How many times have you sprayed on some perfume and found that the smell dissipates way too soon? It’s quite a bummer when you enjoy a certain kind of scent, only to find that it betrays you and leaves you right when you started getting along.
It is quite natural to wonder why this happens in the first place. Before you apply perfume, you must understand how long it lasts on clothes so that you know exactly what to expect.
We were curious too, which is why we did some research to understand how long perfume retains its invisible mark on your clothes as well as what accounts for differences in durability for different clothes and scents. Take a look at what we found!
How Long Does Perfume Last On Clothes?
Perfumes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, which is what makes them so unique and interesting. Spray some on your clothes and they make you instantly ready to face the day… sometimes. There are times when the scent lasts well throughout your day and others when it comes to a halt after an abysmally short period of time.
In general, there are some perfumes that last you for around 6-7 hours while others keep you smelling good for the entire day. Yet others might stick to your clothes for a few days, especially if you leave the clothes unwashed. Where is the line, then? How long will the perfume last in your specific case?
Here are some factors that end up determining the durability of the scent of the perfume on your clothes.
Oils in the Perfume
Perfumes come in various forms and scents. Most of them make use of essential oils or fragrant oils in different concentrations. They may contain these oils in a concentration of anywhere between 3% and 40%, resulting in a miscellany of results.
Those with lower concentrations of such oils are bound to last for a shorter period of time—a few hours at most. Perfumes containing higher concentrations of essential oils, however, will last you throughout the day and even for multiple days if you do not wash the clothes immediately.
In addition, the concentration of alcohol also makes a big difference here since it can help retain the scent without letting it disperse or absorb.
Material of Clothes
You might not think it, but the materials that your clothes are made from are also likely to have a say in how long they hold the perfume scent. If your clothes are soft, light, easy flowing and thin, they might not be able to make the perfume last for too long. You might have noticed this when you wear fabrics like linen and cotton.
On the other hand, materials that are sturdier, thicker and a bit heavier are more likely to hold on to the fragrance from your perfume. Materials that manage to do this include wool, denim, silk, tweed and others.
Quality of the Perfume
Alright, we admit that perfume is expensive as it is. However, the quality of the perfume really does end up going a long way in determining how long it will last.
This does not necessarily mean that the most expensive perfumes will last you for days on end, but you might still need to spend a few extra dollars (give or take) on the perfume you buy.
This also extends to the brand you opt for and the ingredients they use to produce the perfume.
Your Surroundings
Your surroundings and environment actually play a huge role here. You might have to walk out and face the music of pollution and dirt and cars passing by and the mingling smells of the city and its people. The list goes on and on. These smells can combine with the scent of the perfume, reducing its intensity in an instant.
Combine this with the sweat your body produces, and it becomes a long, hard battle to let the scent hold its ground. If your surroundings are particularly harsh, the perfume might weaken quicker as compared to cleaner surroundings.
Is It a Good Idea to Spray Perfume on Your Clothes?
It is actually a great idea to spray perfume on your clothes! In fact, spraying it on your clothes makes it last longer than on your skin due to fewer intermingling scents. On your skin, it is bound to last for 2-5 hours.
Moreover, spraying perfume on your clothes adds a degree of separation from your skin, which is great if direct application typically causes rashes or itchiness.
What’s the catch? Perfume is typically made for you to spray directly onto your skin, so it is possible that the results might not be as satisfying on your clothes. Additionally, there are some types of perfumes and cloth materials that might just not pair well, resulting in strange smells or a stain on your clothes.
Ascertain that the two are compatible before you spray the perfume.
Making the Scent Last
Fortunately, there are ways in which you can make perfume last for a long time. Take a look at some measures.
- Look for perfumes that have larger concentrations of oils and alcohol.
- In combination with your clothes, dab a bit of perfume on your pulse points too. These include your wrists, the base of your neck and the backs of your earlobes. These will ensure good heat and better workings with your body chemistry.
- Spray a bit of perfume on your accessories, such as your scarf, sweater or the like.
- Make sure you take a shower first and apply a bit of lotion or body cream to serve as a good foundation for the perfume.
- Never overdo it!
- Avoid too much contact with extremely hot or cold conditions. This applies to your perfume bottles and the clothes you wear.
The Final Whiff
Well, that was the A to Z in how long perfume lasts on clothes. Quality, material and care are all essential to making the perfume last longer so that the last whiffs are felt even at the end of the day.
Make some simple changes in how you apply perfume and you are bound to notice some changes!
