How Does Givenchy Gentleman Compare to Other Fragrances?
Givenchy Gentleman is a fragrance for the stylish, self-confident gentleman. It is a classic masculine scent that has been around since 1974.
Givenchy gentleman rich, aromatic fougere fragrance that is perfect for wearing with a suit or a casual flannel. It has a great blend of wood and flowers that makes it a very versatile scent.
Base Notes
In the base, gentler scents like pear and iris create a powdery, floral, almost feminine fragrance. The base is anchored with leather patchouli which adds depth to this masculine Givenchy perfume, making it rich and deep. This is a great choice for those who prefer more mature scents.
While chypres were all the rage in high fashion circles throughout the mid century, they fell out of favor by the late 60s as fougères became the norm among designer men’s scents. Gentleman was neither a chypre nor a fougere, and indeed, it contained no oakmoss which are the signature notes of both genres.
This masculine cologne does contain Russian leather, but it’s not a true leather scent – it’s simply a dry-smelling fixative which is the underlying base note. Instead, it’s the iris that provides this Givenchy perfume with its most distinctive and recognizable characteristics.
While it can be purchased at major department stores, you can also find Givenchy Gentleman at online retailers. FragranceX, in particular, sells authentic Givenchy perfumes and colognes at a fraction of the retail price. To get the most out of your Givenchy Gentleman fragrance, apply it to warmer areas of your body like the wrists and behind your ears, as well as to your neck and inner elbows. This will help the cologne last longer on your skin and will help intensify its aroma when you move.
Top Notes
Those who know the original Givenchy Gentleman will be disappointed to discover that this scent has been reformulated, and it smells nothing like the classic. The new version does contain the same key ingredients – patchouli, iris and something that approximates the smell of leather – but there’s a lot more going on. I think the perfumers behind this version have tried to add some depth and interest by using a complex combination of woods including sandalwood and cedar. They’ve also added hedione and iso e super to give the fragrance a bit of a resinous quality.
This scent opens with a top note of bergamot and lemon, which is refreshing and clean without being overpowering. It’s followed by a heart note of rosemary, which adds a hint of sharpness to the scent. Then, there’s a very earthy middle note of iris. This is a very difficult flower to make convincingly in a fragrance, although it’s possible to do so with some careful selection of flanking notes.
The new version of Givenchy Gentleman was launched in 2019. It was created by Nathalie Lorson and Olivier Cresp. This edition allegedly embodies the rebellious and free spirit of the Givenchy gentleman. It contains citrus aromas, rosemary, iris, vetiver, and musk.
Middle Notes
The middle notes of Givenchy Gentleman are a mixture of soothing and aromatic floral and woody elements. The opening opens with a spicy burst of pepper, but it is immediately calmed by a floral note of aromatic lavender. Then, bergamot adds a zesty freshness that brightens the top.
As the middle settles, iris provides a noble and elegant flower that balances strength with delicacy. This is complemented by the nutty warmth of tolu balsam and the addictive sensuality of black vanilla husk. Finally, the woody presence of vetiver and leather add depth and dimension to this classic masculine scent.
Givenchy Gentleman Intense takes the original Givenchy signature and deepens it. If Gentlemen Only was the plain white tee and the pale blue blazer then Intense is like the dark gray suit that can be worn for any occasion. It amplifies the original’s signature incense and woods with an addition of almond warmth from tonka bean and a bit of sour sharpness from patchouli.
If you’re looking for a fragrance that exudes power and masculinity but does not have a stale, outdated scent then this is the one to try. It’s a classic that has stood the test of time. It has the potential to turn heads in a room full of people, but it won’t have that loud, overbearing, overly mossy or musky smell that can scream 1970s and give off a bad impression.
Final Notes
Givenchy Gentleman is a rich woody neo-aromatic fragrance for men. It's a masculine scent that blends elegant sophistication with an air of sensual strength and power. This masculine cologne is available as an Eau de Parfum, which means it lasts longer on the skin than other perfume forms, including eau de toilette and eau de parfum spray. This cologne is recommended for romantic wear, but it can also be worn for casual or formal occasions.
This Givenchy Gentleman fragrance gets compared to Giorgio for Men quite often, although it's a bit different than that scent. While Giorgio has a similar patchouli accord, it is louder and more synthetic than Givenchy. Also, Giorgio has gorgeous tarragon notes that give it an earthiness that Gentleman lacks.
Overall, this is a nice masculine scent that many men will enjoy. It's a great option for autumn and spring. However, it's not the best cologne for warm weather. The citrus and light floral notes can make it a little too much for warmer temperatures.
It's a good fragrance for older men who want to show off their refined side. It's a classic that's been modernized, but it still has that classy French dirtiness that so many men love. It's definitely better than most of the other recent aquatics from Givenchy and other houses trying to imitate Bleu de Chanel or Sauvage, but it falls short of some of the more high-end offerings like Y for Men by Yves Saint Laurent.
Conclusion
Givenchy Gentleman compares favorably to other leading men's fragrances, offering a unique blend of sophistication, versatility, and high-quality ingredients. While Dior Sauvage, Bleu de Chanel, and Tom Ford Noir each have their distinct appeals, Givenchy Gentleman stands out for its elegant and complex scent profile. Whether you are seeking a fragrance for everyday wear or special occasions, Givenchy Gentleman provides a timeless option that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
