Tommy Hilfiger

Very Cool by Tommy Bahama

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I have already reviewed two Tommy Bahama colognes for men on this site and since I have a bottle of a third, Very Cool, I thought that I would do another for this post. I am updating this post in 2019, to further expand upon, my experiences with my bottle of this cologne. I’ve worn it enough times, to have a great feel, as to what it’s all about.

How does Very Cool measure up? Is it worth a purchase? How well does Very Cool perform? Read below, as I take a closer look at this cologne and see where it ranks among the pack.

What does Very Cool for Men Smell Like?

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Notes include: nutmeg, ginger, vetiver, bergamot, paprika, and mandarin orange

Click here to try: Very Cool by Tommy Bahama for Men Eau De Cologne Spray 3.4 FL. OZ./100 ML

My Full Review

During the opening of Very Cool, I definitely detect the ginger note in it. This fragrance has a spicy warmth to it that is mostly woodsy/outdoorsy fresh in its presentation. Though, I do detect a slight bitterness (perhaps the orange mixing with nutmeg?).

Also, there is a very faint similarity with Set Sail St. Barts, that emerges and I think that it is a bergamot note because I compared the two side by side and noticed a distinct scent in both.

The initial spray, really doesn’t have too much citrus to my nose. The orange and bergamot really sit underneath the surface, while the spiciness at the top develops.

Paprika, ginger, and nutmeg are the stars of the front end of this Tommy Bahama fragrance. This is the warmer part of Very Cool.

After about 15-20 minutes, this fragrance does become noticeably more of a citrus scent. Though, the citrus doesn’t seem to fully take over, it’s more of a 50/50 split with the woodsy/spiciness of the ginger and nutmeg notes.

This is also at the point where Very Cool, indeed lives up to its moniker, and becomes a cooler and more refreshing scent.

It is an interesting development for a summery type of fragrance. The use of spice here is much different from something like, Light Blue, which utilizes much more citrus with the pepper. This goes heavier on the freshness and spiciness and uses the citrus as sort of a dressing.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Longevity wise, Very Cool would rank as poor to moderate. It doesn’t disappear completely, but it really isn’t an all day affair either. I tend to use my small 0.5 ounce bottle to freshen up before going to the gym. I can get 3-5 hours from it, of decent wear.

It also seems to project well at first, but then definitely dies down, and is ultimately a fairly light and airy fragrance.

The sillage goes from pretty strong to skin scent. It isn’t the worst longevity/projection scent that I’ve ever come across but it isn’t anywhere near where I would want it to be.

This is more of a casual daily wear. Spring and summer mostly. You can wear it in plenty of situations, but Very Cool isn’t much of a formal wear fragrance or one for romantic wear or nightlife.

It’s an easy to wear cologne, that’s going to be one you can have in your rotation for days you just want something refreshing and don’t need to think very much about it.

Overall Impressions of Very Cool

Would I recommend Very Cool? For the price, it’s a nice smelling cologne (it’s been discontinued, so, if you can even find a discounted bottle anymore. But, I wouldn’t spend more than $30, if you do come across it.).

Update: It looks like it’s back here in 2024. I’m seeing it on Amazon again. Though, selling for $65 per bottle, which is a reach.

This Tommy Bahama fragrance isn’t my favorite of all-time or anything, but I could definitely wear it on certain occasions.

My only real issue with this scent is the longevity, which could easily be fixed with some reapplication, which isn’t a bad idea because it is so inexpensive.

It is a really fresh casual scent that offers something different from the usual summertime fare.  Very Cool is a good smelling and safe scent, just know up front it isn’t a longevity beast.

TH Bold by Tommy Hilfiger

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Today, I want to review a scent from Tommy Hilfiger’s line of men’s colognes, TH Bold. This fragrance was released in 2015 and as a semi-new entrant to the market, I hadn’t given it a try yet. Well, now that I have, I would like to share my thoughts on this casual summer scent and whether or not I think it’s worth a buy. How does it smell, perform, when should it be worn, and does it separate itself from the pack?

What does TH Bold Smell Like?

Notes include: tangerine, lavender, grapefruit, sandalwood, cedar, bergamot, jasmine, mandarin blossom

Click here to try: TH BOLD by Tommy Hilfiger 3.4 oz / 100 ml NEW, SEALED

My Full TH Bold Review

The opening of TH Bold is a strong burst of citrus. It gives off a very nice summery vibe, sort of how the original Tommy Hilfiger cologne did, but this is quite a different fragrance. Bold’s main note is the tangerine, at first, in combination with the grapefruit playing a supporting role.

I do love a good citrus and the opening here has that going for it. A very attractive start.

