7 classic gender-neutral fragrances that will never go out of style
Fragrance has long been divided by gendered marketing, but many of the most enduring scents have always existed comfortably in the space between. These gender-neutral fragrances reject the need to categorise who should wear what. Instead, they focus on balance—between brightness and depth, softness and structure. Whether minimalist or complex, they remain quietly timeless, worn by those who value scent for its composition rather than its label. Below are seven classic gender-neutral fragrances that continue to resonate with wearers who prefer subtle sophistication over excess.
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Le Labo Another 13
Created as a collaboration with AnOther Magazine, Le Labo’s Another 13 has become something of a modern cult favourite. It centres on ambroxan, a synthetic note derived from ambergris, which lends a clean yet animalic quality. The result is cool, musky and faintly addictive. Its transparency makes it one of the most recognisable gender-neutral fragrances in contemporary perfumery, worn by those who prefer understatement over projection.
CK One
Few gender-neutral fragrances have achieved the cultural impact of CK One. Launched in 1994, Calvin Klein’s citrus-musk blend was a defining scent of the decade. Its opening of bergamot, pineapple and cardamom leads to a green tea accord and a gentle musk finish. The fragrance’s simplicity and fresh clarity made it universal, and it remains an easy, nostalgic choice for those who want something crisp and effortless.
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue
Although often associated with Mediterranean sensuality, Light Blue’s balanced blend of Sicilian lemon, apple and cedar has long appealed across genders. It is sparkling but grounded, invoking salt air and sun-warmed skin without tipping into sweetness. Its clean structure and enduring popularity make it a quiet entry on any list of classic gender-neutral fragrances.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Gentle Fluidity
Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Gentle Fluidity series was designed to explore how ingredients themselves can transcend gender. The Silver and Gold editions share the same notes—juniper berry, nutmeg, amber woods—arranged in different proportions. The result is a study in balance rather than contrast. It’s a thoughtful reminder that the idea of gender-neutral fragrances is less about the absence of character and more about rethinking composition.
Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin
Often cited as one of the brand’s signature blends, Lime Basil & Mandarin defined Jo Malone’s unisex aesthetic. The citrus top is bright but never sharp, softened by basil and amberwood. Its versatility has made it a staple in both men’s and women’s collections for decades, and it continues to exemplify the quiet elegance that characterises many gender-neutral fragrances.
Clinique Calyx
Originally launched under Prescriptives in the late 1980s, Calyx is a vivid, green-fruity scent that still feels strikingly modern. Its opening burst of grapefruit and guava leads into a floral heart anchored by oakmoss. While often described as energetic, it avoids the overly sweet tones typical of the era. Its clarity and precision make it a pioneer among gender-neutral fragrances, long before the term became common.
Diptyque Tam Dao
Tam Dao is an ode to sandalwood that resists heaviness. The composition pairs creamy Mysore sandalwood with cedar and cypress, creating a meditative calm rather than opulence. It feels timeless and grounded, evoking dry wood and soft smoke. Among gender-neutral fragrances, it is one of the most quietly enduring—discreet yet memorable, like the scent of wood warmed by the sun.
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