What's new

Looking for recommendations for good (warm weather?) office cologne

G

gswearengin

Hi guys,

The title pretty much says it all. I am looking for a new cologne to wear to the office. My preference would be for something simple, fresh, and clean, not overpowering, but with good staying power. I'm thinking specifically of something for warm weather, but would also consider anything that is good for year-round.

Here are my details: I'm 33, try to tow the line between modern and classic/traditional, and certainly aim for "gentlemanly." I work in an un-airconditioned office and wear suits and ties most days (I'm still trying to figure out exactly what is allowed and appropriate for warmer weather...it can get pretty uncomfortable here).

I have been wearing Dolce and Gabanna Pour Homme, but it seems a little over-bearing for the office. I also moved to Germany a few months ago, and I've been sneezing a lot lately. I wonder if I have developed some sort of allergy that the D&G may be irritating.

I am just looking for tips and will check out as much as I can myself. I was thinking about Acqua di Parma Assoluta, but I think it's probably overkill (I am still hoping to pick some up if I can come up with a legitimate excuse). I will be in London in a couple weeks and may be able to give a few things a try there (I am thinking of T&H and Penhaligons especially, but the number of scents available from the latter is pretty overwhelming). I have been intrigued by a lot of descriptions of Czech and Speake, but I had a very brief encounter with them in person and thought they all smelled pretty similar and didn't really work for me..

Sorry this is getting a bit long. Thanks in advance!

Gary
 
Last edited:
derekzee

derekzee

assoluta is good! sales are a good excuse i got my bottle 70 off a few years ago. probably would still buy at full price but i'd use it everywhere and have a wardrobe of 1 if i did since it's too rich for my blood. in a similar mold some people like extra viele, green water and alvarez gomez colonia.

from truefitt and hill i liked spanish leather the most though it is not like assoluta. castile from penhaligons is similar. i was going to buy castile in hong kong but couldn't find the penn counter and didn't want to take a cab somewhere farther than walking distance from my hotel. maybe neroli from czech and speake is also similar.
 
Last edited:
RF1963

RF1963

I think from what you say you need to avoid the heavier colognes.

Trumpers have a West Indian Lime cologne which could be a good one for your situation. I've just bought their Eau de Cologne which from description also seems to be crisp and citrus. They also have a really interesting one called Skye. The description on the website is really intriguing but it could be quite floral. I'd like to try that before I committed to a bottle but Trumpers don't send colognes to NZ and there's no outlet here. Trumpers do a sample package so that might help you decide.

Eau Sauvage has been around for ages, long enough to be considered a classic IMO. Again this is a nice crisp cologne.
 
StylinLA

StylinLA

Vetivers are good.

A very good line to also sample is Gendarme. It's the ultimate in fresh, clean, somewhat soapy. Probably the least offensive scent you'll ever run into. Can't imagine anyone being put off by it. Reportedly, it's the "go to" scent for a lot of politicians as a result.

My preference is Gendarme 20, which has a fresh pressed shirt smell with a bit of lavender. It's also a bit more long lasting than the original Gendarme. Gendarme V has a bit of vetiver.

There is a new Gendarme EdP which I have not tried yet. It is based on the original Gendarme scent but is supposed to have more staying power. Being a lighter scent, all of the Gendarmes have fairly short longevity. But this EdP version is supposed last a good bit.
 
cjlutzo

cjlutzo

I've always liked Paul Smith Story for summer. Picked up a bottle in duty-free two summers ago and it has always gotten positive comments. You should be able to find it in London without too much trouble. It's hard to describe, but just seems "summery." Dominica bay rum is nice, as is the Pinaud version, if you want to smell like an old salt. I'll splash on one of those for a cookout or a nighttime cruise on the boat. Good luck.
 
barneyb

barneyb

I would recommend Green Valley from Creed. It is what You describe and not many people wear it. It really shines in the middle and dry down. I would also recommend Millesime Imperial by Creed. It is excellent but somewhat lacking in longevity and is an excellent summer scent. More along aquatic lines. You can always reapply if needed or hit Your clothes(as I do) for better longevity. I find Creeds very natural smelling and not as in your face as mainstream fragrances. I am new to frags and seem to be gravitating towards the Creed house. YMMV of course.
 
