By: Catherine Reed – December 2023
For fragrance shoppers, figuring out which scents are genuinely the best Armani colognes is, in a word, tricky. Because they are all so good! Since the 1970s, Giorgio Armani’s name has been synonymous with style and elegance.
While the company began as an Italian fashion brand, in the early 1980s, the brand dipped its toes into the world of fragrances. The first release was a women’s scent – Armani – and it was soon followed up by Armani Eau Pour Homme, a fragrance for men.
Throughout the 1990s, Armani expanded its fragrance lines for men and women. For example, a youth-centric line like Emporio Armani was launched during that decade and it attracted younger wearers to the world of Armani cologne.
Similarly, Armani Exchange colognes and perfumes entered the market, offering sophisticated fragrances at a lower price point for accessibility.
Since then, Armani has continued to release new fragrances regularly, and it often reinvigorates early creations to make them appeal to a modern audience. But with so many options on the market, choosing the best Armani colognes for men becomes challenging for anyone looking to select a new scent. Luckily, we’ve put in the work for you.
Our pick for the overall best Armani cologne is Giorgio Armani Eau Pour Homme. Ultimately, this time-tested scent is a classic for a reason. It’s sophisticated without being stuffy, and it’s distinct and detectable without taking over the room. That means it’s ridiculously versatile, working well for nearly any occasion regardless of your age.
If you’re trying to find the answer to the question, “What is the best Armani perfume or cologne for me?” we got you!
Here’s a closer look at Giorgio Armani Eau Pour Homme, as well as reviews of several other Armani and Emporio Armani colognes that may be your perfect choice.
- Our List of Best Armani Colognes
- #1. Best Overall: Giorgio Armani Eau Pour Homme Eau de Toilette
- #2. Best for Summer: Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio Pour Homme Eau de Toilette
- #3. Best for Winter: Emporio Armani Stronger With You Intensely Eau de Parfum
- #4. Longest Lasting: Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio Absolu Eau de Parfum
- #5. Best Everyday: Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio Profondo Eau de Parfum
- #6. Best for Evenings: Armani Code Eau de Toilette
- #7. Best Understated Intensity: Armani Prive Bois d’Encens
- Armani Cologne: A Buyer’s Guide
- How to Make Armani Colognes Last Longer
- Where to Buy Armani Colognes
- Final Thoughts
- FAQs
Our List of Best Armani Colognes
#1. Best Overall: Giorgio Armani Eau Pour Homme Eau de Toilette
Review
Finding a scent that never goes out of style is tricky, but Giorgio Armani Eau Pour Homme eau de toilette (EDT) pulls it off nicely. Since it’s an EDT, it has more staying power than a typical cologne, but it’s not as strong as an eau de parfum. Essentially, it’s the perfect balance, making it highly wearable.
With Giorgio Armani Eau Pour Homme, you get a nice balance of spiciness and freshness thanks to the notes of clove, basil, nutmeg, bergamot, and mandarin orange.
A hint of lily adds just enough softness, and there are touches of sandalwood and patchouli, too, which keep it suitably masculine and well-grounded. You also get oakmoss, imbuing it with an earthy quality.
Sizes
When it comes to bottle sizes, 50 ml and 100 ml ones are available.
Overall Rating
Overall, customers give Giorgio Armani Eau Pour Homme EDT a 4.5-star rating, with many praising its fresh, approachable aroma that’s gently sensual and elegant while remaining uplifting.
#2. Best for Summer: Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio Pour Homme Eau de Toilette
Review
Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio Pour Homme EDT is a light, fresh, and even downright zesty fragrance that’s ideal for warm weather. The overall aroma is very aquatic, balancing nicely between fresh and sensual.
We really like the notes of neroli, bergamot, and tangerine coupled with the fruity scent of persimmon. Patchouli and cedar keep everything grounded, while oakmoss adds some earthiness.
But even though this fragrance is vibrant, that doesn’t mean there isn’t some spice. Coriander and nutmeg come through the other notes, and there’s also a hint of saltiness with touches of musk for the manly feel.
Sizes
You can find Acqua Di Gio EDT in several sizes, including 50 ml, 100 ml, and 200 ml.
