Historically, there’s been a strong gender dichotomy in the olfactory industry, with fragrances unequivocally ascribed the label of masculine or feminine. And while there can be beauty in the binary, there’s a certain charm in the way the scents of today are able to effortlessly traverse from one wearer to the next. Gone are the days of powdery florals and fruity notes for women and heady woods and leathery notes for men; the new breed of gender neutral fragrances is equal parts evocative and experimental, with progressive noses and fragrance houses looking beyond the binary to create wearable scents for all.
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Not only do these gender neutral scents blend the best of both worlds, they also consider unconventional approaches that defy the norm. The 9 best gender neutral fragrances can be shared between him, her, and them — but they’re so good you’ll want to keep them all to yourself.
1. Byredo Unnamed
Now, doesn’t this just sound cool? This unisex fragrance by cult-favourite indie fragrance house Byredo has been left deliberately unnamed, allowing the wearer to select the name for themselves. Clean yet warm, Byredo Unnamed is a woody scent that sees herbal gin and bright pink pepper open into a heart of powdery violet, underscored by fir balsam and tree moss.
2. Who Is Elijah His | Hers
It’s all in the name with this one. Sandalwood and cardamom take centre stage in this gender neutral fragrance, complemented by bright bergamot and violet on a base of cashmere musk and oud. Grounding yet sexy and intoxicating.
3. Vilhelm Parfumerie Morning Chess
Inspired by early mornings on the Swedish coast, Vilhelm Parfumerie Morning Chess is crisp, warm, and just a little erudite. Bergamot and verdant notes meet earthy patchouli, with a base of Tuscan leather and amber imbuing the scent with warmth.
4. Maison Margiela Under The Lemon Tree
A decidedly summertime fragrance, Maison Margiela Under The Lemon Tree is a gender neutral fragrance defined by sharp citrus notes that intermingle with green notes of lime, coriander, and tea leaves. A base of cedarwood and white musk lends the scent a hint of clean sensuality.
5. Calvin Klein Everyone
Calvin Klein has long been pioneering the unisex fragrance and Everyone is no exception. This vegan scent is fresh and vibrant. A heart of black tea is complemented by an orange opening and an earthy base of vetiver, resulting in a fragrance quite literally made for everyone.
6. Non Gender Specific Flooid
A skin and personal care line designed for all, Non Gender Specific was founded on the basis of removing gender binaries from the shopping experience. Non Gender Specific Flooid is the label’s hero scent; a warm, woody fragrance with notes of orange and grapefruit with undertones of amber, patchouli, vetiver, and oud.
7. Jo Malone Earl Grey & Cucumber
Two British afternoon tea mainstays unite in Jo Malone Earl Grey & Cucumber, with the bergamot notes characteristic of Earl Grey meeting the cool succulence of cucumber. Underscored by a sweet base of vanilla and musk, this scent is cool and refined.
8. Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille
Adored by Harry Styles, lovers of Harry Styles, and those who like tobacco and vanilla, Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille is an impossibly rich and sexy scent inspired by the spice and cognac-laden aromas of a classic private gentleman’s club. Don’t let the gendered inspiration put you off; Tobacco Vanille smells great on everyone, with tonka bean, vanilla, cocoa, and dried fruit accords tempering the heady spirit notes.
9. Flâner Fragrances Yakisugi Wood
A transportive scent that draws inspiration from the ancient Japanese art of wood preservation with fire Flâner Fragrances Yakisugi Wood is simultaneously familiar and nuanced. Lavender and sage open up to a heart of teak and buddha woods, blue cypress, and Angelia root. Base notes of earthy vetiver, cedarwood, tobacco, and musk contribute to a warm scent with impressive sillage and longevity.
Words by Theo Rosen
Cover & feature image courtesy of Domenico Falso and Pasquale Autorino