Underlying that is a soapy sort of vibe with the floral notes such as lavender and jasmine, giving it a clean freshness. The cologne is called Bold and at first, the tangerine is pretty bold, but after some time it falls back into something that is much less intense.

There is a light cardamom spice, within the composition, but this isn’t much of a spicy citrus at all.

After 20-30 minutes, the overwhelming citrus scent, fades into a more floral and woodsy aroma. In my opinion, it really doesn’t stand out as a fragrance, and seems really generic and like a body wash.

A soapy white floral fragrance that is borderline unisex with how it comes across.

There is cedar and some sandalwood, which does create some nice depth to a plain tangerine heavy citrus, but it isn’t enough to make TH Bold all that interesting.

What I ultimately get is: a juicy/fresh citrus heavy top, with lavender and jasmine cleanliness in the middle, with a light citrus dry down blended with the other notes.

Sillage, Longevity, When to Wear

Projection wise, it starts out pretty strong and like I said, fades into something that is much more moderate. It actually tends to be a pretty light cologne.

Hardly lives up to the Bold name, in terms of its sillage, or really the ingredients used. That strength will descend quickly into the lighter side of things. Not much staying power.

The longevity is borderline ok, but definitely isn’t amazing. I get probably 4-5 hours with a few sprays but doubling up can stretch that time frame out a bit more. Again, I did have greater expectations from this one than was actually delivered.

Especially since, much of those hours are completely weak.

This is a casual and very safe scent for work or school. It’s probably best worn by those in their 20s and 30s. I wouldn’t call this a date night cologne or something that will stand out at the club.

I’d say it is a summer or other warm weather fragrance but probably will feel out of place in other seasons. It’s real versatility lies in the fact that, it is light enough and non-offensive. Anywhere from casual to semi-formal environments. Beyond that, it’s fairly limited.

It’s attractive enough, clean, and just very wearable without totally grabbing attention.

Overall Impressions of TH Bold

Overall, TH Bold is decent but doesn’t stand out to me. I like the opening with the tangerine note and it doesn’t smell bad at all, though it isn’t great. The boldness is short lived, which is disappointing for those looking for an absolute beast performer.

I’d say that it’s a slightly above average scent in terms of how it smells and just average(to mediocre) in how it performs.

The white floral/woodsy/soapy dry down is just okay. If it had some better power during that part, I might enjoy it more. But, it just comes across a pretty boring and average.

It might be a decent pickup if you can grab it at a really good price, though, I wouldn’t go out of my way to own a bottle. Really, this Tommy Hilfiger cologne feels like a missed opportunity. I like the general idea of this fragrance, but feel the actual execution, was quite mishandled.

With a steep discount?  Fine. Full price? Pass.

5 Best Tommy Hilfiger Colognes for Men

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Tommy Hilfiger was a major force in popular fashion back in the 1990s and while its popularity has faded since then, it still has its place in that world. It’s fragrance line while not as spectacular as many other design houses, does have some highlights that both smell great and can be gotten at a good price.

For this list, I have selected what I feel are the five best Tommy Hilfiger colognes for men and as always have linked each to an online store for purchase.

What are the Best Smelling Tommy Hilfiger Fragrances for Men?

Most Popular

Tommy by Tommy Hilfiger for Men Eau de Cologne Spray, 3.4 Oz– The original namesake of the company. Tommy Hilfiger for men is a crisp and clean presentation loaded with citrus and other fruity notes. Good starter cologne or something to wear casually, as it can be gotten for cheap.

This fragrance is seemingly going to be around forever, as it’s still the highlight of the Hilfiger line up. Tommy starts with a very sharp and tart blend of apple, grapefruit, and cranberry. The cranberry note isn’t used very much in colognes, outside of Polo Red, but it is really nice here.

It opens fresh and crisp, then gets warm and sweet, with its apple pie accord. You can expect a good deal of amber and cinnamon, with later green and floral touches. Tommy was a ubiquitous fragrance back in the 1990s and it’s honestly, still a very attractive cologne. Read my full review here.

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Forgotten and Unique

Athletics By Tommy Hilfiger For Men. Cologne Spray 1.7 Ounces–This scent was discontinued a long time ago (but you can find it on Amazon, at times, which I’ve linked). However, I happened to have it back when it was released in 1998, and I was in 5th grade. I lived in a very hot and humid climate and Hilfiger Athletics, was up to the task.

It was sneaky great, as I recall, and very fresh. As a sport scent, it was light with citrus notes including bergamot and grapefruit which was paired with grass and star anise. Simple…wish I still had some, but these are my memories of it.