Last edited:
tsmba

tsmba

I agree on the vetyvers mentioned. My personal summer favorites include any of the AdP Colonia line, Chanel Pour Monsieur, C&S Neroli (or Pen's Castile).
On the inexpensive end of the spectrum, Azzaro Chrome is very nice.
 
The Knize

The Knize

Thanks for writing in, gswearengin, and welcome.

The advice being given seems good to me, as do your initial thoughts. I would not give up on the C&S summery scents unless you are sure. I am thinking Neroli, Citrus Paradisi, and Oxford & Cambridge. Any of the Acqua di Parmas and the closely related Santa Maria Novellas. If you were in the States I would be recommending Brooks Brothers Country Club.

Just lately I am liking Pdn Cedrat edc, a very lemony scent.

There are really probably thousands of summery scents, and I am not one to make big distinctions between seasons for scents!
 
Bloomey

Bloomey

The trumpers lime is a very sharp but pleasant choice, however proraso aftershave has a good clean smell. One drawback is that both of these have scents that don't last long, maybe a couple of hours max
 
Danuhoh

Danuhoh

Creed Millesime Imperial
Creed Green Irish Tweed
Creed Erolfa

All are very light and good for the office. The Gendarme is a good suggestion; I am thinking about picking up Gendarme Skye. Finally, I think Hugh Parsons worth a try too. Quite English!
 
Wingnut

Wingnut

Since TheNid Hog is on sabbatical, it falls to me to mention Bowling Green by Geoffrey Beene. An inexpensive, though discontinued (but still readily available) cologne that punches well above it's weight. Citrus bomb opening, with heart and base notes of woods. A bit formal without being stuffy. All this for under $20 for a big bottle.
 
G

gswearengin

Thanks for all of the tips, guys! I will see what I come across...might even make a quick stop by one of the better "Parfumeries" in town today and do a little investigations.

I have tried Guerlain Vetiver and liked it, but it seemed a little too "sharp" or something on me. I was already having a bad allergy day when I tried it, but it seemed to make me sneeze. I never had allergy problems before moving here...

I am put off by the price of the Creed stuff, but will check it out nonetheless. Maybe it will be as comparatively inexpensive as AdP is here (I've seen it for about 60 Euro).

Lots of good info here, thanks!

Gary
 
B

BarryR

gswearengin said:
...I have tried Guerlain Vetiver and liked it, but it seemed a little too "sharp" or something on me.
Click to expand...
I love Vetivers and the sharpness is part of what I like. Some are "warmer" though (I've read here that they can use the root or the leaf; I think the former is more rooty/warm and the latter more crisp, but I'm not sure).

You might want to give L'Occitane Vetiver a sniff at one of their stores. To my nose it's a little sweeter and less sharp than some others.
 
djh

djh

I have just bought some Guerlain Vetiver today and I think that it is a fantastic scent- not overpowering at all so perfect in the office environment. For summer colognes, I tend to like citrus; Hermes Citron Vert, C+E WI Limes etc.
If you have some time in London it should be fun to go shopping. A little research beforehand can make your time that much more productive. I know that personally, after testing a handful of scents, I tend to run out of patience.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

hudson_macbeth
Question for the masses about opus 1870
Replies
5
Views
1K
sarimento1
sarimento1
tropic
Recommend a Mild, Smooth Razor that Isn't a Henson?
2 3 4
Replies
75
Views
6K
Shavist
Shavist
BoSox15
Hair Product Recommendations
Replies
3
Views
613
Pacman225
Pacman225
Scaramouche
Farm House North - Havana Nights
Replies
3
Views
577
Scaramouche
Scaramouche
CPTdeLos
First SE Razor Recommendations - Not Vintage
2
Replies
22
Views
3K
sidpost
sidpost
Top Bottom