Did you realize there could be secret underlying meanings to the sense that you’re wearing? We’ll reveal all today to help you add another layer of significance to your fragrance choices.
The History of the Secret Language of Fragrance
When we refer to the secret meanings of fragrances, we aren’t referring to the formalities, seasonalities, or occasions for which particular fragrances are appropriate; I cover those subjects in our guide on How To Pair Fragrances With Your Outfit. Instead, we are referring to certain meanings and associations that have been tied to individual scents throughout history and codified in the late 19th century.
A portrait painting by Irving Ray wiles
Late-Victorian society was somewhat obsessed with clandestine communication, especially through sartorial choices that conveyed secret meetings to those in the know. According to the language of flowers, a yellow rose worn in the hair indicated that a young lady only had friendship on her mind.
[Image Credit: meisterdrucke.ie]
Conversely, as Preston reveals in our guide on the secrets of colors, wearing orange signals that you are a go-getter with the ambition and outlook of a young man. Similarly, a language of scents developed, and that’s the topic of today.
Secrets of Color: What Your Outfit Colors Say About You
We will note that these meanings were most often romantic creations of retailers, usually employed to sell products. But, while these meanings were not standardized or scientifically based and could vary greatly between people and places, they did draw on general cultural significance to create a coherent code.
References to fragrances have secret understood meanings, even appearing in several prominent works of literature in this period, including The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, Il Piacere by Gabrielle D’Annunzio, and A Rebours by J.K. Huysmans.
While we will be drawing from historical and cultural sources when we outline the meaning of today’s scents, we want to be clear that this post is mostly for fun. Don’t expect many people to decode your scented messages unless they’ve read this article, of course; and while aroma therapy is vaguely related to today’s topic, it won’t be our focus.
The Secret Meanings of Scents
Let’s now cover a wide array of scents in menswear, organized according to the presence you are attempting to project. This list consists of individual ingredients and not fragrances. You can therefore apply this information when shopping for fragrances, seeking out components that you like, suited to your intentions.
Scents For When You Want To Be Energetic
To put a pep in your step and those around you, opt for stimulating and invigorating fragrances.
Lemon
Tart and tangy, lemon stimulates the mind and body. When you need to be attentively focused on a task, the brisk smell of lemon will keep you productive and convey to others how hard at work you are.
Lime
Lime has a similar effect, but is better suited to social occasions.
Orange
The sweet and bitter variations of orange indicate that you’re hardworking and dedicated but that you don’t let work rule your life.
Bergamot
Bergamot is an orange-adjacent scent. It is traditionally associated with courtly and refined living, perhaps because it was historically favored by country squires and gentleman planters. Our writer Tyler loves how refreshing and distinct, yet not overpowering orange is; especially in our signature fragrance, Roberto Ugolini’s Marzocco.
Cinnamon
When you need energy that lasts all day, enjoy the slow, spicy burn of cinnamon. This scent indicates that you are solid and dependable and that you’ll get the job done no matter how long it takes.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit is a revitalizing scent that perks you up for high-intensity moments. When you’re fully focused on fun, this scent energizes you and those around you with a pleasure-seeking intensity.
Coconut has a similar effect, but it’s best employed in hot weather.
Bright citrine scents are some of our writer Jack’s favorites, and he especially enjoys how they are presented in fragrances like Penhaligon’s Blenheim Bouquet, Hierbas de Mallorca, and Roberto Ugolini’s Giardino di Boboli.
Scents For When You Want To Be Attractive
Italian heartthrob Marcello Mastroianni calls fragrance “the most powerful weapon in the fight for romantic attention.” So, consider putting these scents into your arsenal.
Ylang-ylang
This tropical flower is dreamy and romantic. With a penetrating multi-layered odor, it is perfect for the first date when you want to leave a lasting impression without being overpowering.
Smoke
While technically an accord, a collection of scents and not an individual scent, smoke is a combination of scents that conveys a sense of mystery, allure, and charm. As such, it is perfect for dates, especially early on when you want to leave your partner wanting more.
Lily of the Valley
Floral & Citrusy
Sweetly floral with just a hint of citrines, lily of the valley is a balanced floral scent evocative of intimate warm days. Often associated with nuptials, the scent of lily of the valley will subtly communicate that you’re ready to make things more serious and take them to the next level.
Styrax
Known for mimicking the natural musk of skin, styrax is a deeply intimate and alluring scent when you want to exude sex appeal, but be wary about employing it too early in the courtship.
Violet
Evocative of nostalgia and lost loves, this scent is ideal for days when you want to reminisce or encourage others to recall the past; possibly the best scent to wear around the one that got away.
