Echoes of the '80s: The Decade's Best Men's Fragrances Still on the Shelves
I was born in 1970 and became interested in fragrances in the 1980s. The 1980s wasn't just neon, leg warmers, and synth-heavy tracks; it was a remarkable era in perfumery. This decade gifted us with some timeless scents, and many of these gems are still available today, proving their lasting appeal. Let's delve into the top picks and honorable mentions in each of 10 scent taxonomy categories for scents created in the vibrant '80s.
1. Citrus (Hesperides)
Top Pick: Eau d'Hadrien by Annick Goutal (1981)
A radiant blend of lemon and grapefruit that remains evergreen in its appeal.
Honorable Mention: Boucheron Pour Homme by Boucheron (1989)
Elegant and refined, this fragrance gracefully intertwines the zesty notes of bergamot and lemon with the depth of woods, making it a versatile choice for many occasions.
2. Aromatic (Fougère)
Top Pick: Drakkar Noir by Guy Laroche (1982)
This bold and polarizing combination of citrus, lavender, and moss continues to be a staple in many men's collections.
Honorable Mention: Quorum by Antonio Puig (1982)
Herbs, tobacco, and leather create a scent that's unmistakably masculine and enduring.
3. Chypre
Top Pick: Giorgio For Men by Giorgio Beverly Hills (1984)
This masculine scent captures the chypre essence with its harmonious blend of bergamot, patchouli, and oakmoss, further intensified with the warmth of amber and musk. One of my favorite 80s scents, you can read my review here.
Honorable Mention: Santos de Cartier by Cartier (1981)
Rich woods, spices, and the freshness of juniper make it a perennial favorite.
4. Woody
Top Pick: Bois du Portugal by Creed (1987)
With its mix of cedarwood and sandalwood, it’s a lesson in timeless sophistication.
Honorable Mention: Lapidus Pour Homme by Ted Lapidus (1987)
Honey, rose, and incense blend seamlessly with robust woods, making it hard to resist even today.
5. Oriental
Top Pick: Kouros by Yves Saint Laurent (1981)
One of the most controversial scents ever produced, its unique blend of spices and resins ensures its continued allure in the modern era.
Honorable Mention: Obsession for Men by Calvin Klein (1986)
This warm, spicy fragrance, with its interplay of cinnamon, nutmeg, and amber, creates a rich and lasting impression that captures the opulence of the oriental family.
6. Leather
Top Pick: Antaeus by Chanel (1981)
Its bold leather base, combined with fresh top notes, keeps it relevant today.
Honorable Mention: Bel Ami by Hermès (1986)
A masterpiece that intertwines leather with spices in a dance of sensuality.
7. Aquatic (Marine)
Top Pick: Cool Waterby Davidoff (1988)
Pioneering the aquatic genre, its marine notes remain a fresh favorite decades later.
Honorable Mention: New West for Him by Aramis (1988)
A unique blend of aquatic notes and spices, continuing to captivate wearers. A polarizing powerhouse!
8. Green
Top Pick: Polo by Ralph Lauren (1978)
The iconic ode to the outdoors, its combination of herbs, woods, and tobacco is still cherished. Technically released in 1978, it really did not gain traction until the 1980s, basically defining the Green genre.
Honorable Mention: Jules by Christian Dior (1980)
A woody aromatic scent, it blends herbs like galbanum with deep woods, reminiscent of a forest.
9. Spicy
Top Pick: Fahrenheit by Christian Dior (1988)
A revolutionary scent upon its debut, Fahrenheit's blend of mandarin, hawthorn, and nutmeg atop a leather base creates a truly distinctive spicy-woody aroma that remains unparalleled and widely cherished. Newer versions have toned down the petrol, unfortunately.
Honorable Mention: Dali Pour Homme by Salvador Dali (1987)
An opulent scent with a spicy heart, featuring notes of basil, bergamot, and lavender.
10. Tobacco
Top Pick: Zino by Davidoff (1986)
A homage to refined masculinity, its tobacco heart endures.
Honorable Mention: Lapidus Pour Homme by Ted Lapidus (1987)
An oriental fragrance with a heart of tobacco, supported by honey, pine, and florals.
The 1980s might feel like a distant memory, but these fragrances are a testament to the era's lasting impact on perfumery. Whether you're revisiting an old favorite or discovering an '80s classic for the first time, these scents prove that true artistry is timeless.