8 Best 1970’s Men’s Colognes (70s Colognes You Can Buy)

Fabergé Brut Cologne Review

Brut was a luxury cologne back in the 70s. Celebrities also endorsed it, and rumor has it that even Elvis Presley, the King, wore this cologne.  

A classic barbershop fragrance, this is similar in structure to most classic aromatic fougeres with a definitive floral scent profile. It’s known for its distinctive, iconic notes. 

The opening notes consist of a bold blast of fresh lavender, citrus, basil, and anise accords. Heart notes are a combination of geranium, jasmine, and ylang-ylang, while oakmoss, vanilla, and sandalwood make up the fragrance’s base. 

The anise is the special component that makes this cologne so unique. It adds a hint of spice, differentiating Brut from other aromatic fougere colognes.

While it’s great for a crisp, fresh feel after grooming, Brut’s longevity might not impress. It’s more of a personal, at-home scent for me – a nostalgic trip that doesn’t linger too long. 

Ralph Lauren Polo Green Review

Released in 1978, the Ralph Lauren Polo Green is a timeless classic developed by perfumer Carlos Benaim. The legendary fragrance is still hugely popular, and very few men would say they’ve never worn or smelled it.

Polo Green is a woody chypre that features green notes from juniper, oakmoss, pine, cedar, and leathery notes thanks to leather and patchouli.

It also contains spicy flavors from pepper, tobacco, and coriander. The heavy base notes of oakmoss, tobacco, and patchouli make this fragrance stand out.

Polo Green, with its blend of piney green, woody, and tobacco notes, exudes a timeless masculinity. However, I’ve noticed a change in its performance over the years. While it used to be a powerhouse, now it’s more moderate, with a duration of around six to seven hours instead of the once robust 10 to 12 hours.

Karl Lagerfeld Classic Review

Lagerfeld Classic ranks among the earliest oriental woodsy fragrances. Released in 1978, the scent was packaged in an elegant decanter designed by Karl Lagerfeld himself. 

The late Karl Lagerfeld was a German perfume designer, and this was his first male fragrance.

This vintage cologne features a pleasant musky aroma characterized by a robust spice and resin base with a touch of pepper.

It kicks off with a bright blast of green herbs and citrus top notes, followed by an oriental twist of sandalwood and tobacco. These heart notes are accentuated by traces of rose and jasmine, adding subtle hints of romance. Finally, oakmoss, amber and vanilla usher in the base.

It’s not a fragrance for everyone, especially those inclined towards modern, sweet, or fresh scents. Instead, it caters to individuals with a penchant for vintage and classic fragrances that defy contemporary trends.

This powerhouse of cologne boasts longevity and a potent projection. Though the scent is rather subtle and may vary depending on the wearer, it smells amazingly sexy, making it a perfect signature scent.

In terms of longevity, “Classic” clocks in at around five to six hours, which, given its Eau de Toilette concentration, is reasonable. It may not compete with the endurance of some modern powerhouses, but it holds its own in the context of its era.

Jovan Musk for Men Review

Jovan Musk is a luxurious men’s cologne from the 70s that was created by the perfumer Murray Moscona.

This masculine floral fragrance was released in 1973. It has an intoxicating mix of lavender, spices, and citrus accords that result in a truly irresistible scent. It boasts an intense, spicy, sweet scent that’s not overpowering. Indeed, the projection is relatively moderate.

The best words to describe this throwback cologne are warm, powdery, and musky. A sniff of this fragrance reveals powerful carnation notes. The scent evolves with lavender and amber accords, finally settling into a clean, musky aroma.

The performance is commendable, offering an hour of strong projection and four to five hours of longevity, making it ideal for colder seasons like fall and spring.

There’s absolutely no reason why this fabulous cologne shouldn’t be in your fragrance collection. It has withstood the test of time and still smells great today. Besides, it makes a great blind buy since it won’t hurt your pocket.

Old Spice Classic Aftershave Review

Old Spice was a luxurious cologne back in the day. Albert Hauck was the nose behind this aftershave from the 70s. 

Interestingly, Old Spice was initially created as a women’s fragrance in 1937 by Shulton Company. It was so successful that the company formulated a male version of it the following year which was an instant hit.

The Old Spice Classic Aftershave contains unique components that result in its cool, crisp, and spicy formulation. It opens with a zesty burst of citrus while the heart mellows to a floral bouquet featuring jasmine and carnations. Cinnamon spices add their rich notes to the woody amber base, which trails off with a vanilla flavor.

You can wear this warm and fresh scent almost everywhere, season wise I’d say its best for fall and winter. Its aroma reminds one of a dependable, hardworking man who loves taking care of his family. 

This cologne might not be appropriate for young men. It’s not that potent and will only last about 4 hours, though it doesn’t fade entirely. Hence, it’s an endearing, timeless scent that makes the perfect scent.

Givenchy Gentleman for Men EDP Review

Gentleman Eau de Parfum opens with a bold hit of black pepper, creating a spicy burst accompanied by a touch of lavender.

The initial 5-10 minutes might be intense for some due to the strong spices, but I personally enjoy it. The fragrance transitions into a warm, amber-like feel, with powdery Oris notes mixing seamlessly with dark, sweet resinous vanilla, Tolu balsam, and benzoin.

The fragrance features a well-balanced sweetness, leaning towards the darker, balsamic side rather than a synthetic, bubblegum sweetness.

Comparisons are often drawn to Dior Homme Intense and Valentino Uomo Intense. While they share a similar style, each has distinct characteristics. Dior Homme Intense leans more formal with a noticeable iris makeup note, while Valentino Uomo Intense introduces a prominent leather note. Gentleman Eau de Parfum stands out for its versatility, making it suitable for various occasions.

In terms of performance, it excels with above-average longevity and projection. It easily lasts throughout a workday or evening, making it a reliable choice. The fragrance is ideal for fall and winter, leaning slightly more formal but adaptable to both daytime and nighttime wear.

Dana English Leather Review

English Leather is a woody fragrance that was launched before the 1970s (in 1949, to be exact) but found mass appeal during this decade. It’s rough, rugged, and uncomplicated. 

Originally known as “Russian Leather” the name was changed to “English Leather” in 1949 when the scent was brought to the U.S. 

The cologne’s opening is striking. Fresh citric notes from lemon and orange blend well with bergamot. Next, calm heart notes creep in, followed by a dry grassy aroma and deep woodsy accords. Ultimately, the fragrance evolves into a warm, soft, and powdery leather.

This fragrance is best suited for the cooler months, perhaps autumn, winter, and early spring. It leans towards a more mature audience, 35 and above, given its strong and masculine character. I’d categorize it as a daytime fragrance, not ideal for special occasions, dates, or the office due to its potentially polarizing nature.

English Leather lasts reasonably long (6-10 hours). While the leather notes remain prominent, you can also smell the delightful oakmoss as well as subtle traces of honey. It’s best to wear this scent during the colder winter months.