fragrances for the date
Written by GlenN Lauritz Andersson & Denis Vasilije, fragrance experts
The date is approaching and in the midst of nerves and high expectations, the inevitable question arises: “which fragrance should I wear?” A perfume is an extension of yourself and how you want to present yourself in a given situation. So how do you know you’re choosing the right one? Let us at Gents give you a few tips, based on context, setting and personality.
Summary
-
Choosing the right fragrance for a date is about matching the scent to the situation, your personality and the mood you want to create.
-
Subtle and sophisticated scents with classic, elegant notes often work best for intimate settings, while fresher and lighter perfumes suit casual or warmer environments.
-
It’s essential that the fragrance represents you – avoid overly strong or unusual scents that may distract, and opt instead for something confident and attractive.
subtle and sophisticated
This is the safest card to play. Perhaps you’re sitting at a cosy restaurant or at home in a smaller setting – maybe even enjoying a dinner for two – and that might not be the moment to go all in with the most demanding beast-mode fragrance. Subtle choices tend to work best here.
Men who prefer a more “mature” fragrance style can confidently reach for something classic – scents that enhance masculinity without becoming too heavy and that suit most personalities. Fresh and elegant creations from German Birkholz, Lophiel or LENGLIN are safe bets. Xerjoff’s classic Uden, with its sophisticated citrus wrapped in discreet, luxurious rum, is equally reliable.
For those who want a younger, more magnetic style, you can never go wrong with Creed’s iconic Aventus – the one that simply always works. For a sportier, marine expression, we recommend the energetic Adrenalyn from QOT. If you feel most at home in something darker and creamier yet still fresh and classic, reach for Benjamin Barber’s Saffron & Leather EdT (or the Intense EdP for more spice), which can also be complemented with matching shower gel.
And what about the ladies? Although many niche fragrances are considered unisex and focus more on personality than gender, there are still some excellent wardrobe choices here.
In the discreet classic category, it’s all about how floral you want to go. Perhaps you love romantic florals, or maybe you prefer fresher, neutral tones where clarity takes precedence.
A floral masterpiece on the right person is Nasomatto’s “Narcotic V”. Or you might balance florals with a fresh garden feel and unexpected woody sweetness from almond, as in Widian Rose Arabia “Almond”. For discreet freshness and powdery elegance, Byredo’s lightly floral “Mojave Ghost” is hard to beat. If you enjoy rose in a fresher, fruitier expression, masterpieces like Floraiku’s Just a Rose are beautifully life-affirming.
for those who want to stand out
As a rule, it’s rarely recommended to take unnecessary risks on a first date by overwhelming your counterpart with a fragrance bomb that may not suit their taste. On the other hand, you must feel confident in your scent. A fragrance should represent you – or who you want to be.
There are limits, of course. Experimenting with animalic barnyard scents or an overpowering smoky oud that leaves the table gasping in the wrong way will likely ensure that the first date is also the last. But there are certainly intriguing alternatives.
Why not lean into bold woods and spices, such as the outspoken saffron in Nasomatto’s “Duro” – masculinity amplified – or the business-class spiced Etruscan Water from Francesca Bianchi, a boost of masculinity and confidence. These are fragrances that make a statement without being off-putting – instead, they are deeply sophisticated.
On the women’s side, fruity and playful compositions certainly spark interest, with cherry in particular gaining popularity. Go straight for Latte di Cherry from New Notes or Cherry On Top from QOT. True fruit lovers should also try Wingwoman – also from QOT and a finalist in the Beauty Awards 2026.
Those who feel at home in sweetness and want to go further in that direction should try Italian Profumum Roma’s bestseller Acqua e Zucchero – a favourite among men as well – with its fresh accords wrapped in sugary sweetness from vanilla, orange blossom and blueberry, reminiscent of amusement parks and cotton candy.
If you prefer discreet vanilla with woody, powdery nuances, Matiere Premiere Vanilla Powder is always a safe card – stylish, elegant and not overly sweet.
Finally, for both men and women, we cannot emphasize enough one of the most successful and fascinating evening fragrances on the market – perfect for those who love character and smokier tones – namely Widian’s tribute to the metropolis, “London” from the Sapphire collection, blending incense, leather and dark raspberry. If you can carry this jewel on your date, half the battle is already won.
