10 Best Colognes for Older Men

Best Colognes for Older Men

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Finding the best cologne for older men may seem like a challenge, especially when so many products are marketed towards a younger audience.

However, in reality, there is an abundance of great options on the market, from sophisticated scents that are suitable for men of all ages, through to more dedicated old men’s fragrances.

Whether you are looking to buy a cologne for an older male relative, or you need to find the right fragrance for yourself, it is crucial to choose wisely. In this article, we explore the best older mens cologne products.

In a Rush' Round-Up

Image Recommended ProductsProduct Features Price
Giorgio Armani Acqua di Giò
  • Great for everyday use
  • Suitable for many settings
  • Pleasant, aquatic notes
Acqua di Parma Colonia
  • Very high scent quality
  • Good value for money
  • A unisex fragrance
Christian Dior Eau Sauvage
  • Excellent scent quality
  • Distinctly masculine
  • Perfect for spring and summer
Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme
  • Excellent value for money
  • Highly versatile
  • Pleasant, citrus-fresh scent
Creed Green Irish Tweed
  • Great scent quality
  • Can be worn in all seasons
  • Very good longevity
Chanel Pour Monsieur
  • Excellent scent quality
  • A great intimate cologne
  • Suitable for all occasions
Guerlain Vetiver
  • Great scent quality
  • Excellent value for money
  • Sophisticated, with spicy notes
Burberry For Men Eau de Toilette
  • Highly versatile
  • Suitable for all ages
  • Great value for money
Calvin Klein Obsession For Men
  • Ideal for fall and winter
  • Excellent longevity
  • Combines good value and quality
Christian Dior Sauvage
  • Highly versatile
  • Great projection and in-air performance
  • Very good longevity

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How to Choose the Best Old Man Cologne

When it comes to actually seek out the best cologne for older men, there are a number of factors to consider.

The price of a product is always going to be important, but it is best to think more in terms of value. After all, a cheap product that performs poorly is not going to be a better purchase than a high-quality product that costs slightly more.

Beyond issues of cost and value, buyers should consider when they are going to be using the cologne. Some products are best suited for use in professional settings, while others are more casual.

Some are intimate scents, suitable for romantic encounters, while others are stronger and suitable for situations when you want your presence to be known.

Then, issues related to performance need to be considered. For instance, how long will a particular cologne last after it has been applied? What is the level of projection? How pleasant is the scent itself? What are the main notes? Carefully weighing up all these different factors will make your final decision much easier.

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How We Test Older Mens Cologne

We have tested a variety of colognes and analyzed them, based on set criteria. This includes assessing the quality of the scent itself, the value for money provided, the longevity of the fragrance, how versatile the product is, and the level of outward projection it offers.

In addition, we break down the top, middle and base notes contained within the scent, and provide a basic overview of some of the plus points or benefits associated with the cologne.

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Read Our In Depth Reviews

Giorgio Armani Acqua di Giò

A classic fragrance, which was originally released in 1996, Acqua di Giò from Giorgio Armani is suitable for all age groups, including the more mature man, and is perfect for everyday use.
Scent
3.8
Projection
3.2
Longevity
3.3
Versatility
3.9
Value
3.6

Giorgio Armani Acqua di Giò Review

Acqua di Giò is an eau de toilette spray from Giorgio Armani, which was released in 1996. In the years since its initial unveiling, the scent has become firmly established as a popular choice of older mens cologne.

The fragrance was created by the renowned perfumer Alberto Morillas, in collaboration with Annick Ménardo and Christian Dussoulier. It can be described as an aquatic scent and it excels in terms of its versatility, as it is actually suitable for many age groups and can be worn in almost any environment, making it ideal for everyday use.

Acqua di Giò performs especially well in the spring and summer months, but it can certainly be worn in the fall too. Some of the main notes contained within the cologne include bergamot, jasmine, orange, peach, rose, violet, amber, musk, patchouli, and sea notes. Both longevity and projection are above average, while scent quality is very good.

