Leather-based fragrances are amazing fragrances with rich and powerful scents. Out of the many, what are the best leather fragrances for men?
How Do Leather Fragrances Smell?
Leather fragrances are interesting fragrances. Normally, a scent is created by extracting essential oils from an ingredient. But unlike bergamot or vanilla, there isn’t an actual leather oil. Instead, the note of leather is synthetically created, but how does this smell in a fragrance?
The note of leather smells like actual leather. The scent you would find in a brand new sportscar. Along with the note of leather are fragrance notes that complement this scent, such as fruity notes or sweet notes.
The note of leather is very dimensional and works with many different fragrance notes. Usually, fresh notes don’t work the best with leather, but aside from those, most do work great. Vanilla, raspberry, saffron, just to name a few, are amazing with leather.
Leather usually adds a smooth and complex undertone to a cologne. This makes a leathery fragrance appear sophisticated and professional, which is why most leather fragrances usually work great in a formal environment.
Aside from appearing professional, leather fragrances are usually also on the denser side, so they’re usually best worn during either the fall or winter. But, to be honest, you can wear any fragrance you want at any time you want.
Below are listed some of the best leathery fragrances for men!
1. Tom Ford Tuscan Leather
Tuscan Leather has always been known as one of the leading fragrances in the leather-based fragrance world. This masterpiece is part of the Private Blend Collection, an upper-tier fragrance selection, and was launched in 2007.
- Top notes: Raspberry, saffron, and thyme.
- Middle notes: Olibanum and jasmine.
- Base notes: Leather, suede, amber, and woody notes.
What Does Tom Ford Tuscan Leather Smell Like?
Tuscan Leather opens strong and leathery, perfectly encapsulating the raw beauty of leather. Although strong, the scent will never be at a point where it’s overpowering. Instead, you get a powerful and luxurious scent that sets the tone for the remainder of the fragrance.
Shortly after the initial hit of leather, you can start to pick up a few sweet notes. Hints of sweet and playful raspberry and warm saffron announce themselves, adding a nice and playful touch to the leather.
As the cologne starts to dry down, the scent turns a little warmer, but the mix of leather and raspberry never goes away. In the dry down, not much changes either. The scent becomes slightly softer and warmer but ultimately says true to what it was in the opening.
Interested in fragrances similar to Tom Ford Tuscan Leather? Then you should read this article here!
Tuscan Leather is an incredible fragrance. It’s strong and luxurious and goes great with a suit or in a formal environment. However, due to the playful touch of raspberry, it also works nicely in a casual setting as well.
If you’re interested in this fragrance, you can find it here on Amazon!
- Best seasons to wear: Winter and fall.
- Occasions: Formal and casual.
- Time of day: Day and night.
- Longevity: 8+ Hours.
- Projection: Strong.
- Price Range ($-$$$): $$$
2. Bentley For Men Intense
Bentley For Men Intense has quickly become one of the most popular and budget-friendly colognes for men in general. This work of art was made by Nathalie Lorson and was launched in 2013.
- Top notes: Black pepper, bay leaves, and bergamot.
- Middle notes: Rum, woody notes, cinnamon, clary sage, and geranium.
- Base notes: Incense, leather, benzoin, patchouli, and cedar.
What Does Bentley For Men Intense Smell Like?
Bentley For Men Intense opens warm, rich, and boozy with hints of rum, woody notes, spices, and leather. All of these notes are present in the opening, but all done in a refined way where you can actually smell all of the notes individually.
As the scent progresses, the leather starts to become more pronounced. It starts to take the front stage and shows its masculine and beautiful scent. The leather also pairs wonderfully with the boozy scent of rum as well.
As the cologne starts to dry down, the scent turns a little sweeter, but the warm scent of rum and leather is still very strong. The sweetness just adds another layer of depth on top of it, making sure that this is a fragrance that smells of exceptional quality.
Warm colognes like this are best worn when the temperatures are low, making this an amazing cold-weather fragrance. And due to the luxurious feel of this cologne, it’s amazing in both casual and formal settings. This really is a high-end niche fragrance with a low-end price tag!
If you’re interested in this fragrance, you can find it here on Amazon!
- Best seasons to wear: Winter and fall.
- Occasions: Formal and casual.
- Time of day: Day and night.
- Longevity: 8+ Hours.
- Projection: Moderate.
- Price Range ($-$$$): $
3. Nasomatto Duro
Nasomatto is a niche fragrance house responsible for a few bold and incredible fragrances. Duro is one of those and features the note of leather. This fragrance was made by Alessandro Gualtieri and was launched in 2007.
- Fragrance notes: Woody notes, leather, and spices.
