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Summer is very nearly upon us here in the Northern Hemisphere. That means it’s time to break out all of those fragrances that shine, when the heat index goes higher. By this time, I’m usually tired of the heavy winter wears and want something more dynamic. There are plenty of great options, but I decided on 12 colognes that each offer different things to enjoy in the warmer months.
What are the best summer fragrances for men?
The All Around for Hot Weather
GIORGIO ARMANI Acqua Di Gio Profondo for Men Eau De Parfum Spray 4.2 Ounces, blue– I do enjoy AdG Profumo even more than Profondo, but this is the one that I’ll go with more on the hottest days of the year. Both can work, but this is great in the hotter climate.
The opening feels like its a blue-ish green sort of smell. Citrus from the bergamot and lighter mandarin, a deep marine aroma, the usual herbal AdG notes, and a resinous note of lentisk. Very smooth, not salty, and has a slight creaminess at times.
Profondo is an easy reach, gives a good performance, and can be worn in a wide variety of situations during the summer. Definitely a safe bet and one with mass appeal. AdG Profondo Review
Citrus and Fig
Acqua Di Parma Blue Mediterraneo Fico Di Amalfi Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 5 Ounce
This Blue Mediterraneo scent opens with grapefruit and bergamot. Then, the totally underrated fig note comes in, and the aroma has a sweet and attractive profile.
The grapefruit and lemon are strongest at the top, but it leans more grapefruit, than the other perfumes on this list. Once the citrus settles down, it plays very well off of the fig, and light cedar base.
I don’t always like fig in fragrances, but this has to be one of the best examples of how to do it right. Fico di Amalfi is a very unisex and a magnificent summer perfume.
Something Different from the Jardin
Hermes Le Jardin De Monsieur Li Eau de Toilette, 3.3 Fluid Ounce
Le Jardin de Monsieur Li is an underrated addition to this line of fragrances. Unique, light, and deceptively simple…but very good. It opens with a sweet and bright kumquat note, with a watery heart that feels like sitting next to a garden pond.
There is a light and fresh mint adding its cool spice throughout, but this one becomes greener and more of an herbal scent as it dries down. Not crazy good performance, I can squeeze 6 hours of wear, with this.
However, it does give you something different than the usual aquatics and other beachy fare. One of the best of Hermes. My Full Review
Refreshing Louis Vuitton Cologne
Afternoon Swim– This fragrance is summertime the whole way. Not super complex, but attractive and has a very refreshing energy. Afternoon Swim is a citrus-laden cologne, so, if that’s not your thing it won’t be for you.
Does remind me a lot of Dior Homme Cologne (or an Acqua di Parma scent, like Bergamotto di Calabria, only with a dominant orange note), with some exceptions. First, Dior Cologne has more of an iced lemonade profile. Second, this has somewhat of an aquatic vibe.
There is a saltiness here (ambergris), that is very slight, but it does catch my attention. The ginger note is also quite awesome. Performance is pretty good for this style of fragrance, just don’t expect a marathon. Afternoon Swim Full Review
The Chanel for This Season
Chanel Allure Homme Edition Blanche– I really overlooked this Chanel fragrance for too long. That was my bad, because it’s actually great. You could also go with one of the Allure Sport scents (or Bleu), but this is my go to for this year.
A delicious blend of lemon, bergamot, tonka bean, and vanilla (among other notes). Allure Edition Blanche gives you a delightful lemon note with a creamy finish. But, it isn’t the usual heavy gourmand of winter, and this can be an absolute gem in the summer months.
I’ll post my review of this one soon, but I want to spend some more time with it beforehand.
Another Easy to Wear Option
Legend Spirit- This isn’t my personal favorite, but I did like this release from Montblanc. Plus, it’s another good option for guys who want something that smells good, and isn’t too niche.
It opens up with a nice grapefruit note, cardamom, and an aquatic accord. Watery and fresh with a bright opening act, while sitting on a dry woody/musky base.
