Uomo By Ermenegildo Zegna

In this installment of my ever-running series of fragrance reviews on this site, I would like to take a closer look at Uomo by Ermenegildo Zegna. This is a cologne with a distinct citrus based aroma, which is something that any man could add to his collection for those warm summer days.

The question remains, however, is Uomo the right cologne to perform in this particular niche? Well, follow below, as I relate my experience and impressions of this popular scent. Note: I am updating this post again years after the original, to add more thoughts about how this one performs.

What does Uomo by Zegna Smell Like?

Notes include: Citruses, violet leaves, cedar, bergamot, vetiver

Click here to try: Zegna Uomo By Ermenegildo Zegna 3.4 Oz/100ml Eau De Toilette Spray

My Full Wear Review

My initial impression of Uomo is how noticeable the citruses are upon opening. It’s not the same kind of strong citrus vibe that I get from something like Aventus, rather, Uomo has more of an aquatic character to it. It is a very clean scent and doesn’t have the same underlying spice of another scent in this sort of category, Acqua Di Gio.

Uomo has a very smooth and bright opening scent, which really grabs one’s attention and provides a pleasant experience. The initial opening does have a freshness, sitting underneath, which is coming mostly from the violet leaf note, as it begins to take over the composition.

This Zegna has an aquatic sort of background, without the oceanic notes. Meaning, it’s watery but not like being along the seashore. Pretty much the citrus, vetiver, and violet leaf combining to create that effect.

One scent that this actually does smell pretty close to is L’Homme Libre by YSL, which I think has been discontinued. As I am updating this review of Uomo, it is now available for really cheap, compared to what it used to be. 2023 Update: Seems to be back in the $50-70 range now.

So, if you wanted a Libre replacement or cheapie for the summer, this has become quite the value proposition.

As time passes, the cedar note begins to emerge and gives Uomo a slightly woodsy scent which adds some character and doesn’t allow it to settle into just another boring aquatic. I also start to detect the violet note more and more as the scent matures on my skin.

I really do like the scent more when it settles and has had some time to reveal itself, I wish I could say that about more fragrances. Though, Uomo definitely passes that test.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This cologne has the additional benefit of being a good performer. I tried to wear it on warmer days, in these days, where the weather gets a bit wacky and jumps and drops 25 degrees in the span of a few days.

Honestly, this one is really good in the heat. Uomo is best served as a spring and summertime cologne (though you can get away with some of the Fall, if you live in the right climate, like I do) but it stands up in temperatures where other fragrances wilt.

This Zegna scent is moderate to heavy in it’s sillage and projection. I guess I should say it’s not a ‘heavy’ feeling scent, it is one that really projects well for what it is.

Personally, I would only go with 2 sprays and feel that is more than enough. It isn’t overbearing but I could see it could quickly be overused.

I did get really nice longevity out of it, 7-8 hours and it was still immediately noticeable. After that, it starts to fade but I can detect it at 9+ hours on some days.

Uomo has above average versatility. I can wear this casually during the day, it is fine for an office, but can also be used for dates/nightlife. It’s not the ‘sexiest’ fragrance ever, but it is attractive, and is generally well-liked by others.

This could absolutely be a daily wear for someone. It can be used in a variety or situations and climates.

Overall Impressions of Uomo by Zegna

Would I recommend this scent, overall? Yes. I think it is a fairly inexpensive and well-performing choice for a summertime semi-aquatic. It both smells good and performs really well.

I’m not even much of a violet leaf fan. However, I like it in this mix. The bergamot and other citruses are really fresh and how everything comes together gives it that somewhat aquatic feel.

Drier woods and vetiver in the dry down, but this stays fresh throughout.

Is it the most incredible scent ever? No, but it is really good at what it does and as such wouldn’t be a bad buy.

I could definitely see it as a spring/summer choice for me on certain days to go along with something like Creed’s Millesime Imperial or of course my Guerlain on others.

It has similarities to other popular colognes, which takes away from its uniqueness, but provides an opportunity for a relatively cheap scent.

Best Men's Colognes

Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.