Our take
What does Gentlemen Only smell like?
Givenchy launched Gentlemen Only in 2013 as an everyday woody aromatic. The house doesn't put the perfumer's name forward. The opening mixes mandarin, pink pepper and birch leaf, with nutmeg adding a little warmth. It's fresh without going aquatic. The heart moves to wood. Cedar, vetiver and patchouli sketch a dry, clean base that feels upright rather than dark. Incense in the drydown adds a faint smoke and white musk rounds off what's left. Nothing aggressive. It was designed to please as many people as possible, and it does. Compared with Bleu de Chanel, another best-selling office woody, Gentlemen Only is drier and less citrusy. The later Intense version is a separate scent. Our main gripe is average longevity in the eau de toilette. By mid-afternoon you'll likely want to spray again.
When to wear it
A Monday-to-Friday scent for spring or autumn. Three sprays on the chest and neck.
It belongs to the Woody, Aromatic family. Gentlemen Only is one of 40 creations by Givenchy in our encyclopedia.
