Subtle, Clean, and Fresh: The Best Casual Cologne for the Office
If you think that finding the perfect fragrance is something that only women worry about, think again.
A study by FragranceTrack found that 63 per cent of men between the ages of 18 and 64 wear cologne at least occasionally. Over 20 per cent say that they wear cologne all the time.
Cologne can help you stay fresh, boost your confidence, and more. But finding the right scent is very important, especially if you plan to wear it to work.
If you're looking for a casual cologne that's perfect for wearing to the office or for a business lunch, keep reading. We're bringing you some of the best options on the market today, as well as some tips for keeping your scent fresh, light, and professional at work.
What Is the Best Casual Cologne for the Office?
Wearing the right cologne is about more than just giving off a fresh scent.
Some colognes can help sharpen your focus, boost your mood, lower your stress levels, and give you more energy. When it comes to spending long hours in a competitive office, those benefits can certainly come in handy.
But your favourite scent might not necessarily be the right choice for wearing to work.
A cologne that's too strong and overpowering might be distracting to coworkers or offensive to clients that you have to meet with. But one that's too light and fruity won't inspire confidence quite as well.
Choosing the best clean smelling cologne is important if you want to impress in the office without coming off too strong--pun intended.
Bvlgari Man in Black Eau de Parfum
Even the name of this fresh-smelling men's cologne suggests that it's perfect for the office.
Bvlgari's Man in Black is a rich, classic scent. Warm and spicy, it features keynotes of spicy amber rum, iris, leather, and tuberose. The leather adds a woody, soft undertone, while the tuberose adds an irresistible touch.
While this scent is perfect all year round, make sure to spritz lightly in the warm summer months to keep it from being too overpowering. Or, keep this scent for cooler weather and opt for a lighter cologne when summer comes around.
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau de Toilette
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Dolce & Gabbana's Light Blue is a fresh, light fragrance that's perfect for warm weather.
Inspired by the Mediterranean's warm waters and sensuality, this men's cologne combines fresh, fruity scents with warm accents for a well-rounded scent that's just as ready for an exotic vacation as it is for your next office meeting.
With a lighter spice than Bvlgari's Man in Black, Light Blue still have a kick.
Hints of Sicilian mandarin and frozen grapefruit peel give this cologne it's light notes. These are then balanced by rosemary, rosewood, and Szechuan pepper. Finally, oakmoss, incense, and musk wood make this a warm and inviting scent.
Jimmy Choo Man Eau de Toilette
The Jimmy Choo brand is perhaps best known for its daring fashions and accessories. So it may come as a surprise that their signature men's cologne is far more classic and tame.
Smooth, woody, and modern, Jimmy Choo's Man is a clean smelling cologne that's perfect for the office. It's a great choice for men who are new to wearing fragrances, or for anyone who wants a lighter scent.
This fragrance is actually the brand's first scent for men.
It features strong, fresh notes of lavender and mandarin. Then comes the fruity scent of honeydew melon, which lightens the scent without being too strong. Pink pepper, geranium, and pineapple leaf give it a bright spice.
Finally, patchouli, amber wood, and suede warm the scent for a polished finish.
Hugo Boss Boss Eau de Toilette
The double "Boss" isn't a mistake. Instead, this scent is Hugo Boss' signature cologne for men.
Called the perfume version of a classic, strong Moscow Mule, this warm, bold fragrance is perfect for anyone looking to boost their confidence and inspire respect.
Hugo Boss' Boss is punchy and strong, this scent combines ginger and spice, balanced out by delicate fruit.
It's a masculine, brave scent that you'll want to lightly apply for a day in the office. But the strong notes of leather, Maininka fruit, and ginger will carry over perfectly for an intimate dinner out.
Paco Rabanne Invictus Eau de Toilette
The trophy-shape of this bottle of cologne, along with the name, already tell you that this scent is going to be sporty and strong.
Paco Rabanne's Invictus is an earthy, fresh scent inspired by mountain tops that'll have you feeling like you can overcome any challenge.
Oakmoss gives this fragrance its body, while lighter tones of fresh-squeezed mandarin oranges balance it out and give it a tangy touch.
This is a classic scent that's perfect for wearing all day long. It'll freshen up your office look, but is also great for date nights out.
Tips for Choosing and Wearing Cologne in the Workplace
Sometimes even finding the perfect scent isn't enough to make your cologne office-ready. Learning how to apply and wear it properly is also important.
Wearing too much cologne or applying it poorly, may cause the scent to be overbearing to anyone who gets close to you throughout the day. Wearing too little will likely cause your fresh scent to fade, especially on busy or stressful days in the office.
When to Apply Your Cologne
One big mistake that many men and women alike make is that they apply the cologne or perfume to their clothing.
Often, this is because the scent is largely an afterthought. It's seen as a finishing touch that we add after we are finished getting ready to go to work or for a night out.
But applying your cologne to your clothing won't help you make the most of the scent. The fabric won't disperse the smell the same, and your cologne will likely fade very early in the day. Also, some colognes may stain or leave oil spots on certain fabrics, which could ruin your favourite shirt.
To make your scent last longer, and keep it from being too overpowering to those close to you, apply the cologne directly to your skin before you get completely dressed.
For a maximum lasting fragrance, apply your cologne just after you get out of the shower. Aim for your pulse points, including your neck, wrists, and chest.
The warmth of your skin will help disperse the scent of the cologne slowly throughout the day. You'll also enjoy the full range of scents that make up each individual cologne this way.
If you aren't used to wearing cologne, it's a good idea to test it on a small area of your body first. Some individuals with sensitive skin may find cologne too strong to wear directly on their skin.
Learn to Reapply Correctly
Even if you've applied your cologne correctly, a long, stressful, or hot day might call for reapplication in the late afternoon or early evening.
Whether you think the fragrance has faded or you just want to freshen up before a date, learning to reapply correctly is just as important.
Just as you did in the morning, it's best to reapply the fragrance under your clothing. In most cases, you can pull your shirt away from your neck to apply it, then lift your sleeves to spray your wrists.
If you do want to spritz your clothing, it's best to do so when you aren't wearing them. Otherwise, you'll likely over-spray, which can make the scent too strong.
Spritz your clothing lightly, keeping the bottle an arm's length from your clothing to avoid oversaturating. Let the cologne dry completely before you put your clothing on.
If you are spritzing your clothes, skip spraying your cologne on your body, or do so only lightly. Otherwise, the scent may be too strong, at least early in the day.
Picking the Right Men's Cologne to Wear to the Office
Any of the options on this list could make the perfect casual cologne to wear to the office.
Once you've chosen your fragrance, our tips for wearing cologne to work will help you keep your fresh scent longer and avoid overpowering your coworkers or accidentally offending a potential client.
Now that you've found a few colognes that might be right for you, it's time to start shopping. Check out our selection of men's fragrances and order your new office scent today.