What Does Nasomatto Duro Smell Like?
Duro opens with a beautiful scent of deep and rich woody notes, immediately showing what this fragrance is all about. Added to the woody notes are a few spices. These spices add a warm feeling to the scent and makes it a little more luxurious.
Shortly after the opening, the note of leather starts to appear. The leather makes sure this cologne is bold, yet seductive and works great with the woods and spices from the opening.
Overall, this is a rather straightforward fragrance with a very unique scent. The scent itself doesn’t change too much throughout the lifecycle, but you also won’t really find such a scent anywhere else. This also speaks to the quality of this cologne, which is simply incredible.
Nasomatto always makes upper-tier fragrances, and Duro is no exception. With this fragrance, you get a masculine and classy scent that will last for ages, perfect for colder months and high-end occasions.
If you’re interested in this fragrance, you can find it here on Amazon!
- Best seasons to wear: Winter and fall.
- Occasions: Formal and casual.
- Time of day: Day and night.
- Longevity: 8+ Hours.
- Projection: Moderate.
- Price Range ($-$$$): $$$
4. Christian Dior Homme Parfum
Christian Dior Homme Parfum is a flanker of the popular Dior Homme line. This time, the scent goes into a leathery direction, making it perfect for this list. Made by Francois Demachy, this fragrance was launched in 2014.
- Top notes: Iris and orange.
- Middle notes: Leather and rose.
- Base notes: Sandalwood, ambrette, oud, and cedar.
What Does Christian Dior Homme Parfum Smell Like?
Christian Dior Homme is best known for its powdery scent, and Dior Homme Parfum builds upon that powdery base frm the original. Beautiful and smooth hints of iris are present in the opening, paired with a sweet undertone of orange.
Quickly added to the mix are the notes of rose and leather. These are two powerful notes full of charachter, so it’s no surprise that these two have a large influence on the scent. The leather is smooth and rich, whereas the rose is fresh and masculine.
From here, the cologne dries down into something a little smoother, sweeter, and creamier, but the powdery scent of iris, paired with the smooth scent of leather will always be on the forefront.
Dior’s Homme Parfum is often hailed as the best in the Dior Homme line, which already consists of some of the best fragrances. With its sweet and leathery scent, it’s perfect for the colder months, where you can easily wear this one whenever you like.
If you’re interested in this fragrance, you can find it here on Amazon!
- Best seasons to wear: Winter and fall.
- Occasions: Formal and casual.
- Time of day: Day and night.
- Longevity: 8+ Hours.
- Projection: Moderate.
- Price Range ($-$$$): $$
5. Mercedes Benz Black Leather
This cologne already gives its leathery qualities away in the name. Made by Honorine Blanc and launched in 2015, Black Leather has been a great and budget-friendly leather fragrance for men!
- Top notes: Suede, orris, and bergamot.
- Middle notes: Incense, sage, and patchouli.
- Base notes: Amber, leather, and labdanum.
What Does Mercedes Benz Black Leather Smell Like?
Black Leather opens strong and bold with the notes of orris and bergamot front and center. This makes for a fresh and slightly powdery scent that will be present all throughout the scent. The bergamot and orris pack quite a punch, but never in an overpowering way.
Not long after the opening will the leathery notes start to present themselves. The leather adds a richness and classy feel to the cologne, dumbing the bergamot down in the process.
Nearing the dry down, the scent starts to turn a little warmer and smokier, thanks to the notes of amber and incense, perfectly tying this scent up. It starts slightly fresh and powdery and ends up being warm and leathery with just a background scent of powdery notes.
Mercedes Benz Black Leather is a truly wonderful cologne and is also extremely easy to wear. The fresh influence of bergamot makes it a tad more approachable than some of the other leather fragrances on this list.
If you’re interested in this fragrance, you can find it here on Amazon!
- Best seasons to wear: Fall, winter, and spring.
- Occasions: Formal and casual.
- Time of day: Day and night.
- Longevity: 4-6 Hours.
- Projection: Moderate.
- Price Range ($-$$$): $
6. Le Labo Santal 33
Le Labo’s Santal 33 has been a Le Labo fan favorite for a very long time now, and with good reason. This fragrance, made by Frank Voelkl and launched in 2011, has a beautiful dry scent of woods and leather.
- Fragrance notes: Sandalwood, papyrus, leather, cedar, cardamom, violet, iris, and amber.
What Does Le Labo Santal 33 Smell Like?
As stated before, Santal 33 has a very ‘dry’ scent, which is immediately noticeable upon the first spray. A dry scent of woody notes, sandalwood in particular, dominates the opening, giving the fragrance a rough and woody scent.
