Any perfume can be worn by anyone; “unisex” simply describes scents designed and marketed for everyone. They tend to be built on notes without strong gender associations: citrus and neroli, aromatic herbs, green tea, clean musks, soft woods, incense and iris. The best unisex fragrance is one you love on your own skin and would happily share, and an eau de parfum strength gives it staying power.
Walk into most UK department stores and the fragrance hall is still split into “for him” and “for her”. Those labels say more about marketing than about how a perfume smells. If you are still getting to grips with strengths and labels, our guide to eau de parfum vs eau de toilette covers the basics.
Where “For Him” and “For Her” Came From
Fresh citrus colognes have long been worn by men and women alike, and the sharp split into men’s and women’s ranges is largely a product of modern marketing. One of the best-known turning points came in 1994 with CK One. Wikipedia describes it as a citrus aromatic chypre created by perfumers Alberto Morillas and Harry Fremont, the first unisex fragrance to gain wide popularity in the US, and one described as the first to be openly marketed as unisex. Many niche and independent perfume houses now present their scents without any gender at all.
Notes That Feel Unisex
| Note | What it brings |
|---|---|
| Citrus and neroli | Bright, clean freshness that suits anyone |
| Aromatic herbs | Lavender, rosemary and sage feel crisp and grown-up |
| Green tea and green notes | Calm, airy and understated |
| Clean musks | A soft “skin but better” effect |
| Woods | Cedar, sandalwood and vetiver add quiet warmth |
| Incense and resins | Smoky depth without sweetness |
| Iris | Powdery, cool and elegant |
Unisex Styles to Explore
Fresh Citrus Aromatic
Bergamot and herbs over light woods. Easy for work and warm days.
Skin Musk
Soft, clean and close to the body. Ideal if you dislike strong perfume.
Soft Woody
Sandalwood, cedar and iris. Calm and polished all year round.
Smoky Incense
Resins and woods for evenings and cooler months.
Woods sit at the heart of many unisex scents. Our guide to what a woody fragrance is explains the main notes.
How to Choose a Unisex Fragrance
- Ignore the counter it sits on. Judge the scent, not the label.
- Start from what you already love and look for similar notes in a unisex style.
- Test on your own skin and wait for the dry-down before deciding.
- Choose eau de parfum if you want it to last through the day.
- Share a bottle with a partner or housemate if you both love it.
A Unisex Scent to Try
Portofino 100ml Eau de Parfum by Maïssa
Described by the brand as a unisex fragrance inspired by the Italian Riviera. Calabrian bergamot, blackcurrant and pineapple open into jasmine, rose bay and birch, then settle on oakmoss, ambergris and vanilla.
View ProductFrequently Asked Questions
What makes a fragrance unisex?
Mostly its notes and how it is marketed. Scents built on citrus, herbs, tea, musk and woods are commonly presented as unisex, but in practice anyone can wear any perfume.
Can men wear women’s perfume, and the other way round?
Yes. Gender labels are a marketing choice. If you like how a perfume smells on your skin, it is right for you.
Are unisex fragrances good for gifts?
Often, yes. A fresh, musky or soft woody unisex scent is a safer choice when you are not sure of someone’s taste.
Sources: Wikipedia, CK One.