Why Are Fragrances Seasonal?
Understanding why fragrances are seasonal helps explain why you might find certain scents more pleasant or irritating based on the weather. Imagine walking around on a sunny day for hours, overheating, and finally sitting down on a scorching bus to get home. You notice an overpowering smell from the person next to you; he’s wearing Xerjoff Alexandria II – a heavy oud fragrance. Sweating in the hot sun, you get irritated from the smell which otherwise you’d enjoy.
The human nose actually tends to find different notes and accords more pleasant in different heats. In our noses, we have olfactory receptors – these allow us to smell. Temperature effects these receptors and causes them to become more sensitive in the heat, and less so in the cold. Because of this, fragrances are commonly designed for certain seasons. Although perfumes are typically referred to as either winter or summer scents, this typically refers to the temperature of the weather, so really winter fragrances tend to be for winter/autumn, and the latter summer/spring.
Whilst physically our noses may change in the heat, there’s also psychological aspects to our preferences in different weather. Of course, you can wear any cologne you like at any time, but it’s similar to why you might avoid eating ice cream on a freezing day – it just doesn’t suit the weather.
That’s right, its no myth that different fragrances are better worn in different weather. However, there are some fragrance myths you should look out for.
Summer Season Fragrances
We’ve already established that people don’t find a heavy note like oud ideal in summer. So, what accords do people enjoy in the sun, and how does understanding why fragrances are seasonal help in choosing the right scent? Generally, people prefer light and fresh scents when it’s hot because they feel cooling and invigorating.
I’ve always considered summer colognes to have an energetic nature, with their lively accords matching the brightness of a sunny day. It’s like wearing a metaphor for the weather around you. Here are some of the most popular notes that tend to be found in your top summer perfumes:
- Citruses – Sparkling and exciting notes which are typically found to be the most prominent in the opening. Some of the most common citruses are: bergamot, lemon, or orange.
- Green notes – Notes like basil, mint, or petitgrain offer a crisp, natural feel that is perfect for hot weather.
- Aquatic – This accord replicates the feeling of the sea.
- Florals – Light and airy florals such as jasmine can be used to enhance the feeling of freshness.
- Woods – not to be confused with heavy/dense woods which are prominent in winter fragrances (such as oud), light woods like cedar can be used to provide a grounding base for summer perfumes.
- Fruits – Fruity notes like apple, peach, or mango can be used to bring a juicy and uplifting vibe.
Summer scents are all about keeping things light and fresh. So, next time you’re picking a summer cologne, test out some fragrances which use these notes to hopefully find your next summer signature.
If we could recommend 1 designer summer scent, it would be: Armani Acgua Di Gio Parfum
If we could recommend 1 niche summer scent, it would be: Xerjoff Renaissance
Unsure about which one? Find out about the main differences: Designer vs Niche
Winter Season Fragrances
If summer fragrances make us feel uplifted and energetic, understanding why fragrances are seasonal can enhance our appreciation for winter scents. Winter fragrances focus on warmth and coziness. Imagine this: it’s lightly snowing outside, and you decide to take a walk with a warm flask of coffee. You finally reach your favorite bench, sit down, and pour yourself a cup. As you enjoy the snowy landscape, a gentleman in his mid-30s in a suit walks past on his way home. You recognize that distinct smell. You quickly remember it’s the same scent you encountered on the bus six months ago — Xerjoff Alexandria II. This time, instead of getting a headache, you fall in love with the fragrance and decide to order a bottle as soon as you get home. The scent is rich, heavy, and dense, much like the perfumes designed for colder seasons.
Winter fragrances focus on rich, warm, and cozy notes that make you feel snug when it’s cold outside. Here are some of the most popular notes that tend to be found in your top winter perfumes:
- Tobacco – Now I know what your thinking. “I dont want to smell like cigarettes”. Dont worry, tobacco found in perfumery is like taking a whiff of the worlds finest cigars. This typically is a sweet, smokey, and dark accord.
- Spices – Heavy spices such as cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and more. Adds complexity and heaviness to a scent.
- Leather– If you want to smell rich, leather fragrances may be something you’d want to explore. Adds a luxurious and rugged element.
- Vanilla – A heavy and sweet note which is perfect as a base for a gourmand, or to compliment a spicy or woody scent.
- Woods – Where summer fragrances use these subtly to add a base to an otherwise vibrant scent, many winter fragrances have these as the forefront and heart of the cologne. Earthy and rich.
- Oud – Whilst oud is a wood, we thought it deserved its own spot on this list. Extremely rich, heavy, and slightly animalic. Due to the rarity, oud is incredibly expensive, meaning that if you want to pick up a natural oud fragrance you may be looking at spending a pretty penny.
Winter scents are all about cozy vibes. Look for fragrances with warm notes like vanilla, spices, or tobacco to get that snug and comforting winter feel.
If we could recommend 1 designer winter scent, it would be: Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Elixir
If we could recommend 1 niche winter scent, it would be: Parfums De Marly Carlisle
Unsure about which one? Find out about the main differences: Designer vs Niche