Overall Rating
Customers adore this fragrance, giving it a 4.7-star rating. They appreciate how it’s refreshing while remaining masculine. Plus, among Armani colognes, this one doesn’t break the bank, making it an excellent value.
#3. Best for Winter: Emporio Armani Stronger With You Intensely Eau de Parfum
Review
Winter weather often demands a stronger fragrance, and Emporio Armani Stronger With You Intensely Eau de Parfum (EDP) definitely fits the bill. However, Stronger With You Intensely isn’t so dramatic as to only work for evenings and special occasions. Instead, its oriental and woody nature makes it very wearable.
With Emporio Armani Stronger With You Intensely, you get a warm, delectable scent thanks to notes of toffee, caramel, cinnamon, and spices. Hints of lavender give it a nice bit of softness without becoming feminine. There’s also amber and vanilla, resulting in a rich aroma. Finally, you’ll experience notes of suede, giving it plenty of masculine energy.
Sizes
The Armani Stronger With You Intensely Eau de Parfum comes in two sizes: 50ml and 100ml.
Overall Rating
Customers give Stronger With You Intensely a 4.6-star rating and with good reason. It’s unique but highly wearable and offers a warmth that works well during the winter. Plus, since it’s an EDP, the staying power is excellent, so a 100 ml bottle will undoubtedly last quite a long while.
#4. Longest Lasting: Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio Absolu Eau de Parfum
Review
When it comes to strength, EDPs offer some of the best staying power since they contain more fragrance oils than colognes and EDTs. As a result, Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio Absolu is an excellent choice if longevity is a priority.
Plus, it’s an undeniably masculine scent, leaving you feeling confident and, dare we say, sexy.
Acqua Di Gio Absolu is a flanker of the wildly popular Acqua Di Gio, and it does have some similarities. You’ll get excellent citrus notes like bergamot and grapefruit, as well as some marine notes.
There are also touches of lavender with a little rosemary, creating depth and balance. You have amber in the mix, too, as well as woody notes and patchouli with some tonka bean.
Sizes
When it comes to bottle sizes, 75 ml and 100 ml are available.
Overall Rating
Customers give it a 4.7-star rating and feel it’s highly sophisticated while remaining very wearable and appreciating that a single application can easily last the day.
#5. Best Everyday: Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio Profondo Eau de Parfum
Review
When it comes to wearability and versatility, Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio Profondo EDP is hard to beat. It’s incredibly fresh but forward enough to work all year round. Whether you need to head to the office, are taking a summer stroll, or going on a date, Acqua Di Gio Profondo just works.
With this fragrance, there’s a sea quality that’s refreshing. Couple that with citrus notes for vibrance, and it’s undeniably uplifting. Rosemary and cypress keep things grounded, and musk, patchouli, and amber bring it all together, keeping the scent masculine.
Sizes
As for bottle sizes, you can find 75 ml and 125 ml versions, making it easy to choose a size that meets your needs.
Overall Rating
Customers give Acqua Di Gio Profondo a 4.6-star rating, with many praising its longevity, versatility, and highly approachable nature.
#6. Best for Evenings: Armani Code Eau de Toilette
Review
So, if you’re exploring Armani fragrances, you’ve likely tripped across Armani Code. And naturally you may be wondering, “Is Armani code a good cologne for a night on the town?”
In a word, absolutely!
When it’s time for a date or a special occasion, let’s face it, you want a scent that gets noticed for all of the right reasons. And well, to put it simply, Armani Code eau de toilette delivers.
It’s sophisticated and seductive, and it has an undeniable broad appeal that makes it a safe bet for times you want to stand out without taking an unnecessary risk.
Armani Code EDT has notes of bergamot and lemon, making it suitably bright. But you get excellent depth thanks to touches of leather, tobacco, and tonka bean. Then, there’s star anise and woods in the mix, giving it a soft spiciness that’s incredibly enticing.
Are there other colognes similar to Armani Code? Yes. But none of the scents that try to replicate what Armani Code brings to the table tend to measure up. Generally, you’re better off with the real deal.
Sizes
With Armani Code, you can find 75 ml and 125 ml bottles without an issue.
Overall Rating
Customers give it a 4.6-star rating, praising its longevity and highly wearable nature, as well as it’s ability to pull in compliments. This one easily qualifies as a favorite among fans of the brand.
