Not only does a summer fragrance need to keep you fresh the whole day long, but it also needs to cope with the impact of heat. You see, many fragrances just aren’t designed to last in hot weather. They might be too light, fading into oblivion after an hour of wear, or, as the days warm up, skin chemistry might change the overall aroma. That trusty bottle you swear by for most of the year can smell completely different when the mercury hits 30℃ - and not in a good way.
There really is a science to choosing a summertime scent, but thankfully you don’t need a chemistry degree to find a fragrance that works for you. In fact, we’ve done all the heavy lifting, creating this list of 7 of the best summer fragrances for 2022. So, whether you’re buying for yourself or are treating the man in your life to something special, you can be confident that you’ll find the perfect perfume below.
Prada Luna Rossa Ocean EDT
The Luna Rossa fragrance range by Prada has long been a favourite for its refreshing, invigorating scent that takes you from office to boat party with ease. But, when it comes to summer fragrances, Prada Luna Rossa Ocean EDT is the pick of the bunch.
An aromatic, herby fragrance with a citrusy kick, Luna Rossa Ocean will transport you to the Italian coast. The key notes are lavender, bergamot, iris and sage, with a soft base of musk. An absolute crowd-pleaser, it’s universally enjoyed and can be worn day or night.
Valentino Born In Roma Yellow Dream Uomo EDT
While not quite a unisex scent, Valentino Born In Roma Yellow Dream Uomo is perfect for the modern man who doesn’t gravitate toward the traditional fragrances his father would have worn.
Sweet and spicy, this scent cleverly transitions from Spring through Autumn, with just enough juiciness to counteract the sharper notes. The profile includes notes of pineapple, mandarin orange, gingerbread, ginger, cinnamon, vanilla, cedar and spices - a gourmand combination that would probably make a delicious cocktail and definitely makes a fantastic fragrance.
HUGO BOSS Boss The Scent For Him
Who said summer scents couldn’t smell like a leather-bound book? Not Hugo Boss, that’s for sure. Boss The Scent For Him is a spicy, aromatic fragrance that packs some of your favourite wintertime notes into a versatile perfume for wearing year-round.
Ginger and iris are balanced with a woody, leather base and the inclusion of a very unique note - maninka. Other than the Boss The Scent range of fragrances, maninka can be found in only a handful of other perfumes. The fruit of a tree colloquially known as the snuff-box tree, it has a dried fruit aroma that is said to be an aphrodisiac.
Viktor Rolf Spicebomb EDT
When it comes to masculine fragrances, Viktor Rolf Spicebomb EDT epitomises the genre. Described as “a weapon of mass seduction”, this spicy, cinnamon scent wasn’t created for wallflowers.
The first notes that hit you are tobacco leaf and cinnamon, quickly followed by pepper and leather. Grapefruit, bergamot and chilli give the scent a burst of freshness, balancing out those heavier notes. A complex fragrance that’s definitely worth trying for yourself.
Yves Saint Laurent Y Men EDP
One of YSL’s best-selling scents for men, Y Eau de Parfum embodies all the qualities of a great summer fragrance. Aromatic, woody and with both green (fresh) and blue (aquatic) notes, it’s a universally adored fragrance that you’ll never grow tired of.
Juicy green apple and bergamot are joined by sun-soaked sage and juniper berries to create a feast for the senses. The fragrance is grounded by cedar, amber and tonka bean, with a little spice courtesy of ginger. The French countryside - bottled - Y Eau de Parfum is the perfect backdrop for all your summer adventures.
Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Le Beau EDT
One of the most recent additions to the Jean Paul Gaultier collection, Le Beau Eau de Toilette, is a straightforward summer scent, perfect for those looking for a simple, easy-to-wear fragrance.
Sweet and exotic, Le Beau consists of just three notes: bergamot, coconut and tonka bean. The resulting fragrance is fresh, seductive, and the perfect accompaniment to those long summer days and tropical evenings.
Giorgio Armani Armani Code EDP
2021 might not have brought us much to celebrate, but the relaunch of Giorgio Armani’s most popular men’s fragrance can be counted among the few blessings. The reimagination of the 2004 original was met with critical appraise, with some even claiming it's even better than the original.
Armani Code is a signature-worthy scent, rich in notes of aromatic lavender and citrus. With a similar base as the original, tonka and suede dominate, this time joined by the addition of vanilla, cedar and musk. Practically perfect in every way.
Browse our full range of men’s fragrances at Fragrance Direct.
