Best ’90s Men’s Cologne (That Are Still Popular Now)
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The 1990s were a golden era for men’s fragrance. Everything about that decade—from the TV commercials, to the slick department store counters, to the distinctive first impressions people associated with a man’s scent—left behind an unforgettable signature in fragrance history. The ’90s were playful, bold, and refreshingly uncomplicated, which is exactly why ’90s perfumes are having a massive rebirth among modern fragrance lovers today.
It was the decade of marine accords, green notes, bright mandarin orange, crisp juniper berries, and blends of dry woods, floral notes, and clean musk. These scents felt fresh out of the shower, relaxed yet masculine, and suitable for warmer months or everyday wear. Whether someone preferred eau de cologne, eau de parfum, or light splash-on scents you’d throw in a gym bag, the ’90s had a fragrance for every vibe.
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Even now, in the world of endless niche brands and social media fragrance hype, the most popular today scents often trace their DNA back to that unforgettable decade. Many men still reach for familiar names because they evoke confidence, nostalgia, and timeless freshness. And the best part? The modern fragrance world has birthed new lines—like Farmasi Men’s Colognes—that embody everything we loved about ’90s scent design while feeling elevated, refined, and ready for today’s lifestyle.
In this guide, we’re exploring the best ’90s men’s colognes that are still loved, still purchased, and still complimented like crazy. No particular order—just pure appreciation for iconic fragrance energy.
We’ll also spotlight three standout Farmasi fragrances:
Baoli EDP (modern, fresh, aromatic sophistication)
Deep Horizon (mysterious, masculine, sea-inspired depth)
MASCULINE (intense cardamom, pepperwood, amber, and oud)
Let’s dive in.
The Magic of ’90s Men’s Fragrance Design
Before we explore individual scents, it’s helpful to understand what made ’90s colognes so special—and why the world keeps coming back to them.
1. Fresh Was King
The ’90s were obsessed with the feeling of cleanliness. Think clean musk, fresh air, crisp shirts, and the scent of soap. Many fragrances highlighted airy, bright notes that made you smell like you just stepped out of a cool shower.
2. Marine Accords
A huge trend of the decade was the oceanic vibe—cool, watery notes that embodied sea breeze freshness. These marine scents became signature fragrances for men all over the world.
3. Green Notes
From green tea to bright grasses and leaves, ’90s scents embraced nature in a modern, wearable way. These provided a calming yet energetic effect, making them ideal for daily wear.
4. Citrus with Character
A lot of fragrances leaned into bright citrus notes, mandarin orange, and natural zest. This gave them a refreshing and energizing feel.
5. Fresh Spice & Gentle Woods
Unlike heavier ’80s scents, ’90s colognes leaned into lighter spices—juniper berries, pepper, and soft woods—creating a perfectly balanced masculine aroma.
6. Universal Appeal
The best part? These scents didn’t rely on trends. They were versatile, easygoing, and could transition from school to work to a night out.
All these traits together form the foundation of why ’90s fragrances are still among the best fragrances for men today.
The Best ’90s Men’s Colognes That Remain Popular Today
Below are the top ’90s colognes men still reach for—fresh, iconic, nostalgic, and timeless. Again, no particular order.
1. Calvin Klein (Classic ’90s Energy)
Calvin Klein ruled department stores throughout the decade. The brand was synonymous with minimalist packaging, modern masculinity, and scents that felt clean, cool, and effortless.
CK fragrances typically played with:
clean musk
green notes
bright citrus
light woods
People loved them because they were refreshing, unpretentious, and smelled good on almost everyone. Calvin Klein created some of the most recognizable best sellers of the decade. Walk into a room wearing one, and you immediately evoke that ’90s “new window of freshness” vibe.
2. Cool Water (Fresh & Marine, ’90s Perfection)
Few things scream ’90s more than a fresh marine scent. The blend of marine accords, cool fresh spice, and subtle warm woods created a wave of popularity that carried on for decades.
