The Best Summer Fragrances

Here’s some fragrance 101: heavy scents in the winter, light scents in the summer. When it’s warm, your body projects whatever fragrance you’re wearing more powerfully. But that doesn’t mean every scent you wear has to be all mint and citrus. As the sun goes down, you can choose something with a little more weight—summer isn’t all about shorts and topsiders, after all. Sometimes, a man gets to dress up, too. Where most summer fragrances are sporty, these are elegant, restrained, and yes, luxurious.

Hermès

Le Jardin de Monsiéur Li

Le Jardin de Monsiéur Li

This would seem almost too light for a summer night, if it weren’t for its subtle notes of spice. Like a lot of scents that work for men and women, this citrus splash takes confidence. But then, whatever you’re wearing to that garden party probably takes some confidence, too.

$135

Tom Ford

Noir Extreme

Noir Extreme

When you wear a Tom Ford fragrance, you will get noticed. And not in a cell phone salesman-wearing-Drakkar Noir kind of way, obviously. This new fragrance by Ford is a perfectly warm blend of vanilla, citrus, floral and creamy spice. Pure elegance.

$115

Paco Rabanne

1 Million Cologne

1 Million Cologne

A subtler version of Paco Rabanne’s famous fragrance. Sweet and fresh, with dashes of warm spice and florals. Like the good life, bottled.

$70

Valentino

Uomo Edition Noir

Uomo Edition Noir

A good fragrance to take you through the summer and into the fall, with hints of cedar, leather, and chocolate. Classic and rich, with just the right amount of fresh bergamot to lighten up the party.

$120

Alfred Dunhill

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A fragrance that somehow perfectly encapsulates the British fashion house, known for their craftsmanship. There are hints of leather, sure, but also notes of citrus, woods, and black pepper to even it out. It’s not necessarily a young man’s fragrance, but it could be.

$125