Finally – the sun's out and summer is in full swing. And that means your cold-weather colognes with their spicy, wood notes are going to feel pretty out of place at the beach.
It's time to switch up your signature scent but there are hundreds of men's summer colognes to choose from. So how do you find your new go-to scent if you can't actually smell it?
Luckily for you – I've bought and tested hundreds. In this article, I'm giving you my 21 best summer fragrances for men.
But before we get into the list – let me address the obvious question…
What Makes A Cologne A Summer Fragrance?
At the simplest level, it comes down to the power of association.
What do you think of when you hear the word ‘summer'? I picture the ocean, the beach, and maybe a nice cocktail.
With this in mind, you're going to see quite a few aquatic fragrances on this list. They carry notes reminiscent of the sea.
Citrus fragrances are also popular in the summer. These tend to smell like oranges, limes, lemons or pineapple.
As you can see, there's nothing complicated about it. If a smell reminds you of summer, then you can safely categorize it as a summer fragrance.
So without further ado, what are the best men's fragrances for summer?
- Aqva Pour Homme by Bvlgari
- L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme by Issey Miyake
- John Varvatos Artisan Pure
- Icon by Dunhill
- Burberry Touch For Men
- K by Dolce & Gabbana
- Allure Homme Sport by Chanel
- Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani
- Versace Man Eau Fraîche
- Davidoff Cool Water
- 720 by Maison Sybarite
- Nautica by Nautica
- Bentley Azure For Men
- Creed Himalaya
- Paco Rabanne Invictus Aqua
- Lacoste L.12.12. White
- Acqua Di Parma Colonia Club
- Sydney Rock Pool by Arquiste
- Acqua Di Parma Chinotto di Liguria
- Creed Erolfa
- Atelier Cologne Clémentine California
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Aqva Pour Homme by Bvlgari
What sets this fragrance apart is its versatility and its masculine take on aquatic notes.
You can wear this with a T-shirt and jeans, but you can also rock it in the office. It starts off citrusy with a heart of seaweed and ends with a base of wood and amber.
- Top Notes: Petitgrain, Orange
- Heart Notes: Seaweed, light Lavender and Cotton
- Base Notes: Strongly woody, Amber
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L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme by Issey Miyake
The mind behind this men's fragrance is Issey Miyake and he excels at using unusual ingredients in order to make his concoctions stand out. For L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme, the standout note is yuzu: an exotic citrus fruit originating in central China that is similar to a mandarin.
There's a good reason I list Issey Miyake as one of my best summer fragrances for men -longevity. Where most citrus scents last about two hours, this one will last six to eight hours!
- Top Notes: Yuzu, Lemon, Bergamot, Lemon Verbena
- Heart Notes: Blue Lotus, Nutmeg
- Base Notes: Vetiver, Musk
John Varvatos Artisan Pure
This fragrance was inspired by the summery landscapes in Xalapa, Mexico, renowned for its citrus and coffee groves. It is a distinctly citrusy fragrance rounded out by woody accords. This is a great compromise for a man who is already in love with notes of wood but wants to branch out (no pun intended).
The EDT version of Artisan Pure leans a little harder on the tangerine note – a very solid choice for fans of citrus.
- Top Notes: Lemon, Bergamot, Clementine, Thyme, Marjoram
- Heart Notes: Petitgrain, Ginger
- Base Notes: Strong Wood, Orris, Amber, Some Musk
Icon by Dunhill
This was the first fragrance released by the British house under its directer John Ray. It's got a firm, refined scent that makes it perfect for the elegant man.
Though classified as an aromatic-woody fragrance, Icon has a strong enough citrus presence to earn its spot in my top 21 summer fragrances.
- Top Notes: Bergamot, Neroli, Pepper
- Heart Notes: Pepper, Lavender, Cardamom
- Base Notes: Subtle Musk, Oud
Burberry Touch For Men
Floral fragrances sometimes lack the ‘stamina' to withstand summer's high temperatures. Likewise, other spring and fall fragrances are too faint for sweltering hot days. Touch For Men however excels where others fail.
This is a workhorse fragrance that boasts an unusual combo. Floral violet notes, citrusy Mandarin, and Tonka Bean might seem too complex on paper but Burberry expertly combines them for a pleasant aroma!
Will it make you stand out? No, but it's a solid fragrance for the heat.
- Top Notes: Mandarin, Violet, Artemisia
- Heart Notes: Pepper, some Nutmeg
- Base Notes: Tonka Bean
K by Dolce & Gabbana
This is a great versatile fragrance for summer. Some summer fragrances can be ‘loud' and brash to be noticed when the wearer is outside.