Not long after the opening will the note of leather announce itself. The note of leather on its own can also be seen as dry and smooth, just like the note of sandalwood. This makes these two notes work together extremely well, creating a very unique scent that might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
As the fragrance dries down, it turns a little warmer, but this fragrance is all about the dry woods and the smooth leather. However, there is a soft influence of spices every now and, although this is really subtle.
Interested in fragrances similar to Le Labo Santal 33? Then you should read this article here!
Le Labo’s Santal 33 is a fan favorite among many fragrance lovers, but it does smell a bit different from your typical fragrance. If you do enjoy dry and strong scents, Santal 33 will be an amazing pick for you!
If you’re interested in this fragrance, you can find it here on Amazon!
- Best seasons to wear: Fall, winter, and spring.
- Occasions: Formal and casual.
- Time of day: Day and night.
- Longevity: 6-8 Hours.
- Projection: Moderate.
- Price Range ($-$$$): $$$
7. Tom Ford Fabulous
The second Tom Ford fragrance on this list, Fabulous, takes the note of leather and takes it into a sweeter and creamier direction. This fragrance was launched in 2017, under a controversial name, and has impressed ever since!
- Top notes: Lavender and clary sage.
- Middle notes: Bitter almond, leather, vanilla, and orris.
- Base notes: Leather, tonka bean, cashmeran, white woods, and amber.
What Does Tom Ford Fabulous Smell Like?
Tom Ford Fabulous opens extremely nice with a very pleasant scent of almond and vanilla. These two notes create a creamy and sweet scent that serves as a perfect base for the leather. Speaking of the leather, this isn’t far behind and actually shows up only minutes after the opening.
The combination of the leather, almond, and vanilla makes for a scent that’s highly unique and extremely likable. There aren’t many people who don’t enjoy the scent of this fragrance.
Every now and then, you can also pick up a soft hint of florals, but these are very subtle. This fragrance is all about the sweet, smooth, and leathery notes, which makes this fragrance not only smell amazing but also extremely versatile.
Although a bit straightforward, this fragrance is full of depth and character. It’s perfect for the office but works just as well on a date or night out. With a scent such as this, you simply cannot go wrong!
If you’re interested in this fragrance, you can find it here on Amazon!
- Best seasons to wear: Fall and winter.
- Occasions: Formal and casual.
- Time of day: Day and night.
- Longevity: 6-8 Hours.
- Projection: Soft.
- Price Range ($-$$$): $$$
8. Acqua Di Parma Colonia Leather
If you’re looking for a cologne that smells like pure leather; like the inside of a brand new sportscar, then Colonia Leather might be the one for you. This fragrance was made by Francois Demachy and was launched in 2014.
- Top notes: Orange and lime.
- Middle notes: Rose and petitgrain.
- Base notes: Leather, guaiac wood, and cedar.
What Does Acqua Di Parma Colonia Leather Smell Like?
When you first spray Colonia Leather, you’re immediately greeted by a powerful, yet fresh scent of pure and raw leather. This might be one of the purest renditions of leather in any fragrance ever and it’s done in a phenomenal way.
A little while after the opening, you can start to pick up hints of rose, orange, and lime. These are fresh notes that usually don’t really work too well with leather, but they do great here. They add a natural freshness to the leather, giving it that ‘fresh new supercar’ feeling.
As the fragrance dries down, you’ll notice that the scent no longer really changes. Luckily, with a wonderful scent such as this, that doesn’t really matter. This cologne already smells like leather in the purest form!
Unlike most leather fragrances, this one contains a certain freshness. This actually makes it great for both colder and warmer seasons, whereas most leather fragrances are only great for the colder months. Aside from seasonality, this is also a cologne that works well practically anywhere!
If you’re interested in this fragrance, you can find it here on Amazon!
- Best seasons to wear: Fall, winter, spring, and summer.
- Occasions: Formal and casual.
- Time of day: Day and night.
- Longevity: 6-8 Hours.
- Projection: Soft.
- Price Range ($-$$$): $$
9. Christian Dior Fahrenheit
Christian Dior’s Fahrenheit is a true classic in the men’s cologne world. Although an unusual scent, this is an extremely popular fragrance and it actually prominently features the note of leather. This fragrance was made by Michel Almairac and Jean-Louis Sieuzac and was launched in 1988.
- Top notes: Nutmeg flower, lavender, cedar, chamomile, mandarin, hawthorn, bergamot, and lemon.
- Middle notes: Violet leaves, nutmeg, cedar, sandalwood, honeysuckle, carnation, jasmine, and lily of the valley.
