10 Best 1970's Colognes for Men
Updated January 2023
How We Found the Best 1970's Colognes
5 Experts Interviewed
22 Fragrances Tested
Top 10 Picks
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Liam Carson
If you are new to the world of men’s colognes, then you might have missed out on one of the best decades for fragrances: the 1970s. Touting beast-mode performance and ultra-masculine scents, popular perfumes in the ’70s are almost exclusively reserved for daring and confident men who don’t shy away from being the centre of attention.
If you are looking to collect some oldies, or if you simply want to try out a classic scent from a bygone era, don’t hesitate to check out our list of the best colognes of the ’70s.
Summary List
1970's Fragrances Ranked by Cologne Critic
Why we chose it
This old school perfume is another inexpensive gem from the 70s. Featuring a classic spicy and masculine scent that will mesmerize any lady, this old-but-gold fragrance is a must-have for those looking to explore the 70’s through colognes.
The head notes include refreshing citruses such as bergamot and lemon mixed with a bit of basil and classic aromatic lavender. As it dries down, the powdery sandalwood slowly reveals itself, along with the sensual musky leather, which will gradually dominate the whole scent structure.
The end of the scent journey is a reassuring embrace of classy oakmoss and sweet benzoin, invoking a sense of security.
Cosy and comforting, just like a true gentleman, this amazing men’s cologne from the ’70s will definitely be a worthy addition to your fragrance collection.
Both the projection and longevity are moderate, making it perfect for a romantic dinner.
Main Accords
- Woody
- Aromatic
- Fresh Spicy
Our Take
A true gentleman should be daring and different, just like Givenchy Gentleman Eau de Parfum! Sensual and charming with a slight animalistic twist, this popular 70’s cologne exudes an irresistible charm that will last a whole day on you!
The first head notes bloom with calming lavender with a hint of black pepper for a modern touch. After a while, notes of powdery orris root intermingled with cinnamon and cloves slowly make their way in.
Finally, the cologne settles to a warm base of classic patchouli and vanilla. A true classic from the 70s that bears the spirit of the era, this fragrance is quite a beast, so you should probably use it for date nights or party nights only.
Main Accords
- Earthy
- Woody
- Patchouli
Our Take
True to its namesake, this intoxicating fragrance is deadly addictive. Featuring a range of rare notes not often seen in the world of perfumery, this sensual fragrance will leave an unforgettable olfactory impression on the lucky people who manage to catch a sniff.
Upon the first spray, the sensual notes of star anise and blackcurrant will be unleased, leaving behind a trail of sexy and deep scent. The middle notes of Sichuan peppers and galangal accentuate the spicy aspect of the fragrance, paving the way for the cosy and warm bourbon vanilla and cedarwood at the base of the cologne.
This fragrance is a beast in terms of performance, as its projection is very powerful, and it could last an entire day!
You should avoid using it for work and wear it on special nights out where you need to dress to impress.
Main Accords
- Woody
- Balsamic
- Warm Spicy
Our Take
The 70s was the decade of masculine fougere fragrances, and this cologne by the brand Paco Rabanne is a perfect example of an old-school fougere done right.
Boasting impressive longevity and projection, this good oldie is a fresh and clean fragrance that you can use in almost every setting, even in the office.
Like most fougere fragrances, this powerhouse 1970’s men’s cologne starts with a burst of fresh and aromatic woody and herbal notes, which are, in this case, clary sage, rosewood, and rosemary.
After about 5-10 minutes, the star of the show, fresh and clean lavender, will take the stage, taking you back to the barbershop of your childhood. Finally, as it dries down, the base notes, including oak moss and warm amber, will gradually become more and more dominant.
A simple yet elegant scent, like a true understated gentleman of the 70s.
Main Accords
- Woody
- Aromatic
- Fresh Spicy
Our Take
Another hidden and inexpensive gem from the 70s. This old-school perfume was exactly like the main from which it derives the name: strong and masculine with a touch of French romantic charm.
The fragrance opens with a burst of citrusy and herbal delights, stemming from notes of mint, basil, and tangerine. Then, the middle notes stride on to the stage with their floral accords that exude true French romanticism.
Finally, the base notes comprising of sweet vanilla, sandalwood, and vetiver will leave an unforgettable trail of scent behind you as you stroll around the streets.
This fragrance is an elegant yet very simplistic creation. Wear this fragrance on one of your strolls around town, and let the wind carry the scent to passers-by. They are bound to turn their head your way.
The cologne is moderate in terms of both projection and longevity.