Why people still love it:
It’s crisp and refreshing
Perfect for warmer months
Gives instant “just showered” energy
The signature coolness suits every occasion
This fragrance also helped popularize oceanic, aquatic notes that became a defining trait of ’90s masculinity.
3. Acqua di Gio (Bright, Clean & Citrus-Driven)
If the ’90s had a fragrance soundtrack, this scent would be on repeat.
It has those:
bright citrus notes
airy marine touches
green notes
subtle woods
It’s beloved because of its universal, feel-good personality. You could wear it to class, to work, or on a first date, and it would never fail to make the right impression.
4. Tommy Hilfiger (Fresh American Vibes)
Tommy Hilfiger was one of the most iconic brands of the ’90s — fashion, fragrance, and lifestyle all rolled into one. The fragrance embodied youthfulness, optimism, and the era’s preppy aesthetic.
Its scent profile often leaned into:
fresh citrus
green apples
subtle spice
clean woods
It gave that clean-cut, casual-cool vibe that made it a favorite among younger men.
5. Egoiste Platinum (Fresh Spice + Clean Luxury)
This ’90s standout was known for its energetic, crisp, slightly metallic freshness combined with masculine woods. The fresh spice and elegant vibe made it perfect for men who wanted something modern and polished.
Its appeal:
strong presence
bold but wearable
fresh yet distinct
perfect for confident men
6. Millesime Imperial (Crisp, Clean, and Green)
This scent captured the refined side of ’90s fragrance design. It layered freshness with subtle green notes, a touch of saltiness, and a classy, well-rounded finish.
People loved that it:
smelled fancy without being overwhelming
balanced citrus, green, and wood
felt luxurious and timeless
It remains a personal favorite for many men who want an elevated yet understated fragrance.
7. Creed’s Green Irish Tweed (Fresh Green Confidence)
This is one of the most recognizable green fragrances from the ’90s era. A crisp mix of green tea, dry woods, and clean masculine notes, it gave off the classic gentleman vibe.
Why people still reach for it:
unmistakably fresh
feels expensive
natural yet polished
perfect for daily wear
If you love scents that are crisp, herbal, and classy, this one defines that category.
8. Old Spice (A Forever Classic)
While Old Spice existed before the ’90s, the decade cemented its place as a household name through relentless TV commercials, gym-bag presence, and a familiar masculine aroma that most people could recognize anywhere.
Its scent identity leans into:
warm spice
soft musk
fresh masculine energy
It’s nostalgic, iconic, and still going strong today.
9. Aqua Velva (Fresh, Classic, and Cooling)
Aqua Velva is another timeless name that continued its momentum well into the ’90s. It’s known for that invigorating feel, the clean splash of aftershave coolness, and the classic masculine profile men wore for decades.
What people love:
crisp freshness
simple masculine vibe
iconic barbershop feel
10. Issey Miyake L’Eau d’… (Light, Airy, & Distinct)
A defining scent of the ’90s thanks to its airy composition and recognizable freshness. It combined brightness, subtle floral notes, and a gentle woodiness for a memorable and contemporary feel.
People still wear it today because:
it’s light
modern
uniquely fresh
timeless
Farmasi Men’s Colognes: The Modern Evolution of ’90s Freshness
Now that we’ve revisited the biggest scents of the ’90s, it’s time to highlight something exciting: Farmasi Men’s colognes that embody the very best traits of ’90s fragrance design — freshness, masculinity, clarity of notes, and long-lasting appeal — while elevating them with modern sophistication.
These fragrances take the DNA of what made ’90s scents iconic and reimagine them for today’s man: confident, polished, and ready for anything.
Below are the three standouts.
Baoli EDP – Modern, Fresh, and Captivating
Baoli EDP is everything we loved about ’90s fresh masculine scents — but richer, deeper, and more refined.
Top notes: Lavender, Clary Sage, Bitter Orange
Middle notes: Green Notes, Fir, Lily of the Valley
Base notes: Oak Moss, Vetiver, Amber
Baoli EDP blends:
the refreshing green notes inspired by ’90s colognes
bright aromatic freshness
sensual woods
a sophisticated musky depth
This fragrance wraps the skin in a deep and captivating aroma that stays with you throughout the day. It reflects strength, character, and freshness, while giving you that unmistakable modern-man presence.