Spirit is the usual citrus aquatic with a bit of its own personality thrown in. Mainly, coming from the pink pepper and woody notes. The performance isn’t great, but it can be a worthwhile go for the right price. Legend Spirit Full Review
A Unisex Beachy Floral
Tom Ford Eau de Soleil Blanc Spray, 3.4 Ounce– Yes, this one does lean a bit more toward being a traditional feminine, but it can absolutely work for anybody. The original Soleil Blanc is great, but this lighter version, is one that I’ve been digging as of late.
The citrus here is amped up, but you still get that creamy floral sunscreen feel, and the excellent coconut note sitting underneath it all. This one does come across as floral as the original, which is why it is probably the better choice for men.
Warm, sweet, with a semi-tropical feeling coming through. Won’t be on everyone’s list, but an interesting one to check out from Tom Ford.
Light Blue Flanker
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Sun Edt Spray 4.2 Oz Men, 4.2 Oz– Alright, I’m going to put Light Blue Sun as my pick for this summer. I have yet to try Light Blue Forever, but I’ve read positive things about it…I’ll update, when I get a chance to give it a go. It could be a great option.
Sun is a great balance between the original Light Blue and Eau Intense. I do enjoy the Intense version, as well, but some folks don’t like it. This is a compromise, but a really good one.
Grapefruit, coconut, and ginger along with that famous Light Blue DNA? Yep and I’m going to get plenty of use from my bottle this summer. Light Blue Sun Review
Oceanic Aqva
BVLGARI Aqva Atlantiqve Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.3 Ounce
The two are most alike at the start, when the citrus is strongest. The sea notes are there, but it isn’t overly salty, and there is of course the ambergris. Atlantiqve does a great job at evoking the depths of the ocean, while still bringing the pleasant citrus notes.
Cold Citrus and Ginger
Y Eau Fraiche– Y Eau Fraiche opens up crisp and cool, with plenty of that familiar Y aroma. Ginger, mint, and lemon really start the show. It’s cold like a drink by the pool, on a summer’s day.
The ginger and mint move aside, and then, the geranium and cedar finish things off. It’s got a finish that is closer to Y EDT and a similar style to the aforementioned Afternoon Swim.
If you’re a fan of the Y series by YSL, this is you’re option for summer. If you’re not, then, I’d stay away from this. Y Eau Fraiche Review
My Prada Pick
Prada Luna Rossa Eau Sport Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 2.5 Ounce– I had already loved wearing the Luna Rossa fragrances, before I tried this one. However, this quickly became one of my favorites and the one I’ll wear for summer 2021.
To me, Luna Rossa Eau Sport is a lot like the former formulation of Dior Sport. Just instead of iris, you get a lavender note. Lavender with fresh citrus, that is super clean, and not too complicated.
Very refined and super easy to wear for casual to more formal occasions. Love this stuff. Luna Rossa Eau Sport Review
Into the Deep Blue
Polo Deep Blue Parfum by Ralph Lauren Parfum 1.36 oz Men– Deep Blue was released by Polo in 2020. I honestly, didn’t expect very much from it, since it’s like the 5th flanker in this series. Nonetheless, Deep Blue surprised me and it is probably my favorite out of all of them.
It features a mango note and a deep ocean accord, along with some other citrus up top. Actually, it feels somewhat related to AdG Profondo, yet remains distinctly a Polo Blue scent.
The next wave brings in the sage, cypress, and ambroxan. It’s got a dry spiciness wrapped up in that ambroxan finish. The performance here is solid in the 7-9 hour range, on my skin. It’s a versatile crowd pleaser, with an aquatic heart, that smells great in the heat. Polo Deep Blue Review
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Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with the different fragrances that I’ve owned, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, that new hobby grew into a consistent passion, helping millions of readers along the way. I have personally written reviews for well over 800 perfumes and colognes for both men and women. This is along with writing hundreds of other in-depth fragrance guides.