Why Gender?
Why Are Fragrances Gendered?
Why are Fragrances Designated Male or Female, Masculine or Feminine?
In the past, perfumes were worn by whoever liked the scent. Gender was irrelevant. Perfumes were also very expensive and worn mostly by the wealthy.
Fast forward to modern times and things have changed a lot. Almost everyone can afford, and wears, some kind of fragrance. It may be in a variety of forms like body wash, deodorant, body spray, aftershave, or perfume. But most people wear something with a fragrance in it.
Targeting Gender in Fragrance Marketing
Perfume houses and cologne manufacturers have learned over time that the sexes tend to prefer certain scents over others. Generally speaking, men tend to prefer herbal or spicy scents, whereas women tend to like florals and sweet scents.
There is, however, plenty of crossover; some men like floral scents, some women prefer spicy scents, and there are loads of people who love all sorts of perfumes.
It’s important to note that in the United States the term “cologne” is used to denote men’s fragrances and the term “perfume” is used to refer to women’s fragrances. The actual meanings of cologne and perfume have nothing to do with gender.
Best Bang for Their Buck
For businesses that are trying to earn a profit, knowing who likes what helps them target their marketing efforts and get the best return on their investment, i.e. they make more money targeting the largest number of customers who like the notes in their fragrances.
Fragrance Trends
What is considered trendy also affects how fragrances are marketed and what types of new colognes and perfumes are made. Styles of perfume go in and out of fashion just like clothing and shoe styles.
Fragrance Marketing Tactics are Often Regional
It’s important to note that in the United States the term “cologne” is used to denote men’s fragrances, and the term “perfume” is used to refer to women’s fragrances. The actual meanings of cologne and perfume have nothing to do with gender.
Cologne is derived from the French eau de cologne, which refers to a less-concentrated perfume that typically doesn’t linger on the body for more than a few hours and is lightly scented. Perfume is derived from the French eau de parfum, which refers to a more-concentrated perfume that has a more powerful scent and can last up to eight hours on the body.
Takeaway
Wear whatever scent you like regardless of gender designation. But be aware of the common notes and scents that are labeled masculine or feminine so you know where to look for fragrances that you like.