‘K' stands for King here, and kings tend to be powerful and direct so you might assume this is more of the same. The name of this fragrance is misleading though.
K is actually quite a light fragrance from Dolce& Gabbana. It's an easygoing option suitable for most men.
I would recommend K for someone who appreciates subtlety and doesn't want to stand out. Perhaps you want something that will fly under the radar in an office with a ‘no fragrance' policy.
- Top Notes: Juniper Berries, Citrus, Blood Orange
- Heart Notes: Pimento
- Base Notes: Vetiver, Cedar
Allure Homme Sport by Chanel
- Top Notes: Orange, Blood Mandarin, Sea Notes, Aldehydes
- Heart Notes: Pepper, Neroli, Cedar
- Base Notes: Tonka Bean, Vanilla
Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani
Allure Homme Sport is the fragrance for combining the energy and vibrancy of summer with elegance.
This is a powerfully citrusy scent paired with sea notes. The result is a wonderfully balanced summer fragrance.
Overall this option is fresh and young – the smell of a vibrant young man who wants to signal sophistication.
- Top Notes: Mandarin, Orange, Jasmine, Lemon
- Heart Notes: Strong Sea Notes
- Base Notes: Faint Amber, Cedar, Oakmoss
Remember what we said about summer fragrances reminding you of the ocean?
Aqua Di Gio is a solid aquatic fragrance that is powerfully reminiscent of the sea. It's not all seawater, though – you'll find a healthy burst of zest and citrus in this fragrance too!
This is an essential fragrance in every man's summer collection.
Versace Man by Eau Fraîche
Going on a picnic is a perfect summer activity.
This is a simple, fresh fragrance loaded with citrus and some grassy notes. That's all I need to imagine a relaxing day in the park with some food and friends.
As far as affordable fragrances go, Eau Fraîche is a great pick. I recommend this fragrance for respectable longevity and sillage (how long the fragrance lingers in the air) for the price. This is an excellent summer starter fragrance.
- Top Notes: Bergamot, Lemon, Starfruit
- Heart Notes: Tarragon, Sage, Pepper
- Base Notes: Saffron, Wood, Musk
Davidoff Cool Water
Time for another fragrance that transports you to a beach holiday.
True to its name, Cool Water opens with some hefty sea notes before settling into tobacco, musk, and oakmoss (a variety of pale green lichen).
This is a timeless and popular summer fragrance that packs a punch for the price.
- Top Notes: Intense Sea Notes, Green Notes, Mint, Lavender
- Heart Notes: Sandalwood, Jasmine, Neroli
- Base Notes: Musk, Tobacco, Oakmoss
720 by Masion Sybarite
When the weather gets warm I love to open a book on Ancient Rome or Greece and be transported to those hot Mediterranean climes.
The exotic wood and spice notes here of birch tar, cinnamon, nutmeg and cedarwood are designed to take you back to 720BC. This is the year the ancient city of Sybaris (as in, Maison Sybarite) was founded. The streets would have been filled with luxurious and opulent scents brought in by powerful Romans and merchants.
I can’t guarantee women will treat you like an ancient emperor when they smell this on you…but it’s worth a try, isn’t it?
- Top Notes: Birch Tar, Lavender
- Middle Notes: Cardamom, Cinnamon, Nutmeg
- Base Notes: Ambrox, Tonka Bean, Patchouli, Cedarwood
Nautica by Nautica
While it may not last longer than a few hours on your skin, Nautica is a great starter fragrance.
Its lime and lemon notes make this is a great option if you want to lean into the citrus element of summer fragrances.
If you have no summer fragrances then you should definitely try this so you can learn what notes you prefer.
Overall? Nautica fragrances are highly accessible but you get what you pay for. They don't last long and you might have to reapply them multiple times. However, it gets the job done in a pinch.
- Top Notes: Aldehydes, Lime, Bergamot, Lemon
- Heart Notes: Jasmine, Rose, Caraway, Caraway, Geranium
- Base Notes: Amber, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Musk, Oakmoss, Cedar
Bentley Azure For Men
This crisp, creamy fragrance just isn't talked about enough. Bentley Azure is a calming option meant for summer lounging and cruising.
Bentley Azure is inspired by relaxing drives along the coast, breathing in the breeze that comes in from the sea.
Overall this is relaxing, easygoing, and balanced – everything you want in a summer fragrance.
- Top Notes: Pineapple, Violet Leaf, Tangerine, Bergamot
- Heart Notes: Paprika, Lavender, Tea, Clary Sage
- Base Notes: Cashmere, Tonka Bean
Creed Himalaya
Creed Himalaya's silvery bottle design was inspired by the canteens carried by mountaineers.
