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Take a stroll through the glossiest shopping hub in your neck of the woods, and you’re bound to encounter an advertisement for Chanel cologne. These days, those ads are likely plastered with Timothée Chalamet’s face, the latest A-lister in a long line of bold names to lend their clout to Bleu de Chanel, the French maison’s flagship men’s fragrance. Chanel consistency lands stars of Chalamet’s wattage for a reason: over the years, the house that Coco built has established itself as a juggernaut in the fragrance market, a journey that began when Chanel herself commissioned Ernest Beaux to develop Chanel No. 5 over a century ago. In the time since, Chanel’s most famous scent has become an icon in its own right, bolstered by celebrity fans both confirmed (Marylin Monroe) and rumored (Marlon Brando).
Glittery pedigree aside, though, the primary reason No. 5 has remained so popular is, of course, that it smells fantastic: it warms up floral notes of ylang-ylang, jasmine, and rose with undertones of vanilla and musk, a subtle combination that goes a long way in explaining its reputation as a perennial crowd-pleaser.
But since 1955, Chanel has also been formulating scents expressly targeted to men, an expansion that kicked off with Pour Monsieur and now includes four other lines: Allure Homme, Antaeus, Egoïste, and Bleu, some with their own spin-offs that vary in intensity (e.g. Allure Homme Sport, Allure Homme Sport Eau Extrême). Chanel’s colognes skews towards the conventionally macho—think woody notes, and plenty of aromatics like leather accord—but plenty of ‘em are also shot through with notes of fresh citrus to take the edge off.
To help you puzzle through the whole lot, we sized up the very best of what the Chanel cologne department has to offer, from tried-and-true classics to cult-favorites worth a spot on your bedside bureau. Whether you’re a full-blown double-C fanatic looking to broaden your repertoire or just landed here after being served yet another ad with Timo’s sultry/sulky face, this guide has you covered.
The Best Chanel Colognes, Sorted by Highly-Specific Vibe
For Landing That Promotion
The vibe: Your big boy pants are on, your quarterly numbers are crunched, and you're ready to make the case for why you deserve that raise. Bleu might not help you land it directly, but its scent profile is quiet enough to not to distract from the business at hand while still making a standout impression in the board room.
Where it falls on the sultry-to-office-appropriate spectrum: Bleu's legendary status largely derives from its versatility. Wear it to work and it won't saturate the elevator, but it'll help those after-hour drinks feel appropriately celebratory, too.
What to wear it with: A crisp striped button-up, creased trousers, and black derby shoes.
For Cosplaying as a Roy Somewhere on a Yacht
The vibe: It's already shaping up to be a wet, hot summer. What better way to embrace your fantasy of riding out the heat on a megayacht than by spraying on a scent that immediately transports you to the coast of your choice?
Where it falls on the sultry-to-office-appropriate spectrum: Unless you work from the deck of a Benetti, best to save this for special occasions.
What to wear it with: A slinky buttonless polo, those pleated shorts you ordered from Lands' End, and woven huaraches.
For Meeting the In-Laws
The vibe: If a fragrance inspired by one of fashion's great love stories can't set you up for success when it's time to meet the future parents, what can? Smells like you (and anyone you come across) falling head over heels again.
Where it falls on the sultry-to-office-appropriate spectrum: Fair warning: after one spritz, your partner's parents will walk away with immense faith in your elite sensibilities.
What to wear it with: An unstructured blazer, raw denim, and penny loafers.
For a Nerve-Wracking First Date
The vibe: Don't let the name fool you–Egoist won't signal that you're full of yourself. It will, however, inspire a confidence that stems from notes of energetic mandarin, sweet rose, and rich sandalwood. It's like an internal monologue that hypes you up all night long.
Where it falls on the sultry-to-office-appropriate spectrum: Strictly after hours.
What to wear it with: A dark suit, crisp white tank, and vertiginous boots.
For Brunch With the Homies
The vibe: The Pour Monsieur EDP is a heavier version of Chanel's debut men's fragrance. If your Sunday morning link-up is bound to go long, it'll loiter in the background without making your eggs smell like cologne.
Where it falls on the sultry-to-office-appropriate spectrum: Save it for the weekend.
What to wear it with: Your favorite camp shirt, Patagonia Baggies, and low-key white kicks.
For Blowing Through PTO
The vibe: Packing for sunnier horizons ahead? Wherever you're headed, it never hurts to befriend the locals. Antaeus will attract good vibes (and good company) only.
Where it falls on the sultry-to-office-appropriate spectrum: Best worn far, far away from the office—or on a touch-base conducted over Zoom.
What to wear it with: A rumpled linen shirt, breezy khakis, and strappy sandals that hide your busted toes.
For the Classic Fragrance Heads
The vibe: Chanel's flagship EDP might technically be marketed to the gals, but it's one of the best across-aisle scents on the market.
Where it falls on the sultry-to-office-appropriate spectrum: Wear it to the office and your day will start out soft and sweet and end warm and spicy once it's time to log off.
What to wear it with: A dress shirt with a big, beefy collar, a kaleidoscopic tie, and dainty Belgian slip-ons.
For a Long Night Out
The vibe: It's Friday night and you're ready to boogie. You want to smell like the sexiest version of yourself—especially if the sexiest version of yourself is a little sweaty, a lot excited, and eager to tear up the dance floor.
Where it falls on the sultry-to-office-appropriate spectrum: This is the scent you layer on while Robyn blasts on the speakers.
What to wear it with: Flared dress pants, your best dancing shoes, and a funky knit for when it gets chilly out.