Words by Esmé Gelder

When it comes to making a great impression on a date, every detail matters, from the outfit you wear to the words you choose. However, one often-overlooked element can leave a more lasting impression than anything else—your cologne. A man’s choice of fragrance does more than smell pleasant; it communicates personality, evokes emotions, and creates memories. Let’s dive into the fascinating psychology behind colognes and what they say about you on a date.

Source: Bruno Mattos

The Connection Between Scent and Psychology

Scent is one of the most powerful senses, directly tied to the brain’s limbic system, which governs emotions, memories, and feelings. Unlike other senses, scents bypass the logical centers of the brain, triggering immediate emotional responses. This is why certain fragrances can make someone feel calm, confident, or even nostalgic in seconds.

On a date, cologne becomes more than a pleasant addition to your grooming routine—date night colognes act as silent communicators of your character and mood.  The right fragrance can boost your confidence, enhance your presence, and leave a memorable impression on your partner.

How Scent Influences Perception

Your choice of cologne can send subtle cues about your personality. Different scent profiles are associated with particular traits and feelings. Let’s explore how these fragrances are perceived:

By understanding the emotions and traits linked to different fragrance families, you can choose a cologne that best matches your intentions for the evening.

Scent and Memory: Leaving a Lasting Impression

One of the most compelling aspects of cologne is its ability to create and trigger memories. Have you ever caught a familiar scent and been transported back to a specific moment or person? This phenomenon, known as the “Proustian effect,” highlights how scents are closely tied to memory.

Choosing a signature cologne for dates can help your partner associate the fragrance with positive memories of you. Over time, they may come to associate the scent with feelings of happiness, attraction, and comfort, creating a lasting emotional connection.

Decoding Fragrance Families for Date Night

When selecting a cologne for a date, it’s essential to consider the occasion and the ambiance you want to create. Here’s a breakdown of popular fragrance families and how they can elevate your date night style:

1. Fresh and Energetic

Fresh colognes, often featuring citrus, green, or aquatic notes, are ideal for daytime or casual outings. These scents radiate positivity and vitality, making them perfect for first dates or outdoor adventures.

Fresh fragrances leave a crisp and clean impression, ensuring you come across as lively and confident.

2. Warm and Inviting

Warm colognes with spicy or gourmand notes create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. These scents are comforting and exude approachability, making them ideal for deeper conversations and romantic dinners.

The richness of warm fragrances invites closeness and intimacy, helping to build a stronger emotional connection.

3. Sophisticated and Woody

Woody colognes are the epitome of refinement and elegance. With earthy and musky undertones, they project confidence and depth, making them perfect for formal or upscale settings.

Woody fragrances leave a bold impression, showcasing your mature and commanding presence.

Source: Andrea Piacquadio

4. Sensual and Oriental

Oriental colognes blend exotic spices with rich resins and florals to create a sensual and mysterious aura. These fragrances are perfect for making a bold statement and turning up the romance.

These bold scents draw attention and intrigue, ensuring your presence is both felt and remembered.

Choosing the Right Cologne for You

When selecting a cologne, consider the following factors to ensure it aligns with your personality and the occasion:

To ensure your cologne enhances your presence rather than overpowering it, follow these tips:

Cologne is more than just a finishing touch to your grooming routine—it’s a powerful tool that communicates your personality, enhances your mood, and leaves a lasting impression. By understanding the psychology of scent and carefully selecting a fragrance that aligns with your personality and the occasion, you can elevate your dating experience and ensure your presence lingers long after the date is over.

So next time you’re preparing for a date, think about what your cologne says about you. Whether it’s a fresh and vibrant scent or a warm and intimate fragrance, the right cologne has the power to make your evening unforgettable.

Following the successful 2024 launch of Hackett London x Carl Friedrik, the two iconic British brands have expanded their travel goods range with new silhouettes for refined and effortless travel. This collection is built on a shared belief in sartorial excellence and lasting quality and empowers travel-savvy customers.

The launch includes their versatile cabin case The Carry-on X (43 L), featuring an integrated front pocket, allowing travellers to quickly retrieve electronics and documents while on the move. Uniquely constructed with a hardwearing aluminium frame and polycarbonate shell, it promises industry-leading durability for the modern globetrotter. The sleek design is elevated with vegetable-tanned leather accents, co-branded detailing, and Hackett London’s signature navy and green colour palette.

This drop also includes the nubuck leather Compact Weekender bag – an ideal staple for overnight stays that has been thoughtfully refined with the addition of an integrated luggage holder. This new feature ensures the Compact Weekender can be seamlessly slotted onto the handles of all Hackett London x Carl Friedrik travel cases, including The Carry-on X.

Mattis Oppermann, co-founder of Carl Friedrik, said of the new collection: “Hackett London is the quintessential British menswear label and we share their quality-driven, timeless approach, albeit in the travel space. We believe this is why the collection resonated strongly with our customers, and it felt natural to expand the offering”.

Technology and automotive apps can play a big part in helping relieve the stress of driving on Britain’s busy and unevenly maintained roads. 

Life in the fast lane can be difficult, whether it is avoiding potentially damaging potholes, finding a parking spot, or locating the nearest EV charging station. But, modern apps can often come to the rescue of motorists who might be feeling the strain. 

