Dappered Classics – Is wearing cologne good or bad?

From the Mailbag:  Why no articles on Cologne?

Originally Published 2/26/2010

To: Dappered
Subject: Why so few cologne reviews?

I’m a new reader of Dappered, and enjoy the site much. My question is this – as a men’s style site, why are there so few cologne reviews/articles? I’m sure someone out there besides myself would like to hear more about this topic.

Thanks,

– Tony

———————————————————————————————————————————————————–

To: Tony
Subject: Re:
Why so few cologne reviews?


Tony:

That’s a really good question, and here’s the short answer:

I guess we’ve never thought to post a feature on cologne, because none of us around here wear it.

It seems like every men’s grooming product on the market already comes with a masculine scent.  By the time you execute your daily routine of using face-wash, moisturizer, hair product, and deodorant, you’ve already layered yourself in stink. Good stink, but still.  Now, I have absolutely nothing against those who wear cologne and wear it well, but it’s awfully easy to screw up.  Too little and what’s the point?  Too much and you’re “that guy.” And I really don’t want to be that guy.

Call it fear or just being cheap, but in my opinion, there’s just too much cost and risk for what very little reward I think I’d get from wearing cologne.

Besides, my favorite scent is juniper berries, pine, and ethanol.  And if I dabbed a little bit of Brokers Gin on my neck every day, people would start to ask a lot of questions.

Thanks for the email…

– joe@dappered.com

Footnote: Survey time fellas.  How do you feel about cologne?  Do you wear it?  Do you steer clear?  Can you find any good stuff cheap? And How close should someone have to get before they smell your scent?

Joe

Recent Posts

Nordstrom Anniv. Sale Sneak Peek, Bonobos HOT sale, & more – The Thurs. Sales Handful

From Target clearance t-shirts, to 43% off Brooks Brothers 1818 line Italian suits.

6 hours ago

Most Wanted Affordable Style – July 2026

Linen-wool sportcoats, UK made dirty buck chukkas, and longingly looking (very) forward to fall.

1 day ago

In Review: Banana Republic Italian Wool Signature Suits

In person with BR's flagship suit separates.

2 days ago

Steal Alert: Christopher Ward’s Summer Sale

Significant savings. While they last. Which usually isn't very long.

2 days ago

Win it: The Caravelle Sea Hunter Automatic 39mm Dive Watch

One of the best affordable watch releases in recent memory. Yours to win. Perhaps.

3 days ago

Best 4th of July Sales for Men 2026 – BR Extra 20% off, Huckberry Shorts Sale, & More

Nordstrom Rack extra 25% off clearance, Billy Reid Summer Sale, Allen Edmonds, etc.

4 days ago