earthy accents.
As the name suggests, this is just a darker version of the original.
Double Black is the most similar fragrance to Polo Black. Outside, the polo line, Handsome Black Paris Elysees, is the best clone.
Where Should I Buy Polo Black?
Final Words
Polo Black is a good cologne but not worth it or a must-have.
When writing, it costs $68 for a 4.2oz bottle on discounters. This is affordable, but with the average performance and lack of uniqueness, nothing shouts buy to me.
Of course, always try a sample or get your nose on this if possible.
Polo Sport EDT is an excellent cologne and a polo cologne. Yet, don’t just limit yourself to Polo Sport EDT. Check out the best polo colognes for men.