- Base notes: Leather, vetiver, musk, amber, patchouli, and tonka bean.
What Does Christian Dior Fahrenheit Smell Like?
Fahrenheit has always been known as a powerful and bold cologne that not everyone will love. And the opening immediately shows you why that is. A bold and powerful opening of many different notes creates an almost gasoline-like scent. Some even say there’s a scent of cucumber in the mix as well.
Not long after the opening, you can start to pick up a strong scent of violet leaves. These add a sharp and green scent to the mix that goes great with the gasoline-like scent.
After a little while, the gasoline scent starts to go away, leading to a much smoother and softer fragrance. Hints of leather start to appear, as well as some warmer notes such as amber and patchouli. This leaves you with an overall bold scent of leather and violet leaves.
Fahrenheit is definitely not for everyone. It has an incredibly bold scent and even has a mature vibe to it. This does make it great for more mature men, but for a younger guy, Fahrenheit might not be it. However, this definitely is an amazing fragrance; it just has to find the right fit.
If you’re interested in this fragrance, you can find it here on Amazon!
- Best seasons to wear: Fall and winter.
- Occasions: Casual.
- Time of day: Day and night.
- Longevity: 8+ Hours.
- Projection: Strong.
- Price Range ($-$$$): $$
10. Carolina Herrera CH Men Prive
Carolina Herrera’s CH Men Prive is an amazing fragrance that perfectly combines the note of leather with warmer boozy notes. Launched in 2015, this fragrance has been a success ever since.
- Top notes: Whiskey, grapefruit, and pomelo.
- Middle notes: Cardamom, lavender, sage, and red thyme.
- Base notes: Leather, tonka bean, woody notes, and benzoin.
What Does Carolina Herrera CH Men Prive Smell Like?
CH Men Prive has been a very popular cologne because of its boozy qualities. Immediately in the opening can you start to pick up a warm and rich scent of whiskey, creating a strong and masculine scent that never becomes too overpowering.
Not long after the opening will the note of leather starts to show itself. The leather blends in fantastically with the whiskey, adding to the masculine feel of the scent. Along with the leather is a fresh spicy note of cardamom, adding some interest to the mix.
As the cologne starts to dry down, it turns a little woodier, but the main focus of this cologne is definitely the whiskey and leather. Overall, this is a masculine fragrance with a rich and strong scent, done in a light and inoffensive way.
The main drawback that CH Men Prive faces is its longevity. This is a cologne that doesn’t stick around for too long. Luckily, this fragrance isn’t too expensive and you can easily reapply, but it’s still a downside. As for wear, this one is wonderful for a cold winter day or, better yet, a romantic dinner.
If you’re interested in this fragrance, you can find it here on Amazon!
- Best seasons to wear: Fall and winter.
- Occasions: Casual and formal.
- Time of day: Night.
- Longevity: 3-5 Hours.
- Projection: Soft.
- Price Range ($-$$$): $
11. Tom Ford Ombre Leather
The third Tom Ford on this list! No surprise, because Tom Ford is one of the top players in the fragrance world. Made by Sonia Constant and launched in 2018, this is Tom Ford’s most natural representation of the note of leather!
- Top notes: Cardamom.
- Middle notes: Leather and jasmine sambac.
- Base notes: Amber, moss, and patchouli.
What Does Tom Ford Ombre Leather Smell Like?
Tom Ford Ombre Leather opens with a smooth scent of leather, done in a very natural-smelling way. It’s a little dense and thick, but also soft and smooth, perfectly showing of the quality found in Tom Ford fragrances.
Not long after the opening does a soft sweetness start to present itself. This is coming from the note of jasmine sambac, a note known for its sweet and seductive qualities. The sweetness adds a nice layer of playfulness to the scent, taking away some of the masculine leathery edge.
As the cologne starts to dry down, not that much changes anymore. There is a nice influence of amber present, but the amber stays subtle. You’ll mostly get a beautiful scent of thick and smooth leather paired with a sweet and seductive undertone of jasmine sambac.
Ombre Leather is rich and elegant, which is perfect for any dressed-up event or setting. However, this cologne is definitely not limited to high-end events. Wearing it on a night out, a date, or even at home will be just as amazing.
If you’re interested in this fragrance, you can find it here on Amazon!
- Best seasons to wear: Fall and winter.
- Occasions: Casual and formal.
- Time of day: Night.
- Longevity: 8+ Hours.
- Projection: Moderate.
- Price Range ($-$$$): $$$
12. John Varvatos Dark Rebel Rider
Dark Rebel Rider is a leathery fragrance by John Varvatos, done in a smooth and almost sweet way. This cologne was made by Rodrigo Flores-Roux and was launched in 2016.