Perfect for men who love ’90s-inspired scents but want something more refined and memorable.
Deep Horizon – The Sea Meets Sophistication
Deep Horizon captures the magical encounter between sky and sea, making it a clear modern evolution of the era that worshipped marine accords.
This fragrance is:
deep
vibrant
mysterious
masculine yet subtly sweet
It inspires confidence and authenticity while delivering that oceanic freshness reminiscent of iconic ’90s colognes—only smoother, richer, and more seductive.
If you love fragrances with:
fresh air vibes
watery brightness
subtle sweetness
masculine depth
Deep Horizon brings all of those elements together beautifully.
MASCULINE – Intense, Spicy, and Timeless
If the ’90s were known for freshness, modern masculine fragrances are known for depth. MASCULINE blends both worlds.
Top note: Cardamom
Heart note: Pepperwood
Base notes: Amber, Oud Wood
This is a bold, powerful fragrance designed for men who love spice, warmth, and richness. Yet, it still reflects the timeless elegance that made ’90s colognes unforgettable.
It delivers:
an exotic, magnetic personality
a warm, confident base
a signature scent that lasts
modern masculinity with classic roots
This fragrance projects strength without being overpowering — an intense yet sophisticated scent that immediately stands out.
How to Choose the Right ’90s-Inspired Fragrance Today
Choosing a fragrance is all about mood, lifestyle, and identity. Here's how to find the perfect match based on 1990s scent profiles:
If you love Marine Scents:
Choose fragrances with oceanic, airy, or aquatic energy.
✔ Cool Water
✔ Deep Horizon
✔ Acqua di Gio
If you love Green, Fresh Scents:
Choose scents with herbs, green notes, or grassy brightness.
✔ Baoli EDP
✔ Creed’s green profile scents
✔ Millesime-style freshness
If you love Fresh Spice:
Look for notes like cardamom, pepper, and juniper berries.
✔ MASCULINE
✔ Egoiste Platinum-inspired vibes
If you love Bright Citrus:
Look for mandarin orange or citrus-forward top notes.
✔ Tommy Hilfiger-inspired profiles
✔ Baoli EDP’s bright opening
If you want Classic Masculine Warmth:
Soft musk, spice, and wood will be your favorites.
✔ Old Spice
✔ Aqua Velva
✔ MASCULINE
Why ’90s Fragrances Are Still Popular Today
Even with thousands of new colognes launching every year, men continue returning to ’90s scents. Why?
1. They’re Feel-Good Fragrances
Clean, fresh, and universally appealing. They make you feel put together instantly.
2. They’re Nostalgic
The ’90s were one of the last decades with simplicity at its core. These scents bring back memories of youth, freedom, and excitement.
3. They’re Easy to Wear
No heavy learning curve. Spray and go.
4. They’re Timeless
Their structure—fresh + green + marine + citrus + soft woods—is basically eternal.
5. They Inspired Today’s Scents
Modern fragrances, including Farmasi’s men's line, still draw inspiration from their DNA.
Final Thoughts: The Best of the ’90s Meets the Best of Today
’90s men’s colognes were more than fragrances—they were identity markers. They represented a time when men embraced freshness, confidence, and personality in a way that felt relaxed yet intentional. And that’s exactly why they remain so popular today.
Whether you love the nostalgic classics or want something modern that captures the same energy, today’s fragrance market gives you endless choices.
But if you want something that truly blends ’90s freshness with modern sophistication, Farmasi Men’s colognes—Baoli EDP, Deep Horizon, and MASCULINE—deliver the perfect balance:
✔ Fresh yet bold
✔ Clean yet rich
✔ Masculine yet modern
✔ Perfect for everyday wear
They embody everything fragrance lovers adored about the ’90s while providing a confident, lasting, elevated scent experience that fits today’s lifestyle.