10 Best Colognes for Older Men
Updated January 2023
How We Found the Best Colognes for Older Men
5 Experts Interviewed
22 Fragrances Tested
Top 10 Picks
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Liam Carson
As you grow older, some of the most apparent changes should start in your wardrobe. One by one, T-shirts, jeans, and sneakers slowly disappear, making way for understated suits, vests, and leather shoes.
And you know what? The same applies to the older man’s taste in colognes.
When you have reached a particular stage of maturity, it’s time to bid farewell to the youthful fragrances and opt instead for something mature, yet classic.
Check out our top 10 list below to find your very own best cologne for older men in 2021!
Summary List
Older Men Fragrance Ranked by Cologne Critic
Why we chose it
Azzaro is the fragrance brand for men, as most of their offerings are firm favorites among fragrance fans.
Wanted by Night is one of the latest releases from the brand, and, upon the first sniff, we knew there’s a high chance that this is the best scent for older men!
Projecting the image of a confident, bold, and mysterious modern man, Wanted by Night is a sensual experience that will take you on a wild ride.
The entire fragrance is all about woody and spicy notes with an oriental twist. The star of the perfume is cinnamon, which bursts right into the scene upon the first spray, putting the spotlight on you when you enter the room.
The fragrance doesn’t mellow down much like other colognes, but instead, it becomes more sensual and irresistible thanks to notes of tobacco and red cedar. Who could resist the charm of a true alpha male?
Apply Wanted by Night before going for low-key drinks with friends, as this one is guaranteed to last all night.
Main Accords
- Woody
- Cinnamon
- Warm Spicy
Our Take
Although Calvin Klein is more famous for their fragrances aimed at younger men, there is one hidden gem that you should not miss out on: Calvin Klein Obsession.
True to its name, this fragrance is all about making others obsess over you with its warm and charismatic aura, making it the best cologne for 60-year old.
The fragrance opens with a burst of citrusy notes mixed with aromatic lavender, a homage to the classic fougere perfumes.
The middle notes are mainly dominated by nutmeg, sage, and myrrh, with a hint of intoxicating jasmine. Finally, at the end of the olfactory journey lie the notes of warm amber, sandalwood, and vanilla.
Its reassuring and cosy scent is everything you need on a warm autumn night with your lady.
As a plus, this fragrance is an absolute beast when it comes to projection and longevity.
Wear this on a chilly evening walk with a loved one.
Main Accords
- Woody
- Balsamic
- Warm Spicy
Our Take
Montblanc is more famous for its pens than perfumes, but that’s not a reason to say that its collection isn’t worth taking a look at.
Montblanc Legend is a well-regarded creation that has garnered praises from perfume critics, so if you are looking for the best cologne for 70-year old, this one is a fantastic choice.
The philosophy behind the fragrance is simple: the contrasting aspects of a modern man depicted through perfume notes. To follow this philosophy, the perfumer, Mr Olivier Pescheux, has blended playful notes of lavender, red apple, and pineapple with the more sombre notes of sandalwood, tonka beans, and oakmoss, creating a harmonious contrast between the ingredients.
The projection is moderate, but the scent will last for a very long while. Definitely a fragrance for a true gentleman.
Main Accords
- Fruity
- Sweet
- Aromatic
Our Take
Eternity is a mellow fragrance that will take you right back to the golden age of fougere perfumes. Classy and clean, this is the cologne you would pick for your everyday outing, and don’t worry, the scent is still good enough to get you some compliments from passers-by!
The structure of this Calvin Klein fragrance is pretty simple. It starts with a classic fougere note: clean and calming lavender mixed with citruses. The middle notes form an orchestra of flowers such as orange blossom, jasmine, lily-of-the-valley. The dry down is a mix of warm amber and powdery sandalwood.
A simple and delicate perfume that is worth owning. We found that the projection and longevity are a bit on the lower side, so you may want to chuck it in your bag to apply throughout the day.
Main Accords
- Citrus
- Aromatic
- Fresh Spicy
Our Take
Acqua Di Parma is a niche brand that has been around since 1916, and, like wine, it has aged impeccably.
This fragrance is among the very first colognes that the house has produced, and even though a century has passed, it is still a very popular choice for older men looking for a pleasant summer fragrance.
Citrusy, bright, and never dull, Acqua Di Parma Colonia is the best of the Italian countryside in spring, all captured nicely in a bottle.
On the first spritz, you will be enchanted by the zesty note of Sicilian citruses, which is much more refined than usual citrus notes. There are also hint of clean lavender and lemon verbena, all of which help to instantly transport you to an Italian villa in spring when the flowers are in full bloom.
A citrus fragrance that never smells cheap or boring, this fragrance is the best cologne for a 50-year old. Because it’s a citrus fragrance, expect substantial projection but moderate longevity.
This perfume is very office-friendly, so don’t hesitate to wear it to work.