You're probably thinking that a fragrance named after freezing mountains doesn't have ‘Best Summer Fragrances For Men‘ written all over it. However, the contents in this bottle do.
We are introduced to a menagerie of citrus notes that give it away as a summer fragrance. Sandalwood forms the heart before drying down to cedar and musk. This is a fascinating combination of scents. It's a must-have for every Creed fan and I recommend every man at least try this.
- Top Notes: Grapefruit, Bergamot, Lemon
- Heart Notes: Sandalwood
- Base Notes: Musk, Ambergris, Cedar
Paco Rabanne Invictus Aqua
For many, summer is the season of love. If this is you then I'll keep it short: Invictus Aqua will get the ladies to notice you.
This is one of the most seductive fragrances I've ever smelled. Sex appeal is one thing Invictus works hard to build into every men's cologne they produce and they have done it again.
As far as aquatic scents go, this one is bound to make you stand out.
- Top Notes: Grapefruit, Violet Leaf
- Heart Notes: Sea Notes, Violet, Woody
- Base Notes: Ambergris, Amberwood
Lacoste L.12.12. White
Summer is the time for holidays and travel. You discover new cultures, food and smells.
That's why the standout note of ylang-ylang (a flower native to tropical Indian trees) is what makes this a perfect summer fragrance.
Wondering about the unusual name? Legend says it is derived from the manufacturer's code on the original polo shirts produced by Rene Lacoste.
Overall L.12.12 is a clean-smelling, unique fragrance. You can't go wrong with it and I love it.
- Top Notes: Rosemary, Cardamom, Grapefruit
- Heart Notes: Ylang-ylang, Tuberose
- Base Notes: Virginia Cedar, Leather, Suede, Vetiver
Acqua Di Parma Colonia Club
For a fragrance that takes multiple Italian citrus notes and combines them with refined herbal notes, choose Colonia Club.
The dark green of this bottle is the same shade you might find on luxurious leather chairs in a high-end restaurant in Sicily. This speaks to the sophistication of this fragrance that happily costs a lot less than an Italian vacation to purchase.
Acqua Di Parma describes Colonia Club as a reflection of ‘contemporary Italian living’ and that sounds like a perfect summer to me.
- Top Notes: Sicilian Lemon, Petit Grain, Bergamot, Sicilian Mandarin, Mint, Neroli
- Heart Notes: Lavender, Geranium, Galbanol
- Base Notes: Haitian Vetiver, White Musk, Ambergris Accord
Syndey Rock Pool by Arquiste
This is another summer fragrance designed with seduction in mind. It transports a woman back to carefree vacations spent at the beach. Picture the scene:
The ocean water gently laps at driftwood on the sand. On-shore, a gentle breeze wafts the smell of jasmine and frangipani (colorful, scented flowers) through the grass.
Arquiste agrees. They say this was created to make a woman think of “The scent of warm skin after a swim in one of Sydney’s famous rock pools.” What more could you ask for?
- Top Notes: Mineral Accord, Coconut Skin Accord, Australian Sandalwood
- Heart Notes: Driftwood Note, Narcissus Absolute, Frangipani, Jasmine, Sambac
- Base Notes: Seaweed, Ambermax, Sea Salt Accord
Acqua Di Parma Chinotto di Liguria
Chinotto is a variety of orange tree that grows natively in Italy and the south of France. Its unique bittersweet flavor is the reason it is included in Campari: one of the key ingredients of a Negroni cocktail (a great summer aperitif).
Imagine yourself walking through an Italian herb garden on a warm day and you are imagining this fragrance.
In summary, Chinotto di Liguria is intensely citrusy and refreshing at the same time.
- Top Notes: Chinotto, Mandarin
- Heart Notes: Jasmine, Geranium, Rosemary, Cardamom
- Base Notes: Patchouli, Musk
Creed Erolfa
Lastly, this summer fragrance is deeply personal to the Creed family. It was made to recall their voyages across the Mediterranean. The name is actually a combination of letters from their names.
If you like aquatic or marine notes in summer fragrances then seriously consider Erolfa. This is an aquatic fragrance without equal, evoking the high seas from the get-go.
If you take anything away from my men's summer fragrance guide, let it be that Erolfa rules the waves.
- Top Notes: Bergamot, Lemon, Orange, Violet, Cumin, Basil, Rosemary, Melon
- Heart Notes: Cyclamen, Jasmine, Ginger, Coriander, Pepper
- Base Notes: Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Moss, Amber
Atelier Cologne Clémentine California
Speaking of the Mediterranean, California has a similarly warm and dry climate in many areas during the summer.
