The 10 Best Summer Fragrances For Men, From Woody To Citrus Scents

Fragrance family: Citrus, woody | Top notes: Bergamot, grapefruit, blackcurrant | Middle notes: Dry woods, cashmere wood, ambergris | Base notes: Balsam fir, spices, tonka bean 

High-end brand Parfums de Marly unveiled this summery fragrance earlier this year. From the first whiff, this scent had me dreaming of the summer sun while waiting for the winter doldrums to subside. The opening bergamot and grapefruit notes are the most prominent, and then it dries down a light, woody scent. With warmer months finally on the horizon, this bright and refreshing elixir is one to keep in steady rotation.

Fragrance family: Woody, spicy | Top notes: Bergamot, black pepper, orange | Middle notes: Cannabis, lily of the valley, magnolia | Base notes: Cedarwood, patchouli, sandalwood, amber, musk 

Despite its name, this option is surprisingly subtle and versatile (and no, you won’t smell like a weed cloud). It’s sweet and woody, with notes of pepper, sandalwood and musk. Reviewers say it’s a unique and understated fragrance that’s well worth the price.

Fragrance family: Woody aromatic | Top notes: Bergamot, pink pepper | Middle notes: Cedar, patchouli | Base notes: Vetiver, musk 

You probably know someone who wears Dior Homme as their signature scent. It’s a mainstay in the fragrance world and has thousands of positive reviews on sites like Ulta for good reason. It’s a sexy, sophisticated scent that’s suitable for any season although it has a certain brightness that lends itself well to warmer weather. Fans of the product say it’s incredibly long-lasting, so you won’t go through the bottle too quickly.

Fragrance family: Woody aquatic | Top notes: Calone, anise, mint | Middle notes: Rosemary, wormwood, jasmine | Base notes: Cashmere wood, sandalwood, tonka, vetiver

Layering scents is a common practice that allows you to create a unique and custom blend. Claus Porto’s Musgo Real Eau de Toilette Alto Mar is a brilliant solo act or layering option if you’re looking to play fragrance mixologist. It pairs well with other warm-weather scents like citruses and florals. When worn alone, you can detect hints of mint, jasmine, rosemary and vetiver.

Fragrance family: Citrus aromatic | Top notes: Tomato leaf, basil, mandarin | Middle notes: Neroli, orange blossom | Base notes: Musk, amber 

Bianco Profumo is a Chicago-based label created by a father-son duo that turns out some of the most innovative fragrances I’ve seen. This particular scent is lighthearted, fun and free—it feels summery but can still be worn year-round. It’s one of the scents I wear the most, and it reminds me of a hot summer day in the city.

Fragrance family: Citrus aromatic and green | Top notes: Bergamot, orange, mandarin | Middle notes: Oolong tea, mandarin | Base notes: Musk, fig 

Gontarski and I share a deep appreciation for Wūlóng Chá, a calming yet stirring scent that is perfect for wearing through every season. I could wear this sophisticated fragrance to the beach, the office, running errands and even just around the house. The base notes of musk and fig stand out the most, but it has hints of citrus without being too sweet or overpowering. The best part? It has incredible staying power.

Fragrance family: Woody | Top notes: Ripe hazelnut | Middle notes: Cedar, elemi | Base notes: Oak, moss

This pick from Jo Malone is a warm-weather staple for Gontarski and earns plenty of praise from customers. “To me, this cologne resembles oak leaves in sunlight and green unripened hazelnuts still hanging on the tree,” he says. It’s a simple, light fragrance for the guy who wants something understated but warm. It can be worn alone or layered, and the scent transitions easily into fall thanks to notes of cedarwood and roasted oak.

Fragrance family: Fruity floral | Top notes: Peach | Middle notes: Osmanthus, jasmine | Base notes: Suede, amber 

This floral-forward scent includes the fragrant osmanthus flower (also known as devilwood),  jasmine and amber. “Osmanthus is an underrated and fascinating note: It’s a flower from the sweet olive tree, and its scent resembles both apricot and suede,” says Gontarski. “In Fleur du Mal, perfumer Quentin Bisch makes the note come across as fruity, watery and fresh—but at the same time, it’s grounded and suede-like. I find it perfect for warm weather.”

Fragrance family: Green | Top notes: Aloe vera, green tea, Cavaillon melon | Middle notes: Cardamom, gin, tonic | Base notes: Laundry musk 

After Sun is the highly anticipated second fragrance from the buzzy brand Vacation, known for its nostalgia-tinged branding and broad range of sunscreen formulas. This scent is much more universal than the Vacation Eau de Toilette and has hints of aloe vera, green tea and tonic. The result is fun, interesting and above all—actually wearable.

Fragrance family: Citrus | Top notes: Bergamot, mandarin, orange | Middle notes: Ginger | Base notes: Ambergris 

I’m a big fan of Louis Vuitton’s Pacific Chills scent, but this spicy-citrusy summer fragrance also stands out because it leaves you smelling light and fresh without being overpowering. It’s alluring enough for a special occasion or date night, and overall exudes a certain coolness that’s hard to describe. Plus, the bottle can be engraved with initials or numbers if you’re giving this as a gift.