Main Accords
- Citrus
- Aromatic
- Fresh Spicy
Our Take
As savage, powerful, and assuring as an alpha wolf, Christian Dior Eau Sauvage is a timeless classic that no man should miss out on.
Eau Sauvage has been around since 1966, and it has never lost its fire thanks to an understated blend of citrusy notes and spicy basil and lavender, on a masculine woody base.
Opening with bright and zesty notes of bergamot and lemon, this perfume will immediately capture the attention of those who catch a whiff. As it dries down, its spicy aspects are unveiled, like a beast that has just been released.
Finally, after a show of masculinity, the perfume settles on a warm woody base of warm amber and oakmoss.
A genuinely fantastic fragrance for modern gentlemen, and with its powerful projection as well as long-lasting longevity, this is a must-have.
Wear this perfume out to dinner with a loved; she won’t be able to keep her hands off you!
Main Accords
- Citrus
- Woody
- Aromatic
Our Take
Technically, this fragrance is not exclusively for older men, but because it works so well with men of all ages, we just have to include it in our list! Taking inspiration from a gushing river stream, this woody aquatic masterpiece exudes true masculinity and power.
The cologne opens with the rare note of yuzu along with tarragon, and citruses, invoking the aroma od a pure and serene Japanese stream. Then, the middle notes of oriental spices reveal themselves, along with a prominent hint of oriental lotus. The base notes include warm amber, sexy tobacco, and clean vetiver.
This one is truly a unique scent that is both fresh and powerful at the same time. It’s also super office-friendly, so you can wear it anywhere and still getting a lot of compliments!
The fragrance’s projection is moderate, but longevity is excellent. An all-round solid performer.
Main Accords
- Citrus
- Aromatic
- Fresh Spicy
Our Take
Guerlain Habit Rouge is another oldie that can still pack a punch.
Debuted in 1965, this fragrance is the first oriental fragrance for men, and it was an instant hit the moment it got released.
Combining contrasting notes in one bottle, this fantastic cologne is reserved only to a daring and refined man who is not afraid of launching himself into unknown adventures.
The top notes include citruses such as tangerine, bergamot, and lemon, but don’t be fooled into thinking that this fragrance is all about citruses. After a while, the note of spicy oriental rose will reveal itself, instantly transforming the fragrance to an oriental woody cologne, before drying down to a woody base composing of warm leather and vanilla.
A complex fragrance with long-lasting performance and substantial projection, what’s not to like? This fragrance is excellent for formal occasions, and it goes well with suits.
Main Accords
- Citrus
- Woody
- Balsamic
Our Take
This fragrance has been one of the bestsellers from the house of Chanel ever since its debut in 1955, and rightly so. Its timeless chypre structure and strong presence always give off a sense of security and authority, two qualities that every older man should possess.
With a powerful opening blast of bright Sicilian lemons and intoxicating Tunisian neroli, the Chanel Pour Monsieur instantly transports you back to the 19th century, the golden age of chypre perfumes. Then, the scent is accentuated by spicy notes such as ginger, cardamom, and basil, before settling down on the classic oakmoss base.
This classic chypre scent might seem a bit too old and nostalgic for younger generations, but for older men, it is a great buy that will make you stand out.
Both the projection and longevity are moderate, so expect to reapply from time to time. This perfume is great for a date night.
Main Accords
- Citrus
- Woody
- Aromatic
Our Take
On hot summer days, nothing beats a good aromatic aquatic fragrance like Tommy Bahama Maritime. Refreshing and energizing, this fantastic cologne should not be ignored when you set out to find a pleasant summer scent.
The opening notes are genuinely summer in a bottle: lavender, pink pepper, bergamot, and clary sage come together to mellow down the heat of summer. The middle notes include water lily, neroli, and a special appearance of ambergris that will remind you of the sea. The base is a magical blend of sandalwood, cedarwood, and oakmoss. The projection is pretty soft, but the longevity is long-lasting.
Wear this paired with leather loafers for an iconic look, and an even more iconic scent.
Main Accords
- Woody
- Aromatic
- Fresh Spicy
Other Colognes We Considered
Expert Tips
For older men, we would recommend looking for fragrance notes that are warm and spicy such as cinnamon, cardamom, cedarwood, oakmoss, etc. to complement your confidence and authority, qualities that age well.
However, don’t miss out on citrus notes since, as demonstrated in the list above, some citrus fragrances are unique enough to guarantee a spot in your collection.
Ultimately, age is nothing but a number, so if you like something, wear it!
There are no fixed criteria in selecting scents that suit older men since everyone’s taste is different, but we found that classic scents suit the older gentleman. Timeless colognes from houses such as Guerlain, Chanel, etc. are the perfect fragrances for the older man.
For newer houses, look for fragrances that have depth and character. In general, you will want to choose slow burners that leave unforgettable olfactory memories over fresh and more youthful colognes.
Fragrances for older men are like fine wine: they age well, and they have stood the test of time. Just a spritz of these oldies will definitely leave an unforgettable impression on people standing nearby.
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Researched by a team of fragrance experts.