Why Woody Fragrances Feel Right For Winters And The Holidays
This winter, woody scents are in their Succession era – and we are here for every flex
A woody fragrance feels like a good posture in scent form: steady, confident, never trying too hard. Picture a chilly evening; you’re walking home, collar up, and the city is quiet for once. There is smoke, cedar, and a trace of something warm against the cold. Winter air changes them: sandalwood turns mellow, vetiver grows smokier, and oud feels deeper. It’s the season when richness matters, and these fragrances become the olfactory equivalent of a cashmere coat.
While fresher scents grab attention instantly, earthy notes move quietly. Once heavy and dense, they are now lighter and more nuanced, sometimes brushed with citrus, sometimes softened with florals. Less like an old study, more like a good conversation.
Why Woods Feel Right in Winter
Woody fragrances get their depth from notes like cedarwood, agarwood, birch, patchouli, and oak – the foundation that makes a scent last. If citrus is the opening line, woods are the story that stays. That’s why they thrive in winter.
Kanika Bhatia, founder of solid-perfume label Joon, says, “Something is grounding about a woody fragrance. It’s sensual and perfectly unisex, a scent that fits any mood or moment. With notes of cedar, sandalwood, and vetiver, it carries the calm strength of nature with it every day. Earthy yet elegant, it feels right from morning to night.”
How To Choose The Right Fragrance
Ishita Misra, co-founder and creative director of homegrown fragrance label Fonzie Folksy, shares how to pick the right woody perfume for the season. “When choosing a woody fragrance, start by understanding the notes that support its base. These notes rarely stand alone: citrus brings freshness, spices or amber add depth, while florals like jasmine or rose soften the blend. Leather or tobacco can lend darker, more complex compositions. Always test on your skin, the true character of a woody scent unfolds during the dry-down. Spray it on your wrist and let it breathe for 30 to 60 minutes. That’s when your skin chemistry reveals how it really smells on you. Match the intensity to both the moment and the weather: lighter woods suit daytime or warmer months, while richer blends thrive in cooler air and evenings. Above all, trust your instinct. The right woody fragrance should fit your mood.”
The best woody fragrances for winter 2025
Yves Saint Laurent MYSLF Eau de Parfum
Calabrian bergamot and patchouli give it body, while Tunisian orange blossom keeps it alive.
Riggs London Men Valor Long Lasting
Chestnut, pink pepper, and guaiac wood carry the allure of wintry afternoons.
BVLGARI Eau Parfumée Thé Blanc
White tea, musk, pepper, rose, and amber notes bring clarity – like a white shirt under a woollen cardigan.
Ex Nihilo Blue Talisman
Bergamot, ginger, pear and mandarin open bright before settling into a refined musky-ambery base.
Azzaro Forever Wanted Elixir
Think early light on a frosty glass. Raspberry, cardamom, and leather weave freshness into heat – the kind that wakes nippy mornings and slows winter nights.
Jo Malone London Hinoki & Cedarwood Cologne Intense
Cedarwood and hinoki lend the clarity of winter silence, like standing among tall trees and hearing only your breath.
Kayali Oudgasm Vanilla Oud
Vanilla sugar, rose, and pear soften its richness, creating an ease that is indulgent but never overdone.
Elie Saab L’Homme Eau de Parfum
Sharp at the start with bergamot and pink pepper, grounded by vetiver and cedarwood oil.
Joon Shop Solid 1
Sandalwood and cardamom notes blend in a solid format that feels lived-in, like a second skin.
Fonzie Folksy Evenfall
Bergamot and saffron spark at the start before leather and oud settle in like ashes in a fireplace.
