The Fragrances of the World Classification, created by Michael Edwards in 1983, is a comprehensive system that organizes perfumes into distinct scent families. This system uses the concept of a fragrance wheel to simplify and categorize perfumes, making it easier for consumers and professionals to understand and explore different scents.
Edwards, an expert in the fragrance industry, developed this tool to bridge the gap between retailers and customers, offering a visual and logical way to group fragrances. The fragrance wheel, often referred to as the “perfume wheel,” divides scents into four main families: Floral, Ambery, Woody, and Fresh, with each family further broken down into subcategories. This detailed structure allows anyone to identify their scent preferences and discover new perfumes with similar profiles.
Below are the main categories and their subcategories, along with descriptions and examples:
Category: Floral Notes
Subcategories:
FLORAL
This subcategory highlights the pure, natural scent of fresh flowers like rose, jasmine, and lily. These fragrances are classic and timeless, perfect for those who love romantic and elegant aromas.
Examples:
- For Her:
- Chanel No. 5
- Dior J’adore
- Gucci Bloom
- Lancôme Idôle
- For Him:
- Jean Paul Gaultier Le Beau
- Guerlain L’Homme Idéal Cool
- Dior Homme 2020
- Calvin Klein Eternity for Men
- Unisex:
- Le Labo Lys 41
- Byredo Inflorescence
- Tom Ford Soleil Blanc
- Diptyque Eau Rose
SOFT FLORAL
These scents soften the floral essence with powdery or aldehydic elements, creating a gentle, airy fragrance.
Examples:
- For Her:
- Narciso Rodriguez For Her
- Prada Infusion d’Iris
- Chloe Eau de Parfum
- Marc Jacobs Daisy
- For Him:
- Dior Fahrenheit Soft
- Kenzo Homme Night
- Paco Rabanne Pure XS
- Chanel Égoïste Platinum
- Unisex:
- Hermès Eau de Néroli Doré
- Serge Lutens Clair de Musc
- Escentric Molecules Molecule 01
- Maison Margiela Lazy Sunday Morning
Category: Ambery Notes
Subcategories:
FLORAL AMBER
A fusion of warm amber and floral notes, offering an exotic and sensual blend that is often rich and opulent.
Examples:
- For Her:
- Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium
- Thierry Mugler Alien
- Dolce & Gabbana The One
- Versace Crystal Noir
- For Him:
- Armani Code Profumo
- Paco Rabanne 1 Million
- Hugo Boss The Scent
- Dior Sauvage Elixir
- Unisex:
- Byredo Gypsy Water
- Tom Ford Noir Extreme
- Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540
- Nishane Ani
SOFT AMBER
Delicate and subtle amber scents combined with spices or light resins, creating a comforting warmth.
Examples:
- For Her:
- Guerlain Shalimar
- Calvin Klein Obsession
- Carolina Herrera Good Girl
- Lancôme La Nuit Trésor
- For Him:
- Dolce & Gabbana The One for Men
- Montblanc Explorer
- Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb
- Bvlgari Man in Black
- Unisex:
- Diptyque Eau Duelle
- Jo Malone Myrrh & Tonka
- Atelier Cologne Ambre Nue
- Acqua di Parma Ambra
AMBER
The heart of this category, characterized by bold, resinous, and slightly sweet notes that evoke depth and intensity.
Examples:
- For Her:
- Lancôme Tresor
- Chanel Coco Mademoiselle
- Mugler Angel
- Tom Ford Velvet Orchid
- For Him:
- Creed Royal Oud
- Tom Ford Oud Wood
- Versace Eros Flame
- Prada Luna Rossa Black
- Unisex:
- Amouage Interlude 53
- Kilian Straight to Heaven
- Initio Side Effect
- Xerjoff Alexandria II
WOODY AMBER
A darker, richer take on amber fragrances, adding earthy and woody dimensions for a more grounded scent.
Examples:
- For Her:
- Valentino Donna Noir Absolu
- Gucci Rush
- Lancôme Idôle Intense
- Tom Ford Black Orchid
- For Him:
- Dior Fahrenheit
- Giorgio Armani Code Absolu
- Bvlgari Man Wood Essence
- Hermès Terre d’Hermès
- Unisex:
- Maison Margiela By the Fireplace
- Roja Parfums Enigma
- Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan
- Tiziana Terenzi Ursa
Category: Woody Notes
Subcategories:
WOODS
Centered around notes like sandalwood, cedarwood, and patchouli, this subcategory exudes warmth, elegance, and strength.