Smooth Star

True Star by Tommy Hilfiger Eau De Toilette Spray (unboxed) 1.7 oz (Men)– This is another one with that licorice note, that I’m not too crazy about. However, I do like the rest of the presentation of True Star and I think that the other notes like vanilla, sandalwood, and grapefruit work well together.

I don’t think they produce this scent anymore but bottles can still be had online as of now.

True Star has a lemon and grapefruit top filled with light spice, from one of my favorite notes, anise. It actually doesn’t get all that complicated, but you do get a nice leather note, paired with the citrus and vanilla. Oh, and of course, sandalwood. If you want a bottle, you’re going to have to act, while they’re still floating around.

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Youthful Option

Tommy Hilfiger Tommy Eau De Prep Men Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounce– Eau de Prep’s name alone should indicate that it’s going to be a clean and well put together fragrance. Yes, indeed, that’s what you’re going to get.

Prep opens with a spicy citrus aroma, with notes of pepper and sage. A bit further along in the wear, it becomes a fresher, and noticeably cleaner cologne. Lavender, juniper, and a bit of suede. All of this sits on top of a woody base.

Eau de Prep isn’t terribly complicated. It is, however, a very light scent. So, don’t worry about going to town with the sprays, and for the current price…there’s really no need to.

Best Newer Fragrance

Impact Intense– This is a flanker fragrance to the original Impact, that has enjoyed some moderate success since its release. Chestnut and a red apple note up top, give this one a nice start with a woody dry down.

Akigalawood, cedar, and sandalwood make up the base with a resinous amber note in the mid. This is a great cheaper option for the autumn and winter months. The apple accord up top, gives it a nice sweetness that blended with the amber and chestnut, is sort of candy-like.

But, that sweetness with dampen with time and you get a warm spice with woods and a fresher finish. The cedar note really comes on, as this one moves forward. Pretty decent performance from Impact Intense, as well.

Tommy Bahama St. Barts Cologne

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Tommy Bahama is a fashion and fragrance line that’s all about the beach and sailing type of lifestyle. It’s casual and laid back in its presentation, plus it has released some pretty great fragrances, at a price that is wholly affordable. In this post, I want to take a closer look at Set Sail St. Barts and determine if this cologne is worthy of a buy or not.

I have updated this page since my initial 2015 review, after spending much more time with this fragrance, and having some additional thoughts.

What does Set Sail St. Barts Smell Like?

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Notes include: blue agavae, salty sea spray, musk, guava, lime, tequila, vanilla, palm wood

Click here to try: Tommy Bahama St. Barts Men Cologne,3.4 Fl Oz

My Full Wear Review

I was really interested in trying out this fragrance because of the compilation of notes reminded me somewhat of Guerlain Homme, which I absolutely love wearing. Guerlain has a mojito accord which gives it that summery alcoholic drink vibe and the lime plus tequila notes in this Set Sail cologne struck me as a slightly different variation on that theme.

Plus, the bright blue bottle with the gold metallic cap and nautical rope tied around, it looked really awesome.

Initially, one is struck by the lime note, as it is very potent at first and it is joined by a creamy almost coconut aroma that is less pronounced. The whole opening is very reminiscent of a margarita and the sensation of being on an island in the tropics.

The tart lime note is huge, at first, and is paired with a salty marine note, and some guava for extra fruitiness. Everything is so citrusy and juicy at the start and I kind of don’t want it to ever end.

The lime note settles down quite a bit after about 20 minutes or so and what is left behind is a fresh and delightful scent. I really detect the palm wood and sea salt spray during this second act.

It’s like the opening is enjoying the margarita on the beach and then getting in the water yourself. Set Sail St. Barts really is one of those mood setting colognes, that will take your mind to the tropics, upon smelling this fragrance.

Also during the dry down, there is a heavy vein of that tequila/blue agave aroma, it becomes less of a tropical cocktail and more towards a clean shot glass of tequila.

There is a very light vanilla/musk combination, that when blended with the lime and guava, smells somewhat lotion-y with a suntan lotion like creaminess.

Ultimately, what you get is a marine soaked lime with saltiness and tequila. Underneath that is bouts of woodiness and creaminess. Very summery and bringing up memories of the island life.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Now, while that lime notes is pretty potent at the start, it really isn’t an overwhelming cologne at all. I would say it is light to moderate and you might even want to test spray yourself a few times and see how it reacts.

Maybe then, deciding to apply another spray. I tend to over spray St. Barts, not only to give it a boost, but also because I got a large bottle for so cheap. There’s really no reason for me to skimp on the application.

Longevity is also pretty moderate, but certainly not terrible at all. With heavy sprays I can get 6-7 hours, on my skin. If I go a few sprays, 4-5.

