This story originally appeared in Volume 6 of B.H. Magazine, pre-order your copy of Volume 7 now.
The word “floral” rarely appears in men’s fragrance marketing – flowers, apparently, threaten masculinity. And yet, nearly every cologne you’ve ever worn contains florals. The difference? We’ve simply agreed that certain flowers are acceptably masculine.
Thankfully, the fragrance world is moving past that nonsense. The rise of unisex and genderless scents has opened up a world of possibilities for curious-minded wearers. What better time than summer to dive into the vibrant florals you’ve been missing?
Les Indemodables Oranger Sirocco
The difference between orange flower and neroli is purely in the extraction, but the result is two distinct aromas. Orange flower is sweeter, less woody, with a subtle leather undertone. Oranger Sirocco brings this warm heart forward with spices that almost read as cola.
Etat Libre d’Orange Jasmin et Cigarette
This smells like jasmine smouldering in an ashtray. French house Etat Libre d’Orange blurs perfume, art, and satire – and this is them at their best. Tobacco, hay, and cumin amplify that dirty-sheets allure: jasmine’s clean-meets-filthy duality, minus the regret.
Amouage Epic Woman
Unlike Western culture’s aversion, Middle Eastern men have embraced florals for centuries – especially rose. Amouage does it best: powerful, opulent, and never soft. Epic Woman (ignore the name) is a masculine masterpiece, with cumin, tea, and incense giving way to a smoky, woody dry down that captures rose at its most mysterious, meditative, and enduring.
Hermès Violette Volynka
Violet and violet leaf create one of the more fascinating floral combinations: powdery and green, respectively. Paired with leather, they shift from watercolour lightness into an addictive, petrol- like accord. Dior’s Fahrenheit pioneered this years ago, but Hermès refines it, softening the leather so the violet top notes linger longer. A rare leather scent light enough for warm weather.
Essential Parfums Velvet Iris
Iris is unique – simultaneously powdery, woody, fresh, earthy, and dry. Few flowers are as complex, and in our view, it’s the best floral note for masculine scents. Velvet Iris captures every facet, using galbanum, pink pepper, tamarind, and leather to build a rich iris soliflore – a perfume built around a single floral note. The finish is warm and woody.
Nautica Voyage
At under $30, Nautica Voyage shouldn’t work this well – but it does. Released in 2006, it pioneered an idea no one’s successfully copied: pairing lotus and mimosa with crisp green apple, anchored by cedar and musk. Fresh but not generic, floral but not safe, and not much more than your average pub schnitzel. A gateway floral that punches well above its weight.
Creed Royal Mayfair
At the end of 2024, Creed rereleased this iconic fragrance with a contemporary twist: more eucalyptus and bergamot up top, tuberose and jasmine joining rose at the heart. The result is a fresh, invigorating aquatic-floral that lifts the spirits. Translation: it smells bloody good all day. Put down the Aventus and wear this instead.
Dries Van Noten Fleur du Mal
Named for Baudelaire’s poetry and created by industry wunderkind Quentin Bisch, Fleur du Mal centres on the osmanthus blossom. If you’ve had a great pét-nat, osmanthus has similar energy: floral tea, peachy heart, leather dry down. Fleur du Mal magnifies each phase – peach sweetens the opening, jasmine lifts the floral middle, and suede smooths the finish. Mouthwatering
Frédéric Malle Carnal Flower
Chances are, you’ve smelled tuberose on countless women. It projects like that friend with no concept of an inside voice – great fun, just not in confined spaces. Carnal Flower evens out the volume, adding depth and bass. Coconut and melon add tropical touches, while eucalyptus keeps sweetness in check. Deep in the dry down, animalic notes and musks anchor the scent.
Penhaligon’s Highgrove Bouquet
According to Penhaligon’s, then-Prince Charles collaborated with them to capture his country retreat, Highgrove Gardens, in full spring bloom. Charles,
we didn’t know you had it in you. Powdery mimosa lifted by linden blossom (lime tree) with a soft cedar base. Like wearing cream linen, drinking Pimm’s, and playing croquet on a sunny afternoon
If you enjoyed this wrap-up of Boss Hunting’s favourite floral fragrances, you might enjoy our other fragrance guides below:
- These Summer Fragrances Are Fresher Than Your First Ocean Dip
- Memory In A Bottle: Rare Fragrances That Allow You To Bring The Holiday Home
- Capturing Cosy: The Rare Fragrances That Make You Feel Like You’re Home
- The Unmatched Depth (And Prices) Of High-End Natural Fragrances
- The Best Winter Fragrances Right Now
