Our take
What does Guess 1981 for Men smell like?
Guess named this masculine 1981 after the year the brand was founded. It came out in 2017 as an eau de toilette. A clean bergamot opens, soon covered by violet leaf, which smells green and a touch peppery. The heart dries out. Cedar leads with some quiet oakmoss and an ambery note that softens the edges. Leather and olibanum make up the base and add a thin smoke over tanned skin. Nothing here breaks new ground. Still, it recalls pricier masculines. Bleu de Chanel comes to mind for the citrus and incense pairing, though 1981 is rougher and less polished. Longevity is decent for an eau de toilette at around five or six hours. The violet leaf stays noticeable right into the drydown, which is the part we like best. Projection turns moderate after the first hour.
When to wear it
Good in autumn with a leather jacket or raw denim. Three or four sprays on the neck and chest.
It belongs to the Woody, Aromatic family. Guess 1981 for Men is one of 10 creations by Guess in our encyclopedia.