Scents For When You Want To Be Confident
To give yourself that little boost and to help build yourself up amongst others, consider these smells.
Cedarwood
Like a tranquil forest, cedarwood smells have calming qualities that set your mind at ease and reassure you that you’ve got this. Wear it to project to others and to yourself that everything is under control; incidentally, a great daily wear scent.
Leather
Accords that are evocative of leather conjure visions of traditional dependability and work ethic, whether that puts you in mind of stuffed leather chairs in a boardroom or leather work gloves in a stable.
Unobjectionable and versatile, leather can be worn under any circumstance where you need to show that you’ve got what it takes.
Vetiver
Earthy and exotic, this musky scent instills a sense of primal command; it boosts perceptions of ability and skill, so others are more likely to have faith in you or the scent when you need to win over others, especially those who don’t know you, like an interview situation.
Lavender
Often associated with relaxation, lavender is a calming, fortifying scent that will boost your confidence by reducing your anxiety and quieting your mind. It also encourages a sense of calm around you, perfect for hectic office environments.
Another way to enforce the confident nature of lavender is by picking up the color of lavender in your accessories, like I am in today’s outfit, with a purple-inspired pocket square. It’s not quite lavender, but if I wanted to have a more strong pop of lavender, I could take that out and utilize a floral boutonniere like this one.
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Outfit Rundown
Today, I’m wearing a blue sport coat with different shades of blue, a light blue dress shirt with a Mandarin collar, navy blue trousers with blue boots, and Fort Belvedere socks; and to round out the theme of blue today, I’m also accenting the outfit with Roberto Ugolini’s Blue Suede Shoes.
So, if you’d like to see this fragrance and many others and some of the other amazing accessories that we have at the Fort Belvedere shop, you can visit the Fort Belvedere website.
Scents For When You Want To Be Effortless
When you want to make it all look so easy with that charming sprezzatura attitude, turn to these scents.
Myrrh
Luminous and dignified, myrrh is relentless with excess and exoticism. With a pedigree going back a millennia, valued as a luxury good, myrrh has nothing to prove and neither will you when you wear this fragrance scent.
Vanilla
Warm and sweet, vanilla imparts joy to those who wear it, along with fond memories of home and a general feeling of contentment. Ideal for cooler weather, when we all want to feel protected, it’s especially suited to gatherings with family and loved ones.
Tonka Bean
Tonka bean is a less seasonally restricted alternative to vanilla.
Patchouli
To convey that you go with the flow, but never lose sight of who you are, consider wearing patchouli. Spicy and sweet, earthy and musky, patchouli is ready for anything, so the scent is well-suited to moments when you’re not sure what’s coming, but you want to face it with ease and class.
Apple
Tart and sweet, apple imparts a sense of fresh eagerness like a clean, new beginning. It conveys a carefree, come-what-may attitude that is sure to keep the doctor away.
Scents For When You Want To Be Introspective
Ultimately, your fragrance should benefit you as much as it does anybody else. Wear these scents to encourage a sense of self-evaluation and reflection.
Cloves
Often associated with the culinary arts, the scent of cloves produces a cozy, safe feeling. Typical of the home, it’s ideal for private moments, especially with immediate family when you want to unwind and unpack the day’s events.
Iris
Delicate and powdery, the effect of iris can vary greatly depending on your mood. Therefore, it can be worn to help you emphasize how you are feeling as you delve into your mood and emotions.
Frankincense
The smell produces an eerie, otherworldly effect, ideal for when you want to appear aloof and exotic or when you want to put yourself into a unique state of mind.
Scents For When You Want To Be Adventurous
Whether starting a big project at work or setting across North America on a motorcycle, these scents will stoke your sense of excitement.
Artemisia
The sharp and better scent is extremely popular in green fragrances; think of Green Irish Tweed by Creed, a favorite here at the Gentleman’s Gazette. An evocative of herbaceous beverages like vermouth and absinthe. As such, it conveys a sense that you’re not afraid to be daring, either in the world of venture capitalism or on a night on the town.
GERANIUM
Zesty & Floral
Being zesty and floral, geranium has a remarkable depth that gives a kick that most flower-based scents lack. Some find this off-putting, but this is ideal for when you want to convey a take-it-or-leave-it independence. For a similar but less polarizing scent, try rose.
Ambergris
This scent stirs up deep seated passions, both good and bad; making it ideal for social and romantic encounters with good friends. But, be wary of strangers or those with whom you have quarreled.
Jasmine
The muskiest of the floral scents, jasmine has an edge that sets it apart and will set you apart as someone who combines dignity and elegance with charm and a devil-may-care attitude. It’s great for dates and romantic encounters. Maybe that’s why the jasmine in Roberto Ugolini Giardino di Boboli is the favorite note of John, one of our videographers.
