When it comes to wearing fragrance, who are you really trying to please? Yourself, others, or both? We recently asked this question in our Brotherhood of Scent Community on Skool, and the results were fascinating.
With 72 votes, the majority of men said they wear fragrance for themselves. Another 71 men admitted they balance their own enjoyment with the approval of others, while only one brave soul explicitly voted for wearing fragrance solely for others.
But the real insights come from the discussions—because while men claim to wear fragrances for themselves, their choices are often influenced by those around them. Let’s break down what they had to say.
“I Wear It for Myself… But”
The overwhelming consensus is that fragrance is a personal experience. Most men wear scents because they enjoy the way they smell, but that doesn’t mean they ignore the opinions of others.
“I have to enjoy the scent, but my spouse has a big influence if she doesn’t like it.” — Roland W.
“I love to smell good myself, other people come as a bonus.” — William N.
“While I do not ever want to offend anyone around me, or my wife most importantly, I wear fragrances almost entirely for myself.” — Scott R.
This sentiment was echoed throughout the discussion. The general rule? If a fragrance makes you feel good, you wear it. If it gets compliments, even better.
However, there’s a limit. As Mike P. put it:
“I can guarantee no one on here is going to wear their favorite fragrance to social outings or work if they’re the only one who likes it and everyone else around them finds it repulsive. So ‘just for me’ is a lie we tell ourselves.”
Even those who say they wear fragrance exclusively for themselves admitted that outside opinions can shape their choices over time.
The Influence of Loved Ones
Many men admitted that while they prioritize their own taste, their spouse or partner plays a major role in what they actually wear day to day.
“If I don’t like it, I’m not wearing it… but if I like it and my spouse likes it, I will wear that fragrance more often.” — Alora D.
“My wife plays a big role in how often and where I wear a scent.” — William B.
“Happy wife, happy life! I won’t wear something she doesn’t like if she’s around.” — Scott A.
For many men, fragrance is a collaborative experience—they wear scents they enjoy but will opt for their partner’s favorites on date nights or special occasions.
The Balance Between Self and Others
Some men approach fragrance with a balanced mindset, choosing scents they love while also considering how others will perceive them.
“What I pick mostly revolves around how I’m feeling that day. So, from that standpoint, it’s for me. But I like compliments. If something gets a positive response, it increases the chances I’ll reach for it.” — Raymond R.
“I certainly need to appreciate the smell on myself to add self-confidence, but I also want to present well to others.” — Michael D.
“I wear what I like to smell, but I can’t lie—I do try to wear something more crowd-pleasing when going out.” — Landon L.
This approach aligns with how many men curate their scent wardrobe—choosing a mix of fragrances that appeal to their personal tastes but also selecting specific scents for social settings where impressions matter.
A Few Exceptions: Wearing Fragrance for Others
Though nearly all men put their own preferences first, there were a few who openly admitted that their fragrance choices are primarily for others.
“The reason why I overspray is so that others get to smell me. I want to announce that I’m there, that girl with a good smell.” — Kimi N.
“As a single man, I am looking to at least get the ladies’ attention.” — Robert T.
These responses highlight a more strategic approach—using fragrance to create an identity, stand out, or attract attention in social settings.
Final Thoughts: The Truth About Fragrance and Who You Wear It For
At the end of the day, fragrance is a deeply personal experience, but it’s almost never worn in isolation. Whether for confidence, attraction, or simple enjoyment, most men recognize that scent plays a role in both self-expression and social interaction.
So, who do you wear fragrance for? If you’re like most men in our community, it’s a balance—first and foremost for yourself, but always with an awareness of the impact it has on those around you.
Do you agree with the results? Click here to join Brotherhood of Scent and share your opinion!