10 Best Perfumes for Men UK 2024 | Dior, Tom Ford and More

A classic Italian cologne created in 1916, we've picked Acqua di Parma's Colonia Eau de Cologne for some turn of the 20th century sophistication. Despite being a heritage fragrance, you'll find it refreshingly distinct from other men's perfumes on the market, with notes of citrus, rose and lavender keeping it light and floral. 

The striking yellow packaging also makes for a great gift, and if you find yourself really digging this one, you'll be pleased to know it comes as part of a range of men's grooming products! 

This signature fragrance from Tom Ford combines woody notes with exotic spices and cardamon for a mature, sensual Eau de Parfum of exceptional quality and staying power. This fragrance is indulgent, and perfect for anyone who is looking for a rich and bold signature scent. 

We'd say it's a spoil-yourself designer choice that really makes an impact. This perfume is well suited to evening wear due to its smokey and exotic notes which evoke incense-filled temples. 

In spite of its modern-day adventurer aesthetic, there's something surprisingly bohemian about Mont Blanc's Explorer. This fragrance is characterised by woody, herbal notes coming from sage and patchouli with just a hint of leather that develops over time.

Explorer is often compared to Aventus and while the two have a lot in common, think of them as cousins rather than siblings. All in all, it's a good casual perfume if you aren't a fan of overly floral or citrus scents, plus it'll stay put for many an hour. 

4711 Original Eau de Cologne is a timeless option, and a fine choice for anyone unsure where to begin their perfume journey. A quintessential spring fragrance, 4711 is blended to conjure the scent of orange blossoms coming into flower. 

This sweetness is offset with some pleasantly husky, old-worldly base notes of musk, sandalwood and cedar. As a cologne, it doesn’t have much longevity. But, its subtlety makes it ideal for freshening up during the day or for use as a base when layering with other fragrances.

Aramis was the first fragrance for men to appear in a department store, way back in 1964. This retro aftershave is far from outdated though, and stands in stark contrast to the fresh, crisp scents of the 2010s. 

It's powerful, masculine and complex, and what immediately comes to mind when you think of men's fragrance. Aramis is best worn at night, perhaps to a bar, dinner or event. Splash a bit onto the face after shaving to create a big impact with minimal effort.

Heralded as the 'niche king' of men's fragrance, Creed's Aventus is inspired by the life of Napoleon. This is reflected in its unique profile, paying tribute with blackcurrant from his birthplace in Corsica and pineapple as a nod to the emperor’s alleged favourite dessert. 

Aventus really blew up as a must-have men's perfume in 2019, and in 2021 it's fast becoming a contemporary classic with fans worldwide. This is one we recommend trying before you buy as it is more expensive when compared to other similar fragrances.

There's no denying the name Bad Boy elicits certain connotations –perhaps the leathery, spicy tobacco scent you imagine drips right from the pores of James Dean? Well, you may be surprised to hear that this rebellious fragrance is actually quite sweet!

In essence, it's a chocolatey, tonka bean-heavy perfume with a little cedar wood and bergamot, so if you were hoping for something a little darker and edgier, you may be disappointed. But, subversion of expectations aside, it's a nice gourmand fragrance that doesn't rely on vanilla for sweetness.

For those times when you just need to take the edge off a bit, body spray makes a great alternative to a standard perfume. Rock Face's Active Body Spray may be lacking in complexity, but for under a fiver, it's a good one for the gym bag.

If you're getting flashbacks to the dense musky fog of the sixth form PE changing rooms, worry not! Rock Face has opted for a much cleaner, subdued citrus fragrance with some more mature notes of coriander and cedar leaf. 

Next up, the aftershave edition of Hugo Boss' staple fragrance Boss Bottled. It's a good choice for office workers and university students, or anyone who works with others in a closed-off environment where strong-smelling perfumes may irritate coworkers. 

It's an approachable fragrance that's spicy and woody, radiating warmth without becoming too dense. Boss Bottled is also available as a cologne and eau de toilette, though we like the aftershave as it provides skin toning benefits. Just be careful of any nicks or cuts on the skin as it will sting a bit!

Dior's Sauvage is a contemporary eau de toilette, designed to evoke the feeling of wide-open desert planes with clear blue skies. Best described as one for the man who's rugged yet manicured, it's a fresh and crisp fragrance – if not a little synthetic – that lingers for a long time. 

It may not be for everyone though, as the top notes of Sauvage are bergamot and ambroxan, which produce a distinct musky smell that you'll either love or hate!