- Top notes: Aldehydes, marjoram, bitter orange, saffron, and hyssop.
- Middle notes: Resin, olibanum, orris, Tolu balsam, rose, osmanthus, and black violet.
- Base notes: Leather, cacao, woody notes, vanilla, cedar, and patchouli.
What Does John Varvatos Dark Rebel Rider Smell Like?
Dark Rebel Rider opens sweet, boozy, and leathery. Immediately upon the first spray can you start to pick up hints of leather, backed by warm saffron and leather. There’s even a scent of what seems to be whiskey, although this is not mentioned in the note breakdown.
A little while after the opening, a few floral notes are added, providing the cologne with a fresh undertone. These florals are quite subtle, however, and most won’t even pick them up.
As the fragrance dries down, hints of sweet resins and cacao announce themselves, adding to the sweet and dense feel. The scent of leather is also still present and stronger than ever. This cologne is based around the note of leather but there are a bunch of supporting notes that are quite strong as well.
Dark Rebel Rider is definitely on the sweeter and denser side, so you’re best off wearing this when the temperatures are on the lower side. During these colder months, it’s perfect for nights out, dates, or casual daytime wear.
If you’re interested in this fragrance, you can find it here on Amazon!
- Best seasons to wear: Fall and winter.
- Occasions: Casual.
- Time of day: Night.
- Longevity: 3-5 Hours.
- Projection: Moderate.
- Price Range ($-$$$): $
13. Valentino Uomo Intense
Uomo Intense, a flanker of the very popular Valentino Uomo, takes the note of leather from the original and amplifies it. This cologne was launched in 2016 and has been a favorite among leather fragrance fans ever since.
- Top notes: Mandarin and clary sage.
- Middle notes: Iris and tonka bean.
- Base notes: Vanilla and leather.
What Does Valentino Uomo Intense Smell Like?
When you first spray on Valentino Uomo Intense, you’re greeted by a masculine and business-like scent of leather. The leather is smooth and rich and accompanied by a powdery scent of iris. The iris adds a layer of density to the scent that makes it appear more authoritative.
Quickly after the opening, the note of vanilla starts to appear. The vanilla adds a creamy sweetness to the mix that goes great with both the iris and leather. This leaves you with a leathery fragrance largely influenced by powdery iris and vanilla.
As the fragrance starts to dry down, the iris starts to disappear, leaving more room for the leather to shine. The leather becomes more pronounced and leads you all the way to the end of this cologne. This leaves you with an overall leather-dominant scent with strong influences of creamy, sweet, and powdery notes.
Valentino Uomo Intense has always been known as an office classic. A perfect cologne to wear to work, or just to any formal gathering in general. However, don’t let that scare you away from wearing this one casually as well! It works great either way!
If you’re interested in this fragrance, you can find it here on Amazon!
- Best seasons to wear: Fall and winter.
- Occasions: Casual.
- Time of day: Day and night.
- Longevity: 5-7 Hours.
- Projection: Moderate.
- Price Range ($-$$$): $$
14. Atelier Cologne Gold Leather
Atelier Cologne usually makes fresh citrusy-based fragrances, but with Gold Leather, they went for a richer and denser cologne. This fragrance was launched in 2013 and beautifully displays the note of leather.
- Top notes: Rum, plum, saffron, and bitter orange.
- Middle notes: Eucalyptus and artemisia.
- Base notes: Leather, oud, guaiac wood, and cedar.
What Does Atelier Cologne Gold Leather Smell Like?
Gold Leather opens with a sweet and boozy scent of plum and rum. These two notes make up the majority of the opening and immediately set the dense and strong tone that will be present throughout the fragrance.
A little while later, the smooth scent of leather makes itself known. The leather adds to the strong scent but smooths out the boozy aspect a bit. The booziness is still present though and never really fully goes away.
As the cologne starts to dry down, you can start to pick up hints of woods; in particular, oud. The oud is bold, strong, and even a little animalic. This gives the fragrance a denser and bolder finish that might not be for everyone. However, if you do enjoy oud scents, this is a great one for you.
The combination of oud, leather, and rum makes for a very strong and powerful scent. In fact, this fragrance is way too strong for the summer months but works all the better during the winter. Here, it’s best worn casually, as it might be a little too overpowering for a formal setting.
If you’re interested in this fragrance, you can find it here on Amazon!
- Best seasons to wear: Fall and winter.
- Occasions: Casual.
- Time of day: Day and night.
- Longevity: 6-8 Hours.
- Projection: Moderate.
- Price Range ($-$$$): $$$