Examples:
- For Her:
- Gucci Guilty Absolute Pour Femme
- Lalique Amethyst Éclat
- Chloé Nomade
- Givenchy L’Interdit
- For Him:
- Terre d’Hermès
- Creed Aventus
- Tom Ford Beau De Jour
- Acqua di Giò Profondo
- Unisex:
- Le Labo Santal 33
- Diptyque Tam Dao
- Byredo Super Cedar
- Frederic Malle Bois d’Orage
MOSSY WOODS
Also known as chypre, these fragrances blend woodsy elements with moss, offering a sophisticated, earthy vibe.
Examples:
- For Her:
- Chanel Coco
- Miss Dior Originale
- Estée Lauder Knowing
- Guerlain Mitsouko
- For Him:
- Armani Eau Pour Homme
- Guerlain Vetiver
- Paco Rabanne Pour Homme
- Azzaro Pour Homme
- Unisex:
- Chanel Sycomore
- Diptyque Philosykos
- Acqua di Parma Colonia Essenza
- Serge Lutens Chypre Rouge
DRY WOODS
Incorporating smoky, leathery tones, this subcategory is rugged, masculine, and bold.
Examples:
- For Her:
- Tom Ford White Suede
- Carolina Herrera CH Sublime
- Gucci Guilty Black
- Dior Poison
- For Him:
- Dolce & Gabbana Intenso
- Gucci Guilty Absolute
- Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit de L’Homme
- Dior Homme Intense
- Unisex:
- Tom Ford Tuscan Leather
- Byredo Accord Oud
- Acqua di Parma Leather
- Memo Paris Irish Leather
Category: Fresh Notes
Subcategories:
AROMATIC
A blend of fresh herbs like lavender, basil, and thyme, often paired with citrus or woody notes for a dynamic scent.
Examples:
- For Her:
- Versace Versense
- Chanel Chance Eau Fraîche
- Issey Miyake A Drop d’Issey
- Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Mandarine Basilic
- For Him:
- Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male
- Versace Eros
- Prada Luna Rossa
- Hugo Boss Bottled
- Unisex:
- Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt
- Acqua di Parma Fico di Amalfi
- CK One
- Hermès Eau d’Orange Verte
CITRUS
Featuring bright, zesty notes like lemon, bergamot, and orange, these fragrances are refreshing and energetic.
Examples:
- For Her:
- Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue
- Clinique Happy
- Versace Yellow Diamond
- Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia
- For Him:
- Dior Sauvage
- Chanel Allure Homme Sport
- Guerlain Homme
- Bvlgari Aqua Pour Homme
- Unisex:
- Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine
- Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin
- Hermès Eau de Citron Noir
- Escentric Molecules Escentric 02
WATER
Inspired by the ocean and aquatic elements, this subcategory includes breezy, marine, and watery aromas.
Examples:
- For Her:
- Davidoff Cool Water Woman
- Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey
- Armani Acqua di Gioia
- CK Escape
- For Him:
- Davidoff Cool Water
- Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme
- Bvlgari Aqva Amara
- Paco Rabanne Invictus
- Unisex:
- Montblanc Explorer Ultra Blue
- Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo
- Jo Malone Sea Daffodil
- Maison Margiela Sailing Day
GREEN
Evoking the freshness of grass, leaves, and foliage, green fragrances are crisp, clean, and natural.
Examples:
- For Her:
- Balmain Vent Vert
- Chanel No. 19
- Hermès Un Jardin Sur Le Nil
- Cartier Baiser Volé
- For Him:
- Lacoste Essential
- Ralph Lauren Polo Green
- Hugo Boss Bottled Unlimited
- Dunhill Fresh
- Unisex:
- Tom Ford Vert Bohème
- Diptyque Eau de Lierre
- Hermès Un Jardin Sur Le Toit
- Atelier Cologne Trèfle Pur
FRUITY
- Fruity: Sweet and playful, these scents are dominated by juicy fruits like peach, apple, and berries.
Examples:- For Her:
- Nina Ricci Nina
- DKNY Be Delicious
- Escada Sorbetto Rosso
- Lancôme Miracle Blossom
- For Him:
- Montblanc Explorer Ultra Blue
- Paco Rabanne Invictus Legend
- Lacoste L.12.12 Blanc
- Joop! Go
- Unisex:
- Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue
- Byredo Pulp
- Diptyque Eau Moheli
- Atelier Cologne Pomélo Paradis
- For Her:
Fragrances take us on a journey through emotions and memories, and the Fragrances of the World Classification opens the door to exploring this extraordinary map. Each category and subcategory holds stories waiting to be discovered through unique scent compositions. Whether you gravitate towards fresh citrus notes, deep woody accords, or sensual ambery aromas, this classification helps you better understand and find your favorite perfumes. Which fragrance family do your favorites belong to? 🌸✨