#7. Best Understated Intensity: Armani Prive Bois d’Encens
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Review
Among the Armani Prive colognes – which encompass a haute couture line within the already elevated brand – Armani Prive Bois d’Encens is undeniably special. It has an understated intensity that strikes a magnificent balance between everyday and special occasion fragrances.
With Prive Bois d’Encens, you get fantastic warmth from the wood notes. There’s just a touch of spiciness and a slightly smoky quality reminiscent of incense.
There’s a profoundness to the scent that’s highly elegant, and the pepper notes give it that little something extra. The amber and hints of musk also add a sense of masculinity.
Sizes
Generally, you can find Armani Prive Bois d’Encens in 100 ml bottles.
Overall Rating
Many customers praise its minimalistic approach to elegance, as well as its dark – almost brooding – nature.
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Armani Cologne: A Buyer’s Guide
Let’s face facts: there are a ton of outstanding Armani fragrances on the market. Just as women want to find the best Armani perfumes for her, men also want to know more than an answer to the simple question, “Is Armani perfume good?”
Instead, they want their perfect scent. So, how do you pick the best Armani cologne for you specifically?
1. Whats the occasion?
First, you need to decide how you’d like to wear the fragrance.
- Is it time for an everyday signature scent, or are you looking for a cologne that adds something special to a date night?
- Do you enjoy changing your fragrance every season?
Those questions will help you eliminate some Armani colognes from the mix.
2. What are your favorite notes?
Next, it’s time to talk notes.
- Are you after a sensual, seductive scent where the aromas of suede, amber, or musk take center stage?
- Would you prefer something uplifting and fresh with hints of citrus and herbs?
- Do you enjoy a spicy scent?
These questions will help you figure out what you want present in a fragrance, making it easier to narrow down your options.
3. How much do you want to turn heads?
Finally, you need to think about noticeability. Is subtlety what you’re after, or are you looking for something head-turning?
Once you have that figured out, there’s a good chance you’ll know which Armani cologne is your best fit, letting you purchase it with confidence.
How to Make Armani Colognes Last Longer
When you invest in an Armani cologne, you want to make sure that it lasts long after it’s applied. So, how do you make that happen?
Well, first, you want to apply your Armani fragrance at the right time. Generally, colognes linger longer if they’re applied to damp skin. That means putting it on after towel-drying following a shower or using some unscented lotion before giving yourself a spritz.
Next, you need to apply cologne to the right places. Pulse points like the inner wrist, behind the ears, and across the chest work incredibly well. Just make sure the bottle is three inches away in most cases but nine inches away if you’re spritzing your chest.
Once you apply the Armani cologne, resist the urge to rub. Rubbing generates friction, and friction leads to heat. That heat alters how the fragrance develops, and not always in a good way. So, just let it rest on its own to make sure it takes shape correctly.
Where to Buy Armani Colognes
If you want to buy Armani cologne, you have plenty of places to find it. Armani has its own website, and it’s generally a safe place to shop. High-end department stores like Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s or beauty stores like Ulta and Sephora (as well as their websites) are also solid choices.
Amazon can be another option if you want to buy Armani cologne online. However, you need to read seller reviews carefully if you’re buying from a third party. Using a third-party seller that’s fulfilled by Amazon is also wise, as Amazon will help you with a return if there’s an issue with your purchase.
How to watch out for fakes
Now, if you’re buying from a reputable retailer, you can usually be confident that you have genuine Armani cologne in your hands. The problem is that you may encounter fakes, too, especially if you use websites that allow third-party sellers. Fortunately, figuring out if your Armani fragrance is the real deal isn’t difficult.
With genuine Armani cologne, you’ll usually find a serial number of the bottle and box. If they match, you’re likely in good shape. If they don’t, then you may have a problem.
Counterfeits may also have lower-quality packaging. The label on the box may be off-center, or the seams might be particularly noticeable. Any plastic around the box may also seem thin or loose or might be unkempt.
When it comes to the bottles themselves, counterfeits may not be as heavy or sturdy as the genuine article. The thin straw-like tube going up to the atomizer might be very noticeable when the Armani fragrance is fake, while it doesn’t typically stand out through the bottle when it’s real.
Essentially, genuine Armani cologne – which is high-end – typically has high-quality packaging and components. If anything feels cheