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For years, the tradition has been purchasing perfumes tailored to our gender. However, a new trend has emerged, highlighting the popularity of gender-neutral fragrances.

Whether strolling through a department store, exploring the internet, or perusing the Duty-Free section at the airport before embarking on a holiday, individuals have typically gravitated toward fragrances associated with their gender.

Traditionally, fragrances have been segregated by gender in displays, making it convenient for shoppers to locate female and male options. This separation has mirrored the conventional approach to perfume selection.

Gender-neutral fragrances

Gender-neutral fragrances gained popularity in the 1990s, though it may not seem that long ago to some.

Over the years, we’ve observed a shift where men increasingly take better care of their appearance, indulging in face creams and self-care routines more than ever before. Traditionally associated with women, TV commercials often portrayed women tending to their skin and spritzing their favourite perfumes, exuding a distinctly feminine aura.

Today, the landscape has changed; more men are incorporating skincare products into their routines and tending to their hair. It’s now commonplace to see a man confidently strolling along the high street, impeccably dressed and even sporting a pink shirt under his suit jacket—a colour less accepted for males in years past.

These shifts reflect changing societal norms, and the perfume industry has wholeheartedly embraced them. Gender-neutral and unisex fragrances are now prominently featured on shelves, online, and within perfume companies, including FM World.

Numerous women have been wearing ‘male’ fragrances for years, selecting them based on personal preference rather than conforming to traditional norms. Not much is said about why they choose a particular scent.

On the contrary, if a man opts for a floral fragrance, it will likely draw attention and turn heads, as the lingering ‘feminine’ scent breaks traditional expectations.

Introducing unisex fragrances opens up a new world, providing scents for both men and women. Growing up, most things around us were often categorized as either male or female-oriented, so it is refreshing to have products and perfumes that cater to both genders.

Comments like “That’s a bit feminine for you” are becoming less common as society acknowledges and embraces the evolution of times. In our contemporary world, same-sex couples are an integral part of our society, and the rigid distinctions between ‘male’ and ‘female’ are gradually fading away—reflecting a more inclusive and accepting reality.

The Growing Appeal of Gender-Neutral Fragrances

The days of rigidly associating fragrance scents like musk, fruit, floral, and vanilla exclusively with femininity and reserving woody, chypre, oriental, and water notes for males are long gone. These traditional gender stereotypes in fragrance gradually give way to a more inclusive and diverse understanding of scents that transcend gender boundaries.

Why does Gender Categorize Fragrances?

The beauty industry’s segregation into male and female categories is significantly influenced by the power of marketing. Men’s fragrance bottles often reflect stereotypical notions of masculinity, with popular designs featuring the shape of a man’s torso, a strong hand, or the simplistic use of very square, clean-shaped bottles. These design choices contribute to reinforcing traditional gender norms within the fragrance industry.

In contrast, women’s packaging tends to embrace a more feminine aesthetic. This includes floral designs, elegant lids, and an extension of ‘girly’ colours, all encapsulated in classy and sophisticated bottle shapes. These design elements contribute to a distinct and traditionally feminine presentation in the world of women’s fragrances.

Perfumes, make-up, nail polish, and hair products are typically marketed towards women, while men have their dedicated section with aftershaves, deodorants, shavers, and shaving products.

We all indeed have different preferences when it comes to scents, and we tend to be attracted to fragrance notes that resonate with us the most.

Perfumes and aftershaves have the wonderful ability to evoke joyfulness, fun, and happiness, particularly when we receive compliments on our chosen scent of the day.

The beauty of having a wide variety of fragrances for both genders is that we can switch it up every day unless we have a signature scent that we prefer most of the time. Experimenting with different scents allows us to choose fragrances that complement the seasons.

For those who pay attention to fragrance notes, it’s worth noting that both male and female perfumes and aftershaves contain a mix of what we traditionally classify as male and female scents. The balance of these notes determines whether the scent leans more masculine or feminine.

Additionally, specific fragrance notes, such as citrus, oriental, and wood, are suitable for both genders. When appropriately balanced with other notes, both men and women can carry off these scents with finesse.

In the early ’90s, a popular trend emerged where both men and women embraced the same scents, exemplified by fragrances like CK1, a prevalent choice during that era.

Women, in particular, started gravitating towards more masculine scents, as some female fragrances tended to be overly sweet and occasionally too overpowering. The wrong type or an excessively strong fragrance can not only give the wearer a headache but can also impact those around them. Interestingly, women often find it easier to carry off a more masculine scent than men can with a feminine fragrance.

This flexibility in scent choices mirrors the broader trend of women being able to wear both trousers and dresses or skirts, while societal norms often limit men from wearing traditionally ‘female’ items of clothing—unless they’re donning a kilt, portraying a drag queen, or walking the avant-garde fashion line. The evolving acceptance of diverse scent preferences and fashion choices reflects changing societal norms and attitudes.

Is It About Power?

Men often choose clothing and scents that help them project a masculine and strong image. Meanwhile, certain female-oriented scents are designed to evoke feelings of prettiness, girlishness, innocence, seduction, and emotion.

I have a deep appreciation for both men’s and women’s fragrances, but I tend to gravitate more towards scents with feminine notes. I find that these fragrances complement my small build, long hair, and painted nails.

Our Influencers

To a certain extent, our perfume choices are still greatly influenced by the media. Celebrity endorsements and the allure of fancy bottles play a significant role in shaping our purchasing decisions.

Nevertheless, contemporary consumers are increasingly inclined to make choices based on fragrance suitability and, of course, cost. The market now offers more affordable options, and FM World, for instance, boasts a collection of gender-neutral fragrances, with many scents inspired by the renowned names we encounter in today’s media.

For those interested in exploring our fragrances, we offer the opportunity to try samples, which are available here.

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