There’s a point in midwinter when the biting cold has lost its novelty and the grey skies start to make you feel a bit grey inside. Seasonal Affective Disorder begins to take hold, and pulling on your bulkiest parka day after day feels less cozy and more doze-y.
For me, that feeling arrived this week. January, am I right?
It’s so cold in New York at the moment that I simply cannot be bothered to put together an interesting outfit. Me! It’s wool, cashmere, corduroy, repeat. Sigh.
But I’m going to let you in on a secret: My winter wardrobe has been born anew with the addition of one simple thing: a new, cold weather scent!
The transportive and transformative power of fragrance has revived my daily getting dressed routine, and it can for you, too.
So, when the dreary throes of winter have you in a chokehold, mixing up your routine with a new men’s winter fragrance could be just what you need.
Looking for men’s scents for other seasons?
The best cold weather cologne picks embrace the familiar scents of the season, from the smokiness of embers in a fireplace to the spiciness of mulled wine simmering on the stove.
We tried dozens of freezing temp-appropriate fragrances to make sure you smell your best all winter long. Try every one, or pick a favorite to wear until you spot flowers peeking out in spring.
The best winter colognes for men to wear in 2025:
BEST OVERALL
Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille
Our team’s pick for the best men’s winter cologne
- Fragrance description: “Tom Ford reinvents classic tobacco with creamy tonka bean, vanilla, cocoa, dry fruit accords, and sweet wood sap for a modern, opulent, and heady impression of confidence and power..”
- Top Notes: Tobacco Leaf, Vanilla, Ginger
A classic for a reason!
Eagle-eyed readers may have noticed Tom Ford’s iconic scent was our top pick for the perfect men’s fall fragrance, too.
That’s because this scent gives warm, sexy vibes for any dropping temp.
Developed to remind the wearer of an English gentleman‘s club — the type with a fireplace roaring even in the summertime — Tobacco Vanille blends rich spices, vanilla, and tobacco flower, ensuring any man who wears it makes a powerful impression.
best Daytime scent
When it comes to the best cold weather cologne, it’s hard to beat the one you’ll wear everyday
Commodity Milk
- Fragrance description: “Seeking comfort in the familiar, this creamy and calming scent offers the perfect start to the day. Cold Milk adds a cooling element to an otherwise rich and warm fragrance.”
- Notes: Warm Marshmallow, Toasted Sesame, Mahogany Wood, Tonka Bean
This soft, intriguing scent is perfect for everyday. Don’t let the hot chocolate accessory notes fool you — this scent is warm and comforting but not cloying. Opt for the “Expressive” scent space for the most day-to-day vibes.
Best Woody Scent
Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club Eau de Toilette Fragrance
- Fragrance description: “With a smooth groove of pink pepper, rum, vetiver and tobacco leaf, Jazz Club is a parfum of chic and heady cocktails, honey and woody notes of cigar boxes. It captures the image of cracked leather bar stools, well-worn armchairs and the piano where unfinished drinks are left to waft their liquory notes.”
- Notes: Pink Pepper, Primofiore Lemon, Neroli Oil
The best winter fragrances for men transport you upon first spritz. This woody, spicy cologne recalls the cozy atmosphere of a private club and the warm scents of smooth cocktails and smoking cigars.
This is a warm, deep, dare-I-say sexy scent that any woman would love to smell on a man.
best spicy scent
Fenty Eau de Parfum
Spice things up when it’s freezing outside
- Fragrance description: “Like its creator, Fenty Eau De Parfum turns the invisible into the unmissable, attracting all the attention. It’s a bold, complex statement that says look at me…and stay thinking of me..”
- Notes: Patchouli, Musk, Tangerine, Magnolia
Finding the right men’s cologne for winter means sometimes, you go searching in the women’s aisle. Don’t be fooled, though. Rihanna knows how to make a scent that spices up men’s and women’s routines alike. This thing is unisex all the way.
best spECIAL OCCASION SCENT
Creed Aventus
Break glass in case of needing to smell amazing
- Fragrance description: “Aventus Cologne opens with a fruity yet aromatic burst of ginger, mandarin and pink peppercorn, that is then complemented by a sumptuous heart of patchouli, sandalwood and vetiver. A leathery balsamic base of styrax, birch, musk and tonka provide the final touch to the vibrant fragrance. This cult-classic scent with a rebellious modern twist embodies vitality, success, true grit and style.”
- Notes: Ginger, Mandarin, Pink Peppercorn
For guys looking for that special occasion scent, a Creed fragrance might just be the best winter cologne splurge.
Aventus has long been a Team SG favorite, but be sure to take a whiff of all their most hearty cold weather scents like Viking and Green Irish Tweed.
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Classic winter cologne
And a few tried and true, classic cold weather cologne picks for men that our team loves in winter:
Bond No. 9 Chez Bond, Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme, Armani Stronger With You Intensely, and Gucci Guilty Pour Homme
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Check out more men’s fragrance roundups on Style Girlfriend:
The Best Spring Fragrances for Men
Spritz On The Best Summer Fragrances for Men
