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Byrdie / Alli Waataja
First of all, anyone can wear absolutely any scent regardless of the gender they identify with. Creating gender binaries is an oversimplification of life, which is by nature complex, nuanced, and messy. "Technically, all scents can be considered unisex," adds Mariya Nurislamova, CEO and cofounder of Scentbird. "However, brands would typically market fruit or floral-heavy fragrances as feminine, whereas scents featuring heady notes like wood, leather, and spices would be considered masculine."
Luckily, the current zeitgeist recognizes non-binary gender, a notion that even top marketing executives in the beauty industry have embraced. Today, anyone can wear any scent (as it should be). Keep scrolling for 15 of our all-time favorite unisex fragrances.
Calvin Klein All
"While the unisex fragrances of the '90s were defined by clean notes," says Nurislamova, "often with the odd citrus or aquatic elements thrown into play, unisex fragrances of today are bolder and take more risks." Case in point: Calvin Klein's All. With a light and refreshing profile of citrus mingling with jasmine and amber, it's an updated version of the classic unisex CK One collection.
Non Gender Specific Flooid
As social norms around binary thinking diminish, so too will constructs that govern the relationship between gender and fragrance. And what better way to illustrate that notion than with the aptly named Flooid by Non Gender Specific? Orange and grapefruit are dominant notes, while patchouli, cedar, and amber add warm, mossy undertones.
Louis Vuitton Cactus Garden
Maté, bergamot, and lemongrass combine to form this West Coast-inspired unisex scent from Louis Vuitton: Cactus Garden. Consider it summer in a bottle.
(Note: This product is currently out of stock. For something similar, we recommend one of the other fragrances in the brand's Colognes Perfumes Collection).
Chanel Paris - Deauville
Even classic houses like Chanel have added a unisex scent to their portfolio. Les Eaux des Chanel, Paris - Deauville is a fresh and exotic scent where basil mingles with Sicilian orange. One whiff will transport you to coastal Normandy, which just so happened to have inspired the scent.
Maison Margiela Replica: At The Barber’s
Maison Margiela's Replica: At The Barber’s is a modern unisex classic. And as its name suggests, it's reminiscent of a fresh haircut. Notes of leather and lavender create a woody and earthy aromatic sensation that intoxicates.
Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin
The signature fragrance for this London-based line, Jo Malone's Lime Basil & Mandarin infusion combines sweet citrus and peppery basil with notes of amber for warmth. However, in case this doesn't quite suit you, you can try any other of the brand's colognes—they're all unisex.
Gucci Oud
Gucci's Oud is a warm and spicy cologne that's intense, sensual, and above all, luxurious. That should come as no surprise since oud is perhaps one of the most expensive perfume ingredients out there. Still, so as not to overpower, the fragrance hints at notes of Bulgarian rose, patchouli, and raspberry, too.
Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille
Tobacco leaf and ginger give Tom Ford's Tobacco Vanille kick, while notes of tonka bean, vanilla, and cacao make this fragrance a sweet and savory infusion. Looking for a Febreze scent to match? You're in luck.
Lush Devil's Nightcap
Although best known for its line of soaps, Lush has a lot more up its sleeve in terms of product offerings. Take this dark cologne, for instance. Verdant and sensual, it has a luxe skin feel. Notes of orange blossom mingle with oakmoss, giving Devil's Nightcap a clean yet musky profile.
Ralph Lauren Ralph's Club Eau de Parfum
Aromatic and elegant, Ralph Lauren's Ralph's Club is a crowd-pleaser. Notes of warm cedarwood and vetiver mingle with fresh lavandin and clary sage to achieve the perfect woodsy scent.
AllSaints Incense City
Cypress, cedarwood, and incense form the warm profile of Allsaints Incense City, while notes of amber add a subtle sweetness. It's easily wearable and universally flattering.
Stüssy Laguna Beach
Beachy without relying on coconut, Stussy's Laguna smells much more like the actual ocean that a tropical paradise. With notes of Moss, cedar, white florals, and "natural marine freshness," it smells exactly how you picture a hot surfer getting out of the water would. It was made in collaboration with Comme de Garçon, so you know it's going to be incredible and a little unexpected.
Sisley Eau de Campagne
I'm not certain what the gender-neutral version of 'rich bitch' is, but it's the perfect description for this fragrance. It smells like having tea on a gorgeously manicured lawn, with notes of fresh cut grass, citrus, wild herbs, and white florals like jasmine and lily of the valley. Though it smells totally luxurious, it's the opposite of stuffy, and is a nice alternative to typical leather or woody gender-neutral scents. It's beloved by me and my boyfriend equally.
Malin + Goetz Dark Rum
I only recently discovered this rollerball, but I was immediately intrigued. The profile is warm and familiar with traces of spice. As it wears, I notice hints of patchouli and bergamot that feel more gourmand than hippie. Don't be fooled by the name, this scent won't leave you smelling like a dive bar.
Le Labo Santal 33
Considering everyone is obsessed with this scent, this pick isn't much of a surprise. What I love about it most is its diffuse woodsy profile that opens up as you wear it. The notes of cardamom are never sweet or treachly, which also appeals to my nose. My ex was equally obsessed with this scent, and when he wore it, I picked up on the sandalwood.
Glossier You
TikTok wasn't overhyping Glossier's You. The brand's only fragrance is one worth keeping stocked. It's fresh and soft with notes of pink pepper, ambrette, and iris. Wear it alone, or layer it with another one of your favorite scents for a scent that truly is uniquely you.
Maison Margiela Replica: By the Fireplace
Clove oil, chestnut accord, and vanilla accord combine to create the perfect blend of sweet and spicy in Replica: By the Fireplace. Though many opt to wear this as their winter fragrance, the subtle sweetness of vanilla makes it an easy choice for a year-round scent.
