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
  • Rich, woody fragrance
  • Great value for money
Calvin Klein Obsession For Men
  • Ideal for fall and winter
  • Excellent longevity
  • Great oriental, spicy cologne
Christian Dior Sauvage
  • Timeless classic that women love
  • Great projection and in-air performance
  • Very good longevity

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How I Selected The Best Colognes For Older Men

I hunted down those timeless scents packing notes like vetiver, leather, and oakmoss. I was after colognes that have that everlasting vibe, the kind that doesn’t fall victim to fleeting trends but instead oozes sophistication.

Balancing tradition with a splash of modern, I explored more recent fragrances that merged classic elegance with a contemporary edge. Think spicy orientals and woody florals.

Practicality was a must. I wanted colognes that could swing from fancy events to laid-back hangouts. Long-lasting scents that didn’t go overboard, making sure you’re noticed but not overpowering the room.

And I get it, older guys have different tastes. Some lean into the classics, while others want a more modern vibe. So, my final picks? They’re a mix, catering to the varied preferences of the seasoned gents, blending the wisdom of those timeless classics with a mix of modern freshness.

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Read Our In Depth Reviews

Giorgio Armani Acqua di Giò

Acqua di Giò's timeless and versatile scent, blending fresh marine notes with warm undertones, makes it an excellent choice for older men seeking a sophisticated and age-defying fragrance.
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.

It is 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.

The fragrance performs especially well in the spring and summer months, but it can certainly be worn in the fall too.

Acqua di Giò’s timeless blend of fresh citrus, marine notes, and woody undertones makes it an ageless choice for older men, offering a sophisticated and enduring fragrance.

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

Acqua di Parma Colonia's classic and refined composition, featuring citrusy and aromatic notes, makes it a splendid choice for older men looking for an elegant and timeless fragrance.
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

Christian Dior Eau Sauvage is well-suited for older men due to its sophisticated blend of citrus, herbs, and woody notes, exuding a timeless and distinguished elegance.
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

Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme features a sophisticated and invigorating scent characterized by a fusion of citrusy yuzu, spicy cinnamon, and woody undertones, creating refreshing fragrance.
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 and older 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 seeming out of place. 

In terms of longevity, the cologne performs well and should get you through most of the day without the need for reapplication.

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. Combining a classic blend of citrus, herbs, and oakmoss to evoke a refined aura.
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 may be the very best cologne for a 50-year-old man.

It is a classic, fresh, and green scent featuring the distinctive notes of vetiver, tobacco, and citrus.

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: 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.

The base notes reveal a rich foundation of sandalwood and cedar, contributing to the fragrance’s overall smoothness and providing a lasting impression that lingers throughout the day.

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.

Top Notes: Mint, Lavender, Bergamot, Thyme

Middle Notes: Oakmoss, Geranium, Sandalwood, Jasmine

Base Notes: Amber, Cedarwood, Musk, Vanilla

What we liked

  • Highly versatile
  • Rich, woody fragrance
  • 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.

Calvin Klein Obsession For Men opens with an energetic burst of mandarin and bergamot, creating a fresh ambiance. The heart reveals a blend of lavender and myrrh, combining a classic feel with resinous depth. As the fragrance settles, the base notes of amber and musk take center stage.

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. 

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
  • Great oriental, spicy cologne

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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.

Dior Sauvage is well-received by older men due to its timeless and sophisticated scent. The fragrance opens with a burst of fresh bergamot, transitioning into spicy elements of Sichuan pepper, providing a mature and refined aroma.

The inclusion of patchouli in the base notes adds depth and richness, contributing to its versatility as both a daytime and evening fragrance.

Scent quality is high and the cologne performs especially well in the air, meaning it will provide a pleasant experience for others.

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

  • Timeless classic that women love
  • Great projection and in-air performance
  • Very good longevity

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