Below, Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, reveals five of the best tech must-haves for anyone who demands a hassle-free drive: 

1. Smart Dash Cam

“There are a growing number of apps that turn your ordinary smartphone into a dash cam, without having to fork-out for a dedicated camera. 

“Dash cams can be extremely important when it comes to protecting yourself on the road. If you ever happen to be in an accident, having everything recorded can be helpful, as it makes it easier for authorities to determine who was at fault. The footage can also aid any insurance claims.

“Apps like ‘Smart Dash Cam’ still allow you to play music through your phone, and use ‘loop recording,’ where old videos are overridden by newer ones, so that you never max out your phone’s storage space.”

2. Petrol Prices

“Nobody wants to pay extortionate prices for their fuel, especially as the cost of living crisis continues. 

“Apps like Petrol Prices or myRAC allow you to view the cheapest fuel pumps in your local area, as well as to submit your own prices for others to make use of. 

“The Petrol Prices app covers 98% of the UK, with 8,500 petrol stations, so you will not have to break the bank.”

3. Waze

“Waze, a subsidiary of Google, calculates the best driving route based on what other drivers in the community have fed back into the app.

“Waze users can flag accidents and congestion in real time, and the app automatically reroutes you to avoid those areas if necessary. 

“It’s all about finding the quickest way to get to your destination – even if it means going a way you might never have taken before. 

“And, crucially, Waze also warns you of imminent potholes in the road, with any significant road craters flagged by other ‘Wazers’. That could help you swerve an expensive pothole repair bill at your local garage. 

“Waze is also heaps of fun, allowing you to change the navigation voice to dogs, cats, zombies, and even Karamo Brown from TV’s Queer Eye.”

4. Parkopedia 

“Nothing can ruin a journey more than not being able to find a car park once you reach your destination – enter Parkopedia. 

“This free app connects you to the closest possible parking spaces, as well as letting you know how much each stay will cost you. It’s definitely a handy app if you’re visiting a new city for the first time.”

5. Zapmap

“Apps like Zapmap are designed specifically for electric vehicle drivers who need to search for public EV charging points. 

“You can view live availability information, plan your journey, pay for charging, and even share live updates with other app users. You can also hone in on charge points according to your personal preferences, with filters like ‘user rating’ and ‘multiple charger locations.”

Fisherman core or the ‘fisherman aesthetic’ looks set to influence men’s fashion in 2025 with Pinterest predicting laid-back nautical vibes and stripes on everything. Mitch Hughes, menswear director at M&S, explains how men can channel the trend:

“The fisherman aesthetic is all about keeping it simple and not overdoing it. The intention should be to capture the essence of maritime dressing without looking like you’re headed out on a voyage.”

Stick to nautical colours

“You can instantly evoke a maritime vibe by focusing on colours that are reminiscent of the sea. The fisherman aesthetic has a simple colour palette that focuses on navy, beige, white, red and khaki. Although, I think touches of bright orange or yellow can also work well.”

Stripes are key

“An easy way to make a subtle but intentional nod to the fisherman aesthetic is to incorporate Breton stripes into an outfit. These distinctive horizontal navy and white stripes were historically worn by French sailors. Think a class cotton crewneck T-shirt. Or choose a striped classic oxford shirt for a more tailored take on this fisherman aesthetic staple.”

Cable knit knitwear

“Chunky knitwear is a key element of the fisherman aesthetic. The dense knit pattern of cable knit is particularly perfect for keeping warm in cold weather, plus the rugged texture is evocative of nautical ropes. Similarly, a sturdy beanie is symbolic of this aesthetic.”

Footwear

“The types of shoes typically associated with the fisherman aesthetic, such as boat shoes, espadrilles and fisherman sandals, are more suited to warm weather. In colder months, suede boots or clogs offer a modern alternative that will keep your feet much cosier.”

Work jackets

“A classic work jacket is ideal for layering over a nautical-inspired outfit. With a silhouette that frames your shoulders and oozes practical off-duty energy, it pairs perfectly with this rugged aesthetic.” 

Roll up your trousers  

“Turning up the hems of your trousers is a simple yet effective way to take your look from refined to rugged – ideal if the fisherman aesthetic is the one you’re chasing. Plus, it costs nothing!”

Dr. Squatch is proving to be the ultimate in natural deodorant—ruggedly effective, kind to your skin, and ! Great for your health. It breaks the mould with its collection of natural deodorants, combining efficacy with skin-friendly ingredients.

Each powerhouse formula combining charcoal powder to fight odor, postbiotics to balance bacteria, and arrowroot to absorb moisture, these deodorants also nourish skin with coconut oil and shea butter. Free from aluminium, parabens, and synthetic nasties, that interfere with your body’s natural detox process.

They deliver natural freshness,proving you can stay fresh all day naturally—all while nourishing your skin with coconut oil and shea butter.

With bold, nature-inspired scents like Pine Tar, Fresh Falls, and Cool Fresh Aloe, theyw strikes the perfect balance of power and care to keep you fresh and irresistibly appealing.

Dr. Squatch deodorants, prove that taking care of yourself doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your edge.