Top Notes: Bergamot, Jasmine, Lemon, Lime, Orange, Neroli

Middle Notes: Sea Notes, Peach, Rose,, Violet, Coriander, Freesia, Rosemary, Nutmeg, Hiacinch

Base Notes: Amber, Musk, Oakmoss, Cedar, Patchouli

What we liked

  • Great for everyday use
  • Suitable for many settings
  • Pleasant, aquatic notes

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Acqua di Parma Colonia

A timeless cologne, with a rich history dating all the way back to 1916, Acqua di Parma Colonia is a versatile unisex fragrance, which works especially well when used by older men.
Scent
4.2
Projection
3.0
Longevity
3.3
Versatility
4.3
Value
3.8

Acqua di Parma Colonia Review

Acqua di Parma Colonia is the very definition of a classic cologne and it has a history dating all the way back to 1916. However, it is important to state that this scent has stood the test of time and is far more than an old man’s cologne – it is a timeless fragrance, which has directly or indirectly influenced countless scents.

The cologne itself can be described as citrus-fresh, with a clear sense of sophistication and elegance. Some of its most detectable notes include lemon, orange, lavender, patchouli, rosemary, amber, and sandalwood.

Scent quality is in the very top tier of fragrances on the market, while the product also offers good value for money and longevity. It is ideal for daily or leisure use, but can also be used for business and evening use. The product’s versatility is also highlighted by the fact that it has often been sold or marketed as a unisex perfume.

Top Notes: Lemon, Orange, Bergamot

Middle Notes: Lavender, Bulgarian Rose, Rosemary

Base Notes: Amber, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Vetiver

What we liked

  • Very high scent quality
  • Good value for money
  • A unisex fragrance

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Christian Dior Eau Sauvage

An essential addition to any breakdown of the best cologne for older men, Eau Sauvage from Christian Dior has exceptional scent quality, is distinctly masculine, and is ideal for spring and summer.
Scent
4.3
Projection
3.1
Longevity
3.3
Versatility
3.8
Value
3.7

Christian Dior Eau Sauvage Review

Eau Sauvage by Christian Dior is an eau de toilette spray, which was launched in 1966. A citrus-fresh scent, it is one of the best older mens cologne products on the market and another example of a classic that has stood the test of time.

It is also important to note that Eau Sauvage may be the very best product on this list when it comes to the pure quality of scent, and its fruity notes make it especially perfect for the warmer spring and summer months. It is also a versatile cologne, which works especially well on older men who need an everyday, leisure, or business aftershave.

Longevity and projection are both above average and one application should be sufficient to get you through most of the day. Some of the most immediately noticeable notes include lemon and rosemary, and these gradually make way for the more overtly masculine base notes, which include amber, musk, and oakmoss.

Top Notes: Fruity Notes, Lemon, Basil, Bergamot, Rosemary, Lavender, Cumin

Middle Notes: Jasmine, Rose, Sandalwood, Carnation, Patchouli, Coriander, Orris Root

Base Notes: Amber, Musk, Oakmoss, Vetiver

What we liked

  • Excellent scent quality
  • Distinctly masculine
  • Perfect for spring and summer

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Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme

L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme was released in 1994 and remains a popular choice of cologne for older men, and especially those who are seeking versatility and value for money.
Scent
3.8
Projection
3.5
Longevity
3.7
Versatility
4.1
Value
4.2

Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme Review

Released in 1994, L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme is an eau de toilette spray from Issey Miyake and can be best described as a citrus-fresh cologne, with woody notes. The product was created by Jacques Cavallier and is especially well regarded for the value for money provided, as well as its versatility.

The cologne is ideal for middle-aged men and can be worn for any season, although it works best in spring, summer, and fall. It is also a fragrance that can be easily worn in any situation without it seeming out of place. This versatility helps to place the product among the very best cologne for a middle-aged man.

In terms of longevity, the cologne performs well and should get you through most of the day without the need for reapplication. Some of the main notes include mandarin orange, cinnamon, nutmeg, sandalwood, tobacco, and amber.

