What Makes a Fragrance Unisex?
A unisex fragrance is one that is marketed to everyone instead of one gender. In practice, that usually means the scent balances notes often thought of as masculine, like woods and spice, with notes often thought of as feminine, like musk, flowers and fruit. Citrus, amber, vanilla, incense and clean musk show up often.
Perfume and Cologne for Men and Women
The labels “perfume” and “cologne” describe marketing, not who can wear a scent. Women can wear cologne, and men can wear perfume. If you are searching for cologne for women or women cologne, the unisex range is a good place to start, because the scents are built to work on any skin.
Unisex Scent Families
- Fresh unisex fragrances use citrus, green tea and aquatic notes. They are light and clean, and they suit hot weather and the office. Browse fresh fragrances.
- Woody unisex fragrances rely on cedar, sandalwood and vetiver. Dry and warm, they are easy for anyone to wear. Browse woody fragrances.
- Amber and musk unisex fragrances are warm, rich and long-lasting. They suit evenings and cooler months. Browse amber fragrances.
- Sweet unisex fragrances use vanilla and tonka for a soft, comforting feel. Browse vanilla and gourmand perfumes.
How to Choose a Unisex Fragrance
Start with the scent family you already enjoy. Read the notes and look for a mix of woods, citrus and musk if you want something balanced. Test on your own skin, because the same scent can smell sweeter or drier on different people. Try a smaller size first, and look at our travel sprays before you commit to a full bottle.
When to Wear a Unisex Fragrance
Unisex scents are easy to fit into a routine because they are rarely too sweet or too heavy. A fresh citrus-musk blend works for the office and warm days. A woody-amber scent suits evenings and cooler weather. A soft vanilla-musk is a comforting everyday choice. If you are building a small wardrobe, one lighter and one warmer unisex fragrance will cover most situations.
What to Expect From Common Unisex Note Pairings
- Citrus and musk smells clean, bright and skin-like, and it is the easiest pairing to wear.
- Woods and amber smells warm, dry and slightly sweet, with a refined feel.
- Incense and spice adds a smoky, slightly exotic edge, and it works best in the evening.
- Vanilla and musk smells soft and cozy, and it appeals to nearly everyone.
- Tea and herbs smells green and calm, and it suits daytime and spring.
Knowing which pairing you enjoy helps you shop with confidence, even when you have not smelled a bottle.
Unisex Fragrances as a Shared Wardrobe
Couples and friends often share a bottle, which saves money and makes gifting easy. If you share, remember that each person’s skin changes the scent. Test the fragrance on both of you before buying a large size, and consider two smaller bottles so each of you can carry one. A travel spray is a good way to try a shared scent before committing.
Are Unisex Fragrances Better Than Gendered Ones?
Not better, just more flexible. A gendered fragrance can be a perfect fit if you love it, and many people wear scents from both sides of the shelf. Unisex fragrances simply remove the guesswork when you are shopping for yourself or for someone else, because they are designed to appeal broadly.