Gender-Based Perfumes Are Leaning Obsolete—Try These Exciting Scents Instead

It's time to throw out those perfume clichés. You know, the idea that florals are only for feminine vibes. And that woodsy, earthy, and spicier scents are strictly masculine. Who says fragrance needs to have a gender? And it seems that a lot of the newer fragrance options out there are sticking to this concept.

"Traditionally, the fragrance industry has told consumers what scents they should wear based on their gender. Today, we're finally seeing the mainstream reject these gender norms and more people wearing whatever fragrance notes speak to them rather than how they were initially categorized," explains Carina Chaz, founder and CEO of DedCool. "It's so great to see this celebration of aesthetic freedom by the wearer and how they choose to express themselves through scent."

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(Image credit: Who What Wear)

Additionally, Chaz says customers want even more personalization with their fragrances. "A major trend we're noticing is customers requesting their own scent distinctly unique to them," she says. "DedCool gives the consumer a significant say in how their signature scent gets created, both with our range of fragrances and their ability to be layered, creating a truly custom experience. We want to continue supporting the individual by offering our new Build Your Own Sample Tin that lets you pick six scents and experiment till you find what speaks to you."

And because there are really no gender norms when it comes to fragrances anymore, that means there are even more options to choose from, which can make it feel overwhelming to find the scent that works just for you. Chaz's advice? Don't make a decision off the first spray. "It's imperative for people to live in their fragrances for a few days or so," she says. "Scent can change based on body chemistry, so it's important to sample scent directly on the skin and give it time to adapt before you can really know how if a scent is right for you."

Take a look at some of our favorite unisex fragrances below.

1. DedCool Milk Layering Fragrance

2. DedCool Madonna Lilly

3. D.S. & Durga Amber Teutonic Eau de Parfum

4. Ellis Brooklyn Rives Eau de Parfum

5. Kiehl's Original Musk Eau de Toilette Spray

6. Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt Perfume Oil

7. Byredo Mojave Ghost Eau de Parfum

8. Maison Margiela Replica Under the Lemon Trees

9. Abbott NYC Big Sky Eau de Parfum

10. Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum

11. Vilhelm Parfumerie Black Citrus Eau de Parfum

12. Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Eau de Parfum

13. Clean Reserve Smoked Vetiver

14. Heretic Midnight Toker Eau de Parfum

15. Kilian Paris Intoxicated

16. Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne

17. Calvin Klein CK One

18. Frédéric Malle Musc Ravager Parfum Spray

19. AllSaints Sunset Riot Eau de Parfum

20. The Nue Co. Forest Lungs Fragrance

Managing Editor

Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019. In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY and Who What Wear, she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot). She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.