As far as when to wear, this is a casual scent all the way. Summertime or other warm weather. Ideally, outdoors and by the sea. I’d wear it to the gym sometimes, but mostly just on summer days when I was out and about.

Not really one for formal occasions or even much for wear during the remainder of the year. Unless, of course, you live in the tropics.

Overall Impressions of St. Barts

Is this cologne a buy? It’s a summertime fragrance and will appeal to those who really like that summery/beach/island vibe. Look at the notes and if you’re not too crazy about the laid back margarita sort of scent, then this might be a pass for you.

I really do like the lime note here. Yes, it is loud and bold, but that’s a part of the appeal. The tequila note is interesting and is one of the reasons it gets noted as a ‘poor man’s version’ of Creed’s Virgin Island Water, which uses rum instead.

I’ve never personally been to big on that one, but it is an alternative, that many people love.

However, for those who are into this sort of beach island cologne, I would definitely recommend checking this out as a casual summer fragrance.

It’s a fairly inexpensive and versatile choice for the hottest months of the year and really helps set the tropical tone.

As far as the Tommy Bahama scents go, this is probably my second favorite. St. Kitts is still the best of the bunch, if you want to go with a more tropical fruit cologne, without the tequila.

Update: In 2022, it is harder to find a cheap bottle of this stuff, but Tommy Bahama still sells it at full price. A few years ago, you could get it for $20-30. I wouldn’t pay full price for it, but with a discount, it’s worth a shot.

Set Sail Martinique by Tommy Bahama

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I recently reviewed two of the scents I bought from Tommy Bahama. One scent that was left off the list was Set Sail Martinique, which was instead represented by the superior in my opinion, Set Sail St. Barts. It was released in 2010.

In this post, I want to take a closer look at Martinique and determine if it is worth a purchase or if it is a scent that is relegated to second tier status. As usual, I will cover what’s in it, how it smells, when it should be worn, and if it is worth a buy.

What does Set Sail Martinique Smell Like?

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Notes include: blue lavender, pepper, musk, bergamot, aquatic notes

Click here to try: Tommy Bahama Martinique Men Cologne, 3.4 Fl Oz 

My Full Wear Review

Set Sail Martinique is another scent that is a part of Tommy Bahama’s Set Sail line of fragrances. When I reviewed Set Sail St. Barts, I mentioned that it was like sipping an alcoholic drink on the shore and then transitioning with that drink into the water.

To me, Martinique is like being in the Caribbean Sea while wearing suntan lotion. Seriously, you get a smooth and creamy scent from the blue lavender note and some musk, which is dotted with a hint of citrus from the bergamot. That is what the opening of this cologne smells like to me.

The bergamot’s sharpness is really tempered by the aquatic type of notes, lavender, and musk. It still feels bright, but muted, and definitely doesn’t have a juiciness or zest. Still, it has that salty sea breeze and lotion smell to it.

After about 10 minutes, the pepper and musk began to play a bigger role, in Martinique. Neither really ever took over, but you do start to detect more of an aquatic and salty smell, that is totally reminiscent of being in the tropics at the beach.

I think that the Set Sail line of colognes, has done a great job of capturing that sort of mood, and reflects the style of all of these scents.

This dries down into a mostly lavender and musk affair, with bits of pepper, and soaked in a marine environment. Almost like the notes are wrapped in sea weed.

Kind of weird description, but if you’re familiar with Bvlgari Aqua and those flankers, you’ve got a close approximation.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection and longevity wise, Martinique is pretty moderate. The scent really isn’t overbearing and while it will probably last on one’s skin throughout the day, it won’t be working overtime.

The sillage isn’t overbearing and completely pull off being a casual daily wear.

Mostly, it’ll get around 6-7 hours of the time. Some percentage of the time, it’ll get around 8 hours. It’s actually one of the better performing Tommy Bahama fragrance.

I pretty much only spray this stuff before going to the gym, on an old workout t-shirt. Also, this is completely a summertime fragrance, so it holds up quite well in the heat.

Overall Impressions of Set Sail Martinique

Overall, I think that this is an okay cologne. I honestly like St. Barts much better between the two of these fragrances, and since they fulfill the same niche, I would go with that one over Martinique.

Set Sail Martinique is a simple and straightforward cologne which is more appropriate for summertime, beach, and wear in areas with warmth and humidity. It’s a specialized cologne for certain occasions, so if you’re in the market for that type of scent you might like this one.

It’s not bad, but it never blew me away with anything that it did. I think that they just tried to create a super simple fragrance with oceanic qualities and came up with this. The performance is good, but there’s nothing spectacular here.