Austin, Jacob and Tom All Agree—These Are the 9 Best Men's Fragrances of All Time

Whether you're shopping for a loved one, shopping for yourself (yes, some of the best perfumes in my collection are actually men's fragrances), or simply want to know what your favourite celebrity crush smells like (admit it, we've all wondered from one time to another), then consider this your ultimate guide to the best men's fragrances out there.

Whilst I truly believe that anyone can wear whatever perfume they want, there's no denying that there are some incredibly good men's scents on the market, and I thought it was about time we talked about them. In my opinion, men's fragrances are some of the most captivating. Alongside cult classics like Dior Sauvage and Chanel's Bleu de Chanel, under-the-radar and niche scents deserve just as much attention for their unique olfactory creations.

Below, you'll find my tried-and-tested edit of the best men's fragrances of all time that also happen to be internet-boyfriend-approved. You are welcome...

The Best Men's Fragrances, Tried & Tested

• Best Overall: YSL Myslf, £87
• Best Cult Classic: Dior Sauvage, £79
• Best Newcomer: Giorgio Armani I Will, £102
• Best High-Street Scent: Massimo Dutti Red Evening, £40
• Best Luxury Scent: Parfums de Marly Layton, £385

1. YSL Myslf

My favourite men's fragrance of all time is Myslf by YSL. It only launched in 2023, but in my opinion, it's one of the best scents on the market. It has that signature fresh, woody opening you'll find in lots of cult men's fragrances; however, once it dries down on the skin, the warm, rich ambrofix will have you totally hooked. It's fresh and bold yet smooth and sensual, and I'm yet to meet anyone who hasn't fallen in love on the first spritz. Oh, and have I mentioned that Austin Butler is the global ambassador? That's definitely a selling point if you ask me.

2. Dior Sauvage

When it comes to men's fragrances, nothing's more iconic than Dior Sauvage. But here's the thing: it's an icon for a reason. The fresh, sexy, woody scent is a total head-turner, and for an eau de toilette, it's surprisingly punchy. However, if you want to smell a little bit different from everyone else, we recommend Dior Sauvage Elixir (£149). It has a similar vibe, but the olfactory composition is a little more complex, and the scent lasts so long.

3. Giorgio Armani I Will

Whilst there are lots of classic choices out there, I'm always keeping my eye on new perfume launches, and Armani's latest creation definitely gets top marks from me. I'd call this fragrance quietly confident. It blends fresh bergamot with soft lavender for an inviting olfactory experience with hidden depth. Allow it to unfurl on the skin, and it'll soon reveal notes of woody leather and vanilla absolute. It feels like an incredibly stylish choice for any modern fragrance lover.

4. Carolina Herrera Bad Boy Cobalt Absolute

If you're after a long-lasting scent, you need to know about Bad Boy Cobalt Absolute by Carolina Herrera. An intoxicating blend of lavender, white truffle, oakwood and vanilla, it's a woody, smoky, earthy delight. I encourage my boyfriend to wear it every time we go out for dinner. It's that good.

5. Massimo Dutti Red Evening

I was out shopping with my boyfriend when I discovered this work of art. He was trying on clothes at Massimo Dutti, so I decided to browse the men's fragrances while I waited, and as soon as I tried this, I bought it for him straight away. It's unlike any other men's fragrance I've come across. Think warm, rich and sensual, with a blend of rose, oud and amber. It's perfect for this time of year, and it smells so much more expensive than its £40 price tag.

6. Parfums de Marly Layton

When it comes to luxury fragrances, it doesn't get much better than Parfums de Marly. If you're after a men's scent from the brand, I highly recommend Layton. What I love about this scent is that it doesn't follow the typical mould of a men's fragrance. Instead, it blends fresh, fruity notes with a floral composition, finishing with spicy pepper and earthy patchouli. It's the kind of scent I could see myself stealing all the time thanks to its elegant appeal.

7. Prada Paradigme

This has definitely been one of my favourite men's fragrances as of late. It feels like a new take on a typically "masculine" aroma, with geranium adding a fresh, green, floral element. It's woody and airy, with delicate undertones that keep you coming back for more. With Tom Holland as its global ambassador, I can see this reaching cult status very soon.

8. Creed Absolu Aventus

Creed Aventus is a popular men's fragrance, but in my opinion, it's Absolu Aventus that stands out as the most sophisticated option. Every time I smell it, I discover a brand-new note to fall in love with. It opens with a fruity blend of bergamot, blackcurrant and grapefruit, but the sensual, spicy heart soon reveals itself on the skin. Trust me, it's the kind of scent you only save for special occasions.

9. Chanel Bleu de Chanel

This Chanel fragrance is so timeless that I don't doubt it will be in this edit for many years to come. It's fresh, woody, warm...basically everything you want, housed in a sleek blue bottle to keep proudly on display. If it's good enough for Jacob Elordi, then it's good enough for me...

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At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.