Unisex Fragrances; A Scents of Pride
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The rising appeal of Unisex Fragrances in 2024
The luxury perfume business has historically been dominated by scents for women – fragrances that are made especially for females and are meant to represent sensuality, elegance, and femininity.
However, gender-neutral or unisex fragrances have grown in popularity in the market for high-end perfumes. Nowadays, most fragrance houses sell a unisex fragrance and in Statista’s last report unisex fragrances accounted for about 51 percent of all fragrance product launches worldwide. Searches for unisex fragrance have risen by almost a third in the past 12 months (on perfumedirect.com) and online searches for the term have increased more than 50 percent in the last year.
Disregarding the conventional gender-specific classification, unisex fragrances are made to be appropriate for both men and women, and perfumers are creating balanced compositions that are neither overly masculine nor feminine.
The popularity of unisex fragrances aligns with a broader societal move towards gender fluidity and inclusivity. Consumers are increasingly seeking products that allow them to express their individuality without being confined by traditional gender norms; inclusive products that reflect their identities and values.
Similarly, as unisex fragrances can be shared between partners or family members, there is a practical and economic benefit to having scents that are suitable for everyone. This makes them an attractive option for consumers looking to streamline their fragrance collections, or to give more reason to splash out!
“As society continues to value inclusivity, personal expression, and quality, the trend towards unisex fragrances is likely to grow even stronger”, says Jonny Weber of PerfumeDirect.com
“Unisex fragrances perfectly align with this movement by offering scents that aren’t confined by stereotypical gender associations. They appeal to individuals seeking scents that resonate with their personal tastes and preferences rather than conforming to societal expectations based on gender. Fragrance brands are recognising this by increasing the number of scents they’re bringing to market that don’t specify a gender,” says Jonny.
The most in-demand gender-neutral fragrances this year
An undisputable clear favourite at the luxury end of unisex fragrances is Baccarat Rouge. For the past year this has frequently appeared in analysis of Google searches relating to unisex perfumes. That said, the forefather of unisex fragrance – CK One is also still capturing the hearts and wallets of fans of unisex fragrance! At £28.99 compared to Baccarat’s price tag of £234.99 we can perhaps see why.
Baccarat Rouge, £234.99 and CK One, £24.99 at PerfumeDirect.com
“What’s great about the Unisex Fragrance category is the variety of choice”, says Jonny Weber of PerfumeDirect.com“Fragrance brands are finding new ways to experiment and bring exciting new scents to market. Popular and trending fragrances at the moment include everything by Tom Ford, plus Creed and Byredo. Sets containing unisex fragrances are also a great idea”, adds Jonny. “This way you can mix and match and really find something you love.”
“As we move into summer 2024, the fragrance industry continues to innovate and adapt, with unisex fragrances leading the way. They represent more than just a trend; they embody a shift towards a more inclusive and expressive world of scents. Embrace the change and find your perfect unisex fragrance this season.”
Tom Ford Lost Cherry, £239.99, Hermes Voyage D’Hermes, £95.99 and Byredo Gypsy Water, £196.99
Creed Virgin Island Water, £239.99 and Maison Margiela Lazy Sunday Morn, £97.99 and Clean Reserve Solar Bloom, £47.99
Tom Ford Private Blend Decanter Discovery Collection, £177.99; Hermes Jardins Unisex Fragrance Set, £62.99
The following notes are often found in unsex fragrance:
- Citrus: Notes like bergamot, lemon, or grapefruit offer a fresh and invigorating top note.
- Herbal or Spicy: Ingredients like basil, coriander, or cardamom can add depth and a slightly spicy or herbal aspect.
- Woody: Cedarwood, sandalwood, or vetiver provide a warm, earthy base to the fragrance.
- Aromatic: Lavender, sage, or rosemary might be included for a clean, herbal element.
- Ambroxan or Musk: These can lend a subtle, musky undertone without leaning too far toward traditionally masculine or feminine scents.
- Amber: Often used in unisex fragrances for its warm and inviting nature without being overly gender-specific.
