Who Do You Wear Perfume For? Real Answers from Men Who Love Perfume

When it comes to wearing perfume, who are you really trying to please? Yourself, others, or both? We looked at the results of the Scent Brotherhood community on Skool, and the results are pretty interesting.

 

With 72 votes, the majority of men said they wear perfume for themselves. Another 71 admitted that they balance their own enjoyment with the approval of others, while only one brave man explicitly said they wear perfume only for others.

But the real insights come from the discussion - because while men claim to wear perfume for themselves, their choices are often influenced by the people around them. Let's analyze what they said.

"I Wear Perfume for Myself... But"

The overwhelming consensus is that perfume is a personal experience. Most men wear perfume because they like the way they smell, but that doesn't mean they ignore the opinions of others.

“I have to like the smell, but if my spouse doesn’t, she’ll have a huge influence on me.” — Roland W.
“I like to smell good on myself, and other people’s smells are just a bonus to me.” — William N.
“While I don’t want to offend anyone around me, most importantly my wife, I wear perfume almost entirely for myself.” — Scott R.

This sentiment was echoed throughout the discussion. What’s the general rule? If the perfume makes you feel good, you wear it. If it gets compliments, even better.

However, there is a limit. As Mike P. puts it, “I can guarantee that no one here would wear their favorite perfume at a social event or at work if only they liked it and everyone around them found it disgusting. So ‘just for myself’ is a lie we tell ourselves.”

Even those who say they wear perfume entirely for themselves admit that outside opinions can influence their choices over time.

The Influence of Loved Ones

Many men admit that while they prioritize their own taste, their spouse or partner plays a big role in what they actually wear on a daily basis.

"If I don't like it, I won't wear it...but if I like it and my spouse likes it, I'll wear it more often." - Alora D.
"My wife has a big influence on how often and where I wear perfume." - William B.
"A happy wife makes a happy life! If she's around, I won't wear something she doesn't like." - Scott A.

For many men, perfume is a collaborative experience - they'll wear a perfume they like, but choose their partner's favorite for date night or special occasions.

Balance Between Self and Others

Some men approach perfume with a balanced mindset, choosing a perfume they like while also considering how others perceive them.

"I choose perfume mainly based on how I feel that day. So, from that perspective, perfume is for myself. But I like compliments. If something is received positively, I'm more likely to buy it." — Raymond R.
"I definitely need to appreciate the way I smell to boost my confidence, but I also want to look good in front of others." — Michael D.
"I wear what I like to smell, but I can't lie - I do try to wear something more flattering when I go out." — Landon L.

This approach is consistent with the way many men curate their perfume wardrobes - choosing blends that match their personal tastes, but also selecting specific scents for social occasions where impressions are important.

A Few Exceptions: Wearing Perfume for Others

While nearly all men prioritize their own preferences, a few openly admit that they choose perfume primarily for others.

"The reason I wear so much perfume is so that others can smell me. I want to announce that I am out there, the girl who smells good." — Kimi N.
"As a single man, I want to at least catch the ladies' attention." — Robert T.

These responses highlight a more strategic approach - using perfume to create an identity, stand out, or attract attention in social situations.

Final Thoughts: The Truth About Perfume and Who You Wear Perfume For

Ultimately, perfume is a deeply personal experience, but it's almost never worn in isolation. Whether it's for confidence, attraction, or simple enjoyment, most men recognize that scent plays a role in both self-expression and social interaction.

So, who do you wear perfume for? If you're like most men in our community, it's a balance - doing it for yourself first, but always being aware of the impact it has on those around you.