Hot Scents

7 Great Colognes That Beat The Heat

We’ve cracked the code on light cologne for hot days — and have your next go-to summer scent right here.

by Dan Michel

July 28, 2023

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There’s nothing like a hot summer day to make you realize your fragrance isn’t working. Even if your go-to is a high-end cologne, in the summer heat certain notes — cloves, spice, bourbon — are more likely to wrinkle a nose than to entice. That’s not to say it’s time to back off scents in the heat — far from it. You just want something light, floral, and refreshing for you and those around you. Not sure where to start? Here’s a selection of some timeless favorites — and some newer, interesting scents.

01Italy’s Sun

Beauty Habit

Eau d’Italie Eau d’Italie

It doesn’t get more summery than Italy’s sun-soaked Amalfi Coast. This scent’s creators—owners of the iconic Hotel Le Sirenuse in Positano—infused native bergamot, blackcurrant, citrus, and terracotta into this fresh, straightforward scent any guy can wear.

$190

02A Green Note

Trudon

Trudon Deux

Your woody fall scent won’t work in the heat, but there’s an alternative. The cedar and pine in this invigorating fragrance is powerful yet clean, and exceptionally luxe. It contains verdant greenery that’s balanced by a moody incense back, which will diffuse throughout the day.

$240

03Ocean Deep

Prada

Luna Rossa Ocean

Heading to the beach? Prada has expanded its Luna Rossa line to include this new intense, yet sophisticated version. It channels the ocean through layers of bright grapefruit, which later gives way to woody incense, amber, and vanilla—making it one of the bolder scents on this list.

$130

04Italy’s Mornings

Arquiste

L’Etrog Acqua

Bergamot is a green orange that’s essential to any summer fragrance—and nearly all of it comes from Italy. This blend recreates a misty morning in the Italian citrus fields with supporting ingredients like patchouli, lavender, and cedar. It’s a complex fragrance that will keep those near you guessing.

$205

05For Earthy Lovers

Ralph Lauren

Polo Earth Antilles Vetiver EDP

If you like Ralph Lauren fragrances, you’ll love this farm-to-fragrance scent made with 97% natural-origin ingredients. At its core is sustainably sourced Haitian Vetiver Heart, which gives it a mellow grassy vibe that’s earthy yet clean. It’s all brought to life with calming Neroli, Sage, Cedarwood.

$106

06Capturing the Beach

D.S. & DURGA

Rockaway Beach

This limited-edition fragrance was created by self-taught perfumers behind this small NYC-based brand. They’ve somehow captured all the best scents you’d find in a beach bag with inventive summer ingredients like “ocean air,” “salt,” and “sun tan lotion.” Unique is an understatement.

$190

07Verbena Accord

Maison Francis Kurkdijan

Aqua Media Cologne Forte

One of our favorite new bottles for summer is this well-balanced scent from the perfumer behind Jean Paul Gaultier’s iconic ’90s scent Le Male. On first spray, it's vibrant and fresh. As it diffuses throughout the day, you’ll start to smell grassy verbena and sweet fennel with a hint of earthy musk that’s perfect for right now.

$235