If you were to ask my personal opinion on the matter, then I would tell you that anything can be unisex if you want it to be. What has been deemed feminine and masculine has been interchangeable over the decades due to economic, political, and social factors that all affect one another. Culture and traditions affect what’s deemed masculine or feminine as well. What might be acceptable for men in one country might not be in another, and the same applies to women.
When it comes to fragrances, perfumes with floral and sweet notes are generally marketed toward women, while perfumes with musky and spicy notes are targeted toward men. This is due to the association of softness with the female gender and strength with the male gender. This kind of marketing works not only because we naturally associate these traits with those genders but because men are attracted to the softness of femininity, and women are attracted to the strength of masculinity. Therefore, these fragrances are marketed like, “Hey, this perfume is for you not just because you identify with those traits, but because with these traits, you will attract a mate.”
Unisex fragrances, on the other hand, are marketed as fragrances for everyone. Some balance traditionally masculine and feminine notes and create a scent that isn’t traditionally associated with either gender and can be worn by anyone. At the same time, others are filled with notes associated with femininity or masculinity but are still marketed as unisex. Doing this makes a clear statement: “Your gender doesn’t and shouldn’t matter; express yourself how you see fit.” This strategy works.
With individuality becoming more valuable and the breaking of traditional gender roles becoming not just accepted but sought after, this approach from brands has become more embraced worldwide, leading to the rise of popularity in unisex fragrances. I, for one, love unisex fragrances and have tried many. If you’re curious about these kinds of scents and want to know where to start, here are some of my favorite unisex fragrances that can help you explore this world of gender ambiguity through scent.
1. Swiss Arabian Essence Of Casablanca Extrait De Parfum
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Swiss Arabian |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Amber Woody |
| Notes | Top notes: Grapes and Apple Middle notes: Patchouli and Orris Base notes: Musk, Amber, Balsamic, and Vanilla |
| Release year | 2023 |
| Longevity | Over 10 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Isabel Gil Trujillo |
Essence of Casablanca by Swiss Arabian is part of a collection inspired by different cities worldwide, including Dubai and Venice. This UAE-based perfume brand has become known for its high-quality fragrances, and this collection is no exception.
Essence of Casablanca opens with fruity and luscious notes of apples and grapes. The heart is of warm patchouli and orris which has a delicate, warm, and powdery aroma. The base lingers with sensual musk, amber, balsamic, and vanilla notes. The notes here all balance each other out, leaving us in a realm of ambiguity and mystery.
2. Penhaligons Halfeti EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Penhaligons |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Amber Woody |
| Notes | Top notes: Cypress Leaf, Saffron, Cardamom, Artemisia, Bergamot, and Grapefruit Middle notes: Bulgarian Rose, Nutmeg, and Jasmine Base notes: Agarwood (Oud), Cedar, Leather, Sandalwood, Amber, Vanilla, Tonka Bean, and Musk |
| Release year | 2015 |
| Longevity | Over 8 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Christian Provenzano |
Halfeti by Penhaligons is a niche fragrance that is spicy, ambery, and woody. Its warmth feels like a comforting hug from a loved one. This, in my opinion, is the ideal fall fragrance.
The spices and aromatic notes in this perfume envelope you with a warming sensation. The florals paired with the vanilla, tonka bean, and musk give this fragrance a sensual element that would attract anyone. This is the ideal fragrance to wear with your partner on an anniversary or date night. The best part? Both of you can wear it regardless of your gender.
3. Faiz Niche Collection Leather F9990 Extrait De Parfum
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Faiz Niche |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Leather |
| Notes | Top notes: Cardamom Middle notes: Leather and Jasmine Sambac Base notes: Amber, Moss, and Patchouli |
| Release year | 2019 |
| Longevity | Over 10 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Faizal CP |
Collection Leather F9990 by Faiz Niche is a scent that means business. The leather smell in this perfume gives it a sharp, masculine edge. That’s not to say you can’t be fruity, floral, or sweet and still mean business.
The opening of cardamom is inviting, the heart of leather is balanced with elegant jasmine sambac, and the base of amber, moss, and patchouli add to the depth and richness of this scent. This is the ideal scent for business meetings and office wear.
4. Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay EDC
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Jo Malone |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Floral Fruity |
| Main Accords | Fruity Fresh Spicy Citrus Aromatic Woody Sweet Camphor Floral Violet |
| Release year | 2012 |
| Longevity | Over 8 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Jo Malone |
Blackberry and Bay by Jo Malone is a fragrance typically mistaken for being a women’s perfume. Many websites categorize it as such due to its floral, fruity aroma, but Jo Malone clearly states that their fragrances are all unisex for everyone to use.
This fruity, fresh cologne is captivating and ideal for summer and spring. It is very long-lasting for a cologne. You’d be surprised and definitely not disappointed.
5. Mark Des Vince Sweet Dust EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Mark Des Vince |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Gourmand |
| Notes | Top notes: Bitter Almonds and Saffron Middle notes: Egyptian Jasmine and Cedar Base notes: Ambergris, Woody Notes, and Musk |
| Release year | 2006 |
| Longevity | Over 8 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Mark Des Vince |
Mark Des Vince’s Sweet Dust is the perfume I’ve been wearing almost every day to work for the past couple of months, and I can’t get enough of it. This gourmand perfume is long-lasting and leaves quite an impression.
The opening of bitter almonds and saffron seemed odd to me at first, but I quickly grew to love it. I also instantly fell in love with the rest of the notes: jasmine, cedar ambergris, musk, and woody notes. This perfume is the ideal versatile fragrance suitable for everyone all year round.
6. Tom Ford Lost Cherry EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Tom Ford |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Amber Floral |
| Notes | Top notes: Bitter Almond, Black Cherry, and Cherry Liqueur Middle notes: Sour Cherry, Plum, Turkish Rose, and Jasmine Sambac Base notes: Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Cinnamon, Peru Balsam, Benzoin, Sandalwood, Cloves, Cedar, Patchouli, and Vetiver |
| Release year | 2018 |
| Longevity | Over 8 hours |
| Projection | Louise Turner |
| Perfumer | Alberto Morillas |
Lost Cherry by Tom Ford is an intoxicating luxury fragrance. I love this perfume because it’s distinguishable and unforgettable. Despite the fact that many other brands have tried to create a similar scent, it remains unique.
This fragrance is complex and heavy on the cherry notes, hence the name Lost Cherry. It leans a bit sweet but also a little bitter. I would say it’s the perfect balance of sweet and sour. I recommend this fragrance for special occasions you want to cherish and remember through a unique scent.
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