Clémentine California is a citrusy and spicy fragrance. Not a combination you often see.
This makes it a perfect choice for a young man full of energy.
The pared-down number of notes here compared to other fragrances on this make this a straightforward option that the same man could wear every day this summer.
- Top Notes: Clementine, Mandarin, Juniper Berries
- Heart Notes: Juniper Basil, Star Anise, Pepper
- Base Notes: Sichuan Pepper, Vetiver, Sandalwood, Cypress
BONUS Summer Fragrances
Not every fragrance I tested could make the cut. But these options definitely deserve honorable mentions!
Aqua Quorum by Antonio Puig
If a pure aquatic fragrance is overwhelming try one with a slightly sour element. This is what Aqua Quorum brings to the table.
This is a relatively obscure fragrance, but a worth addition to any man's collection.
You're more likely to know Ralph Lauren's Polo Sport fragrance. If you like that, let me introduce you to its older brother. This summer fragrance packs a punch at a fraction of the price.
- Top Notes: Lavender, Freesia
- Heart Notes: Geranium, Grapefruit
- Base Notes: Oakmoss, Amber, Leather
Acqua Di Parma Colonia Intensa
OK so maybe you've read this list so far and you're thinking “Antonio, I want a summer fragrance but I don't want to smell like flowers.”
You're in luck because it's time for an intensely masculine summer fragrance. Colonia Intense opens with citrus in the top notes followed by classic masculine notes of wood, leather and musk.
This is a men's fragrance with a presence but it remains light at the same time. Nobody wants a dark, brooding fragrance in the middle of summer. Pairing these two qualities is a difficult thing to pull off but Colonia Intensa does it with aplomb.
- Top Notes: Cardamom, Calabrian Bergamot, Sicilian Lemon, Ginger
- Heart Notes: Myrtle, Artemisia, Neroli
- Base Notes: Leather Accord, Cedarwood, Patchouli, Benzoin, Musk
Creed Royal Water
Who doesn't want to feel fresh and clean? Especially when the heat and humidity rise. This is the king of fresh summer fragrances.
Royal Water holds up to its name with a calming feeling of freshness and cleanliness. You are also treated to an assortment of citrus.
Most men know Creed for its Aventus fragrance and Royal Water can rival its longevity for sure. This is nothing less than a top-class Creed fragrance.
- Top Notes: Citrus, Mint
- Heart Notes: Juniper Berries, Basil
- Base Notes: Musk, Ambergris
Tommy Bahama Maritime Deep Blue
All things must come to an end, summer and this list included.
Time for a masculine fragrance with a hint of darkness to it for cooler summer days. Tommy Bahama balances appealing but heavy woody notes against just enough of an aquatic note to make this a true men's summer fragrance. Toning the overall feeling down are the spicy notes.
Maybe it's just the bottle but Maritime Deep Blue makes me feel like JFK confidently steering a yacht. Some gray clouds are on the horizon but you're focused on the here and now. If that is the energy you want to channel then this is the men's summer fragrance for you.
- Top Notes: Cardamom, Bergamot, Juniper Oil, Rosemary
- Heart Notes: Water Lily, Freesia, Orris, Geranium
- Base Notes: Patchouli, Cedarwood, Musk, Moss
Summary – Best Summer Fragrances For Men
Gentlemen, we've covered a lot today. The best men's summer colognes encompass a wide range of citrus and aquatic scents and that's what these excel at. Whether you're on a budget or have a signature style, there's a scent out there just for you.
- Aqva Pour Homme by Bvlgari
- L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme by Issey Miyake
- John Varvatos Artisan Pure
- Icon by Dunhill
- Burberry Touch For Men
- K by Dolce & Gabbana
- Allure Homme Sport by Chanel
- Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani
- Versace Man Eau Fraîche
- Davidoff Cool Water
- 720 by Maison Sybarite
- Nautica by Nautica
- Bentley Azure For Men
- Creed Himalaya
- Paco Rabanne Invictus Aqua
- Lacoste L.12.12. White
- Acqua Di Parma Colonia Club
- Sydney Rock Pool by Arquiste
- Acqua Di Parma Chinotto di Liguria
- Creed Erolfa
- Atelier Cologne Clémentine California
Plus some honorable mentions…
- Aqua Quorum by Antonio Puig
- Acqua Di Parma Colonia Intensa
- Creed Royal Water
- Tommy Bahama Maritime Deep Blue
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Click below to watch the video – 15 Best Summer Fragrances For Men
