Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

  • Don’t Miss Anything
  • Start Here
  • Essentials Shop
  • Latest Deals
  • Style Scenarios
  • Reviews

To wear cologne…or to not wear cologne

April 9, 2015 By Beth | | Heads up: Buying via our links results in us getting a commission, which helps keep the lights on around here. We also take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

Ask A Woman: Ooooh that smell, can’t you smell that smell?

You're hovering a bit there bucko.

If you’ve got a question that needs the female treatment, chances are you’re not b the only one who wants to ask it. Beth is our source for the answers. From opinions on men’s style to decoding the sometimes mysterious ways of women, she’ll take on a different question every Thursday. She also might provide an answer without waiting to be asked. That happens from time to time too. Click here to get to know Beth, then get in touch with her by sending your question to: askawoman@dappered.com .

 

Seems like people are either anti-scent or pro-scent, without much straddling the fence. Say hello to breakfast, boys, I’m here to do the waffling for you. Though I personally love a bit of perfume dabbed behind my ears, I understand those who don’t want a foreign smell in their nose all day long. And while there’s something delicious about catching just a whiff of scent when a dapper guy walks by, we’ve all been smacked in the face by the dude who showers in cologne. If you decide to  go scent-free, how do you still make sure to give off some appealing pheromones to potential mates? If you decide to get an assist from some artificial scents, how do you do so without becoming a human stink-bomb? Here it is, the pros and cons of wearing cologne. Decide for yourself.

To wear cologne...or to not wear cologne | Ask A Woman on Dappered.com

Sex Panther–it’s made with bits of real panther, so you know it’s good.

Wear it!

1. Other people will notice it. It smells good. Simple as that. Nothing like having a woman or man want to get closer to you to get a better smell.

2. You’ll notice it. Sometimes you need a little boost, and scent is one of the quickest ways to do that. If you’re going through a breakup, if you have a big presentation at work, if the weather is gray–smelling good equals feeling good.

3. It can be a satisfying part of your routine. You shower, shave, trim the nose hair, dab on some moisturizer, select your clothing…and spritz a bit of scent on your neck. Having cologne as part of your grooming routine can make you feel like you’re taking care of yourself and you’re ready to face the day.

4. It may impart other desirable attributes. If I’m in an elevator with a well-dressed, well-groomed man and I sniff the slightest whiff of something woodsy and exotic, I immediately think, this dude is an investment banker/hosts 4th of July parties on his yacht/has an infinity pool at his vacation home in Costa Rica–i.e., a baller. Is that a dumb assumption? Yes. Should you take advantage of the dumb assumptions people make? Yes.

To wear cologne...or to not wear cologne | Ask A Woman on Dappered.com

Smell hath no fury like a cologne over-worn.

Don’t wear it!

1. Other people will notice it. Even if you wear just a small amount, if it’s a scent a potential mate doesn’t like, it can be a big turn off. No way to know if a date or attractive stranger in a bar prefers spicy, musky, or floral notes.

2. Other people will be sickened by it. Beyond a simple preference for one scent over another, some people are seriously allergic to scents. They sneeze, itch, and swoon (not in a good way) when assaulted by perfume. You’d hate to be the one who sends someone into fits.

3. There may be a temptation to go lax on hygiene. Ughhhh, too lazy to take a shower but I’m supposed to meet the guys out in half an hour. I’ll just douse my crotch in some Bleu de Chanel.

4. You always risk applying too much. When I was 15 I accidentally doused myself in vanilla perfume. Despite trying to wash it off, people at school kept sniffing the air when I was around, saying, “Anyone else smell…Play-Doh?” Even when you’re very careful, you might end up taking a bath in it. No bueno.

5. You cover up your own natural smell. There’s often a magical combination of someone’s soap, perhaps a bit of their deodorant, the toothpaste they use, and their pheromones that add up to a scent that defines that person. A spritz of cologne will mask that special combination.

Got something brewing in your life? Send me an email’style, etiquette, relationships’I answer it all: askawoman@dappered.com

Filed Under: Grooming, Women Tagged With: Ask A Woman, cologne, perfume, scent

CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Join the discussion on Facebook, hit us up on Instagram, or reply on Threads.

DON’T MISS ANYTHING

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox. You can also follow us on Threads, Facebook, and Instagram.

NEW HERE?

Well, welcome to Dappered. Here are what we consider the most useful posts on the site if you're looking to put a little more effort into your appearance. Just want to see our favorite menswear products? Shop our essentials here.
Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Bonobos 25% off, Lorier’s Zephyr returns, & More

Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Bonobos 25% off, Lorier’s Zephyr returns, & More

Final day for BR’s 40% off.

Banana Republic back to 40% off, Rothy’s Sale, & More – The Thursday Men’s Sales Handful

Banana Republic back to 40% off, Rothy’s Sale, & More – The Thursday Men’s Sales Handful

3 Friday Updates: The Tie Bar launches free shipping no minimum, J. Crew Extra 60% off sale items, and Spier’s Peacoats are on sale.

Steal(ish) Alert: J. Crew 40% off select full

Steal(ish) Alert: J. Crew 40% off select full

It’s sort of a steal alert and sort of not. Depends on what items you’re looking at.

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

MEN’S FASHION OR AFFORDABLE STYLE?

Fashion is temporary and expensive. Style is timeless and affordable. Dappered® helps you work the retail system so that you can be comfortable, look sharp, and save money.

Want to share a great product? Email Us.
For a fit perspective, see Joe’s measurements
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

CONNECT WITH DAPPERED

Thanks! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS

MOST POPULAR ON DAPPERED

  • Banana Republic back to 40% off, Rothy’s Sale, & More – The Thursday Men’s Sales Handful
  • Steal(ish) Alert: J. Crew 40% off select full
  • Style Scenario: What to Wear to a Casual Holiday Party (nothing over $100 edition)
  • In Review: Amazon sourced Dunross & Sons Jayden Chelsea Boots
  • Style Scenario: What to Wear to a Smart Casual Holiday Party
  • Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – 40% off Brooks Brothers Shirts, Macy’s Watch Sale, & more

Copyright © 2023 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Dappered does not collect or sell its users personal information | Disclosures: Privacy and Affiliates, Gilt.com, FTC

WPE

We work with partners that use cookies to understand how visitors use our site. Find out more.