Woody Fragrances

Woody fragrances are built on dry, warm materials: sandalwood, cedar, vetiver and patchouli, with oud at the deepest end. They smell calm and grounded rather than sweet. Sandalwood is creamy and soft. Cedar is dry, a bit like pencil shavings. Vetiver is earthy and faintly smoky, and patchouli is dark and slightly damp.

Woods are the backbone of most men's perfumes, but they aren't only for men. A woody base is what makes a fragrance last. It's what's still on your shirt the next morning, after the citrus and spice have gone.

For office and everyday wear, woods with citrus or lavender work in any season. Woods with amber, leather or smoke are better saved for evenings and the cooler months from November to February.

Good places to start: Axis, Titan and Hotshot.