Fresh
Sometimes, we don’t want to smell like anything in particular. These scents are essentially a blank slate that will heighten, but not overwhelm your natural musk. Scents like these are typical of Aqua Velva Classic Ice Blue, which Preston is found to be an unexpected yet thoroughly enjoyed fragrance.
Peony
While natural peonies can vary somewhat in their scent, in fragrances, peony is consistently soothing and sweet with a fresh, unobjectionable aroma and a hint of pepper for zest. This floral scent is ideal for when you want just a hint of the unexpected. It is also elegant and refined, like for social occasions or days at the office.
Birch
The most crisp and light of the woodsy scents, birch conveys a sense of solidity but not intractionability. As such it’s an ideal everyday scent, especially in work environments.
Mint
Cutting clean through other odors, mint is like a palate cleanser, it will serve as a reset, ideal for first encounters or new beginnings; as its sharp tang draws attention and then fades to bring all attention to you.
Cardamom
Charming Scent
The warmest scent we’re suggesting in this section, cardamom, combines crisp and balsamic notes for a charming, approachable fragrance. It’s a lovely way to show that you’re open and receptive to meeting new people and inviting them to get to know you, definitely consider this scent for interviews.
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Conclusion
Now that you know more about the secrets behind scents, you can craft fragrances on an entirely new level. We hope you found this guide to be fun and informative, and don’t forget, you can always create your own personal meaning for fragrances that are just as meaningful as what we’ve covered today.
Let us know if any of your fragrances have a secret meaning to you. We won’t tell. Also, let us know if you’d like another post covering the secret meanings of even more scents.
FAQ
Do all scents have a meaning and significance?
While there can be cultural or social codings and associations for scents, the true meaning of a scent is personal and can be interpreted differently by each individual. Your signature scent should ultimately reflect your own style and personality: do not get bogged down in considerations of other meanings.
What is the significance of citrus scents in men’s fragrances?
Citrus scents are often associated with energy and vitality. They can signify a fresh, youthful presence and are typically used to convey a sense of cleanliness and invigoration.
How do woodsy scents affect the perception of a fragrance?
Woodsy scents such as cedar, sandalwood, and pine are often linked to strength and stability. These scents suggest a connection to nature and can evoke feelings of warmth and comfort.
What does the use of floral notes in men’s cologne imply?
Floral notes add complexity to fragrances. They can indicate a sense of sophistication and depth when blended correctly, providing a subtle hint of elegance and refinement.
Can spicy scents suggest a particular personality trait?
Yes, spicy scents like cinnamon, pepper, and cardamom may be tied to a fiery or passionate personality. They can denote charisma and a bold character, adding an exotic and dynamic element to fragrances.
Is there a hidden message in aquatic or marine fragrance notes?
Aquatic notes are synonymous with freshness and serenity. They often represent a clean, modern person who appreciates a sense of calm and is drawn to the tranquility of the ocean.
What do oriental scents say about a fragrance or the individual wearing it?
Oriental scents tend to convey mystery and sensuality. Rich with resins, vanilla, and spices, these fragrances speak to those who are confident, comfortable with luxury, and enjoy indulging in the finer things in life.
Do musky scents have a traditional meaning in men’s perfumery?
Musky scents are traditionally seen as very masculine. They are primal and deeply sensual, associated with natural pheromones and often serve as the base notes that provide a long-lasting foundation to a fragrance’s scent profile.
I read a study long time ago about scents. Turns out that people born in different decades have fond memories of certain scents, which are different depending upon when you were born. People born in the 1920s, for instance, recall the smell of apple pie and other homey scents in ways that following generations did not.
And we all know that daughters often are attracted to men who wear the same aftershave their fathers wore!
For me, the scents of sandalwood and oud send me into orbit. But one smell I don’t find much anymore — old building smell. It used to be you could walk into an old building, at least 100 years old, and it had a distinctive smell. Now they have been all destroyed or renovated within an inch of their life, and I never encounter that anymore. I don’t suppose gentlemen are interested in smelling to a victorian house, though.
I’m torn between Queen Anne and Second Empire. The architecture, not the scents.
I’d like to read about the different types of fragrance (ie: parfum, cologne, toilette, etc.), differences between them, which ones last the longest, best ways and locations to apply, etc. This article was very informing- thanks for the great work you guys do!
It’s amazing to me that anyone would want to have different scents for different occasions. For me it tells me that they can’t make up their mind to which one “suits them”.
I have one scent for the cool/cold months and another for the hot moths, and I definitely get compliments on both. And I don’t have to worry about whether my scent will persuade anybody what I can do or think.