Skip to Content

4 Signs You Need to Update Your Cologne Collection ASAP

4 Signs You Need to Update Your Cologne Collection ASAP

We all know that guy. That guy who hasn’t changed his look – the way he dresses, his haircut, and even the fragrance he wears, since college. Sometimes it is hard to accept that we have, gasp, become that guy. It is fine to have a “signature” look or scent, as long as that look and scent still fit your current personality and situation. While it can be hard to let go of a scent or a look that we have been sporting for so long, there does come a point where most of us need to change things up a little.

This post may have affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission on purchases through the links (at no extra cost to you). This does not change our opinion but does help support the site. Thank you!

Updating your cologne collection can be, in some ways, considered a way to dip your proverbial toes in the waters of a new look. The way we smell can change the way we feel, act, and it also affects how people around us react. There is a lot of science that shows that, while unconscious, one’s scent plays a huge role in how attractive or unattractive someone may find you. Basically, how you smell is quite important and you don’t want to give off an incongruent look and smell, and you also don’t want to smell just like every other guy you pass on the street.

4 Signs You Need to Update Your Cologne Collection

1. You Smell the Same as Everyone Else

Well, first and foremost, if you find yourself drawn to the same scent that 90% of other men are drawn to, it is going to be hard to stand out. Nothing is worse than finding that signature scent, only to see it become so popular as to be ubiquitous. You don’t to wear the same scent as your neighbor, best friend, and that dude you pass on the way to the coffee shop every day. It can be frustrating, but if you are rocking the same smell as the rest of the world, it is probably time for a change up.

Fernweh Editions: Candles That Take You on a Journey

4 Signs You Need to Update Your Cologne Collection

2. You’re Wearing the Same Fragrance for Every Occasion

Are you one of those guys who only wears one scent? This is a common thing that guys do and it can mean that your scent can get tired. One of the things about cologne is that it is supposed to enhance the look and feel of your ensemble. Different outfits or occasions call for different scents. If you are wearing the same cologne while out clubbing as you do to the office every day, it is time to update your collection and expand your horizons a bit.

4 Signs You Need to Update Your Cologne Collection

3. Your Colognes Don’t Reflect Your Personal Style

Do you only have scents that you’ve seen in magazines? Some people buy fragrances based on branding and the associated “style” that may be associated with certain brands. However, this might not really reflect your style and you are selling yourself short. There are tons of great scents out there that are not made by the most obvious brands. There are even places where you can create a custom scent that is truly, uniquely you. If your cologne collection is akin to a branded scent counter at a mall, it might be time to look a little deeper at more boutique scents.

4 Signs You Need to Update Your Cologne Collection

4. You’re Still Wearing the First Cologne Your Mom Bought You

Is all the cologne you own something you have because someone else gave it to you? The last thing you want to do is rely on someone else’s taste to pick your signature scent. If the only cologne you have came to you in the form of a gift, chances are it isn’t really you. You may appreciate having the guess work taken out of finding a scent and might even really like it, but you are doing yourself a disservice, as you should select a scent that reflects your look and personality.

The fragrance is a great way to really pull together a look. However, if you have been wearing the same cologne since college, it might be time to look towards upgrading your scent collection. It is easy to get stuck in a rut and wear the same scent day in and day out, no matter what we are doing, but this gets old and tired.

You need variance in your scents. You also don’t just want a who’s who collection of brand names, the scents you choose should have little to do with the brand and everything to do with smell. You need to choose your own scents so that you can be sure that you are comfortable with said scent and that it really works for your look and personality.

4 Signs You Need to Update Your Cologne Collection

Evan WeissDesigner / Co-founder Dapper Confidential                 

Scent is such a primal, evocative sense but we've neglected it modern times. I've always been fascinated by the way it shapes memory, mood and connections between people. Dapper Confidential is our exploration into the world of men’s colognes — from best-of lists to the stories behind the fragrances. I hope you’ll join us!