Top Notes: Lemon, Mandarin Orange, Yuzu, Sage, Coriander

Middle Notes: Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Lily of the Valley, Blue Lotus, Saffron

Base Notes: Sandalwood, Tobacco, Amber, Vetiver, Cedar

What we liked

  • Excellent value for money
  • Highly versatile
  • Pleasant, citrus-fresh scent

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Creed Green Irish Tweed

One of Creed’s signature scents, Green Irish Tweed takes inspiration from the Irish countryside and is one of the best all-round colognes for older men, combining scent quality, versatility and longevity.
Scent
4.2
Projection
3.7
Longevity
3.9
Versatility
4.0
Value
3.2

Creed Green Irish Tweed Review

Green Irish Tweed is a woody-fresh cologne and one of the signature fragrances from Creed. The product was launched in 1985. It was created by Pierre Bourdon, and is said to be inspired by the Irish countryside.

Creed’s Green Irish Tweed is a great aftershave for an older man in terms of the scent quality and it is also a great all-rounder, as it delivers impressive versatility and longevity too. It can be worn across all seasons and is suitable for everyday use, leisure use, business use, evenings, and romantic encounters.

Some of the most easy-to-detect notes within the cologne include lemon, peppermint, violet, sandalwood, ambergris and cedarwood. Historically, the fragrance has also enjoyed popularity among celebrities.

Top Notes: Lemon, Vervain, Peppermint

Middle Notes: Violet, Iris

Base Notes: Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Ambergris

What we liked

  • Great scent quality
  • Can be worn in all seasons
  • Very good longevity

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Chanel Pour Monsieur

Pour Monsieur is one of Chanel’s most popular products and an excellent aftershave for an older man. It combines excellent scent quality with versatility, while also being a fairly intimate fragrance.”
Scent
4.3
Projection
2.9
Longevity
3.4
Versatility
4.0
Value
3.7

Chanel Pour Monsieur Review

Pour Monsieur from Chanel is another very strong contender for the best overall cologne for older men when it comes to pure scent quality. The product is regarded as a classic and was released in 1955.

The cologne itself was created by Henri Robert and is an aromatic, citrus-fresh scent. Compared to many of the other fragrances on this list, it is also a relatively intimate fragrance, with limited projection. Longevity is above average, value for money is very good, and versatility is excellent.

Indeed, Pour Monsieur is ideal for any season and almost any situation. Some of the main notes contained within the scent include lemon, orange, ginger, coriander, cardamom, oakmoss, neroli, and cedarwood.

Top Notes: Lemon, Orange, Neroli

Middle Notes: Cardamom, Ginger, Coriander, Basil

Base Notes: Oakmoss, Cedarwood, Vetiver

What we liked

  • Excellent scent quality
  • A great intimate cologne
  • Suitable for all occasions

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Guerlain Vetiver

Released in the late 1950s and then re-released in 2000, Guerlain Vetiver is a versatile cologne, which offers a sense of sophistication, while providing great value for money.
Scent
4.1
Projection
3.5
Longevity
3.9
Versatility
4.1
Value
4.2

Guerlain Vetiver Review

Vetiver is an eau de toilette spray from Guerlain, which was first released in 1959 and then subsequently re-released in 2000. The product was created by Jean-Paul Guerlain and combines spice and citrus notes. It remains a popular choice of cologne for those seeking a sense of sophistication and maybe the very best cologne for a 50-year-old man.

As a fragrance, it provides excellent value for money and great scent quality. It is suitable for all four seasons and virtually any setting. The cologne delivers moderate projection outwards, and longevity is well above average, with one application typically lasting for upwards of six hours in total.

Top notes include orange, lemon, and bergamot, while middle notes consist of pepper, sage, carnation, and sandalwood. These gradually make way for the base notes, which include tobacco, tonka bean, vetiver, leather, and amber.

