Helping guys look, feel, and act their best

I like to say that it’s a rite of passage for a man to have 1) a signature scent and 2) a signature drink (or mocktail!).

Both feel like distinct tentpoles on which to hoist the flag of adulthood, and you’d hope that by now you’ll have settled on some sense of who you are and what you like (though of course, that can evolve).

These lifestyle calling cards also leave people with a lasting impression of you. Just like when an old girlfriend thinks of you every time someone orders a Manhattan, wearing a signature scent is like leaving behind olfactory fingerprints.

Who wouldn’t want to be remembered every time an old beau got a whiff of your scent, even when it’s not on you?

There’s also freedom in removing choices. There’s less to think about each morning as you gear up for your workday, and evening when it’s time to go out when you at least know what fragrance you’re going to wear. And couldn’t we all spend our energy elsewhere? Like figuring out what to wear??

Below, 9 fragrances that have serious signature scent potential for guys:

1. Byredo Bal d’Afrique, $225-330

Wear it well: Get ready because a lot of these scents are unisex, like this Byredo best-seller.

2. Le Labo Rose 31, $107-335

Another fan favorite of your gf’s, this schmancy-but-still-accessible brand is very popular for a good reason.

3. Tom Ford Oud Minerale Eau de Parfum, $160-240

Wear it well: Tom Ford’s “oud” scents now encompass a whole bunch of different unisex varieties, and I’m obsessed with at least half of them.

4. Yves Saint Laurent Y Eau de Parfum, $125-155

The signature Y scent is a bold and woody men’s fragrance. This seductive cologne is infused with sophisticated and revitalizing notes of sage and geranium and rounded out with a hint of sensual wood.

5. Jo Malone 154, $155

A fresh and uplifting mix of Mandarin, Grapefruit, Lavender, Basil, Nutmeg and Vetiver, this scent is great for a guy who wants something light.

6. Commodity Book (Personal) Eau de Parfum, $150

A certified clean scent, this Commodity fragrance has a crisp, woody essence.

7. Versace Pour Homme Eau de Toilette, $64-140

Dynamic and entrepreneurial, the Versace Pour Homme man communicates his forceful and passionate character through this decidedly masculine fragrance.

8. Creed Aventus cologne, $365

Okay yes, is this cologne wildly expensive? Sure. It also smells like what you expect Erik the Red as played in a biopic by Chris Hemsworth to smell like.

9. Aesop Tacit Eau de Parfum, $160

Aesop’s ‘Tacit’ Eau de Parfum is inspired by the fresh scent of traditional colognes and the Mediterranean coast.

The bottom line?

Don’t be afraid to experiment!

You might not find a scent that works for you on your first try. And even after you’ve found a go-to scent, you can feel comfortable breaking out from your regular routine.