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Dolce & Gabbana have released two fragrances under the K banner over the past two years. They have gained some popularity, despite getting mixed reviews from the fragrance community as a whole.
But for those who are into this sort of cologne, you are still faced with choosing between the original K eau de toilette and the newer eau de parfum. Which smells better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy?
Quick Overview
K Eau de Parfum is the overall winner because it offers the more complete scent from opening through dry down.
It begins with a warm, spicy blend of pimento, cardamom, fig, and patchouli, while K EDT is fresher and more citrus-driven with blood orange, juniper, and a slightly gin-like character.
The EDT has the better opening and is slightly more versatile in hot weather. However, its dry down is less enjoyable, while the EDP maintains a richer and more distinctive woody-spicy profile.
Overall, choose the EDT for freshness and summer daytime wear, but choose the EDP for the better scent and stronger performance. You can get also try the cheaper ‘inspired by’ Aromatic King from the Dua Brand, for the EDT style scent.
| Category | K EDT | K EDP | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening | Opens fresh and clean with blood orange, citrus, juniper, pimento, and aromatic herbs. The juniper gives it a slightly green, gin-like quality. | Starts warmer and spicier with pimento, cardamom, fig, and earthy patchouli. The citrus is much less noticeable than in the EDT. | K EDT |
| Projection | Projects above average and remains noticeable with only a few sprays. It performs well without taking over the room. | Also delivers above-average projection, but comes across as slightly more powerful and maintains its presence a little better. | K EDP |
| Longevity | Usually lasts around seven hours. Solid enough for regular wear, though it rarely pushes much beyond that point. | Generally lasts between seven and 8.5 hours. It is not an extreme performer, but it has a noticeable advantage over the EDT. | K EDP |
| Versatility | Works from casual through semi-formal situations and can be worn during the day or at night. Its fresher profile makes it better for hot summer days. | Fills a similar casual-to-semi-formal role, but its warmer and spicier character is better suited to evenings when the weather becomes very hot. | K EDT |
| Overall Scent | Has the better opening, with fresh blood orange, juniper, lavender, pimento, and geranium. However, the later dry down is less enjoyable. | Its opening is less immediately appealing, but the fig, spice, patchouli, and stronger woody qualities create a better and more distinctive fragrance overall. | K EDP |
Tale of the Tape: K EDP vs EDT
K EDP
Notes include: pimento, fig, juniper, blood orange, lemon, cardamom, lavender, sage, patchouli, and more
Click here to try: Dolce & Gabbana K for Men Eau de Parfum Spray, 5 Ounce/150ml
Read my Review: K Eau de Parfum
K EDT
Notes include: juniper, blood orange, citrus, sage, pimento, cedar, patchouli, and more
Click here to try: Dolce and Gabbana K Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.3 Fl Oz for Men
Read my review: K EDT
Opening
K Eau de Parfum really opens up with the pimento note going full blast. It is partnered with cardamom and a nice fig note. It is spicy, warm, and earthy with the patchouli coming up from the base. The citrus notes aren’t too prevalent, I get a bit of blood orange, but not much beyond that.
The original K is pretty darn similar to the EDP version. However, the citrus here is stronger and it feels less spicy/warm and more fresh. The juniper note pairs with the citrus notes to give it somewhat of a gin effect, the pimento is still there, but no fig.
Which opening is better? It’s a close call for me, because I enjoy different aspects of each, and they still overlap with one another. The fig note in EDP is great. The fresh/greenish start to the EDT is also very nice…and I think I prefer it slightly.
Edge: EDT
Projection
Neither of these fragrances are monsters on my skin. They each project well, I’d say above average, and you will notice them with only a few sprays. Nice ability to project with each, just doesn’t take over a room.
Between the two, the eau de parfum seems to be a bit more powerful. Though, it isn’t by very much.
Edge: EDP
Longevity
Testing out K EDT, it lasted for about 7 hours on my skin. It’s solid, just not amazing. It doesn’t seem to want to go beyond that for me.
K EDP can range from that same 7 hours, all the way to about 8.5. It does have a slight boost here, but it isn’t a marathon runner, but it’s enough for the edge.
Edge: EDP
Versatility
To me, both of these fragrances are best for casual wear to semi-formal. You can wear them during the day or venture out at night.
The only real difference to me, is that the EDT version is a bit better in the heat. Both are great in spring or summer, but the EDT is better in the daytime of summer. While, I’d save the EDP for nights only when it gets really hot.
Edge: EDT (slightly)
Overall Scent
I must admit, that I’m not loving either of these fragrances, but I do enjoy them each somewhat. I don’t know why they have gotten such seemingly bad reviews from people.
K EDT has a very enjoyable opening act. It’s fresh, clean, and the blood orange note is really given time to shine, unlike in the EDP. Plus, that juniper note is almost always a nice addition to the fragrance. The lavender, pimento, and geranium all further develop that freshness.
You can get also try the inspired by Aromatic King from the Dua Brand, which is their take on the EDT style.
However, the dry down isn’t as enjoyable to me. I’m not even sure what it is exactly, but it’s just not nearly as good as the start.
I think K EDP smells betters in its totality, even with a weaker start. Some might not like the woodiness and spice that is stronger here versus the EDT, but I think Dolce & Gabbana did a nice job developing a rather unique men’s fragrance.
It’s not a huge margin, but I’d go with the EDP. If you want a fresher and more citrus laden version, go with the EDT.
Winner: K EDP
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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 test out and 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. You can also follow me on: YouTube, Instagram, and Tiktok!