Main Accords
- Woody
- Aromatic
- Fresh Spicy
Our Take
Beast-mode fragrances for men were the fad in the 70s, and Lagerfeld Classic was an icon of the era that has never truly fallen out of favour, even as trend after trend go by.
One of the first true oriental woody fragrances, this cologne starts with a green blast of herbs and citrus notes, but don’t be fooled into thinking that it is a mellow one! After the bright citruses fade, notes of sensual tobacco and meditative sandalwood gradually take the stage, taking you on a deeply oriental journey. The middle notes are also accentuated by hints of rose and jasmine for a touch of romance. The base is comprised of oakmoss and amber, a combination that seldom fails.
This fantastic fragrance is only reserved for daring men who want to stand out and win the crowd. Because of its potent projection and longevity, it should be used on formal dinners or date nights, when you really want to leave an unforgettable impression.
Main Accords
- Woody
- Balsamic
- Powdery
Our Take
Aramis was another powerhouse that dominates the world of men’s cologne in the 70s. Boasting a robust and classic woody chypre structure with a very distinctive leather note in the base, this cologne is the bold and daring fragrance you need if you want to impress your date or passers-by on the street!
The fragrance stays faithful to the classic chypre structure, with the note of warm oakmoss as the star of the show. It first casts an enchanting spell on you with herbal and citrusy notes of artemisia, bergamot, cinnamon, and gardenia.
Then, the middle notes of classic patchouli, vetiver, and sandalwood tone down the citrusy aspect of the fragrance a little bit. Finally, after the stage has been set, warm oakmoss, along with a very distinctive note of leather, steps into the spotlight.
You can never go wrong with a classic chypre like this! The projection is very powerful, and the longevity is very long-lasting.
Main Accords
- Woody
- Earthy
- Aromatic
Our Take
Nothing says men’s cologne as aptly as Brut, the classic men’s cologne from the 70s that has become an icon of the era. A straightforward and robust scent for men, yet so endearing even as the years go by, this fragrance is the proof that even as the world of perfumery changes, some values are genuinely timeless.
This cologne follows the classic aromatic fougere structure, albeit with a twist to make it distinctive. Brut opens with a bold blast of clean lavender, citruses, and basil, along with a twist, the note of anise. This note adds a spicy touch to the fragrance, allowing it to stand out from the crowd of aromatic fougere fragrances.
The middle notes are dominated by minty and soapy geranium with a hint of jasmine and ylang-ylang. The base is composed of the usual oakmoss-sandalwood–vanilla combo.
Timeless and classic, Fabergé Brut is a great pick-me-up option for spring whenever you are about to go to work. Both its projection and longevity are moderate.
Main Accords
- Woody
- Aromatic
- Fresh Spicy
Our Take
Another case of a hidden gem that simply never goes out of style! Jovan Musk for Men has been around for more than half a century, yet people still love it, and even fragrance aficionados are still wearing this cologne despite owning a very impressive collection.
The fragrance is quite simple, but perhaps this simplicity has worked like wonder. On the first spray, the note of carnation dominates the entire top of the olfactory pyramid, and it doesn’t fade away as the fragrance evolves.
Notes of lavender and warm amber constitute the middle notes. After about an hour, the clean and soapy scent of musk becomes gradually brighter, until it dominates the fragrance as it becomes a skin scent.
Sometimes, simplicity wins, and this is definitely the case with Jovan Musk for Men. It’s a simple fragrance that evokes the clean and intimate scent of your beloved’s skin, so it works particularly well if your lady can’t stand heavy-smelling perfumes. The projection and longevity are both moderate.
Main Accords
- Musky
- Aromatic
- Warm Spicy
Our Take
This one is another fantastic pick-me-up option for spring and winter. With a very classic chypre formula, Royal Copenhagen is simply the perfect choice when you want to relive in the golden age of chypre fragrances.
The fragrance is an orchestra of floral notes mingled with sensual animalic honey and tobacco. It opens fresh and bright with a strong aldehydic and green scent, before being toned down by floral notes such as lavender, carnation, jasmine, and rose.
As it reaches closer to the base notes, notes of tobacco, honey, and musk spring up, taking the stage for themselves. The overall impression is an aromatic floral scent that gets progressively warmer and deeper as it dries down.
Don’t be afraid to use this fragrance at work since it is relatively easy to like. Its projection and longevity are both moderate, so you can be confident this will keep you smelling fresh for most of the day.
We hope you enjoy our 70s perfume list! Wearing old colognes like these can be quite challenging since many may call them “old man scents”, but that’s part of the charm itself.
Sometimes, old is truly gold.
Main Accords
- Floral
- Woody
- Aromatic
Other Colognes We Considered
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Researched by a team of fragrance experts.