Top Notes: Orange, Bergamot, Lemon, Neroli

Middle Notes: Pepper, Sage, Sandalwood, Carnation

Base Notes: Tobacco, Tonka Bean, Vetiver, Leather, Amber

What we liked

  • Great scent quality
  • Excellent value for money
  • Sophisticated, with spicy notes

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Burberry For Men Eau de Toilette

Burberry For Men launched in 1995 and has become an iconic fragrance. It is suitable for all seasons, can be worn by older and younger men, and provides very good value for money.
Scent
3.9
Projection
3.2
Longevity
3.7
Versatility
4.2
Value
4.1

Burberry For Men Eau de Toilette Review

Burberry For Men sometimes referred to as Burberry Classic, is an eau de toilette spray from Burberry, which was released in 1995. It is the result of a collaboration between Creations Aromatiques and Michel Almairac, is one of Burberry’s most popular fragrances, and can be described as a woody, aromatic, fresh cologne.

Although it is perfect as an older men’s aftershave, it is a cool, understated fragrance, which can easily be worn by younger men too. It is arguably best used as an everyday or leisure cologne, but it can be worn for evenings and nights. The value for money on offer is excellent, while scent quality is high.

Burberry For Men is another example of a cologne that can be used across all four seasons. Its main notes include mint, lavender, bergamot, jasmine, vanilla, amber, musk, sandalwood, and thyme.

Top Notes: Mint, Lavender, Bergamot, Thyme

Middle Notes: Oakmoss, Geranium, Sandalwood, Jasmine

Base Notes: Amber, Cedarwood, Musk, Vanilla

What we liked

  • Highly versatile
  • Suitable for all ages
  • Great value for money

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Calvin Klein Obsession For Men

Obsession For Men is a classic scent from Calvin Klein and a past FiFi Award winner. The fragrance is especially great during the fall and winter months, and is perfect for evenings and date nights.
Scent
3.9
Projection
3.9
Longevity
4.2
Versatility
3.6
Value
4.2

Calvin Klein Obsession For Men Review

Obsession For Men is an eau de toilette spray from Calvin Klein and serves as the men’s companion fragrance to Obsession for Women. It is an oriental-spicy cologne, which launched in 1985. It became one of the most popular fragrances of the 1980s and was a FiFi Award winner in 1987.

The product was created by Robert Slattery and is an especially good choice for evenings, dinners, date nights, and other social settings. In terms of performance, Obsession For Men delivers great results in terms of longevity and value for money, while the scent quality is also in the upper tier.

As a cologne, it is fairly versatile, but it is generally perceived to work best during the colder fall and winter months, partly due to its spicy qualities. Some of the most easy-to-detect notes include grapefruit, lime, lavender, mandarin orange, myrrh, nutmeg, cinnamon, sage, musk, vanilla, sandalwood, and patchouli.

Top Notes: Bergamot, Coriander, Grapefruit, Mandarin Orange, Cinnamon, Lime, Lavender

Middle Notes: Myrrh, Nutmeg, Jasmine, Red Berries, Rosewood, Pine, Clove, Sage

Base Notes: Musk, Amber, Patchouli, Vanilla, Vetiver, Sandalwood

What we liked

  • Ideal for fall and winter
  • Excellent longevity
  • Combines good value and quality

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Christian Dior Sauvage

Sauvage is a popular cologne, released in 2015, which delivers a fresh-spicy scent, excellent projection and longevity, and superb versatility.
Scent
3.9
Projection
3.9
Longevity
4.1
Versatility
4.2
Value
4

Christian Dior Sauvage Review

Sauvage is an eau de toilette spray from Christian Dior, which was released in 2015. It is a fresh spicy cologne and should not be confused with the much older Christian Dior Eau Sauvage fragrance.

The product was created by François Demachy and is said to have been inspired by open spaces. It has also been promoted via a popular advertising campaign featuring the actor, Johnny Depp, and delivers great performance in terms of longevity, while also providing well above average projection, making it ideal for when you want to be noticed.

Scent quality is high and the cologne performs especially well in the air, meaning it will provide a pleasant experience for others. The main notes include bergamot, pepper, patchouli, vetiver, pink pepper, and ambrox. The cologne can also be worn at any time, throughout the whole year, owing to its superb versatility.

Top Notes: Bergamot, Pepper

Middle Notes: Pink Pepper, Vetiver, Patchouli, Geranium, Lavender

Base Notes: Ambrox, Labdanum, Cedar

What we liked

  • Highly versatile
  • Great projection and in-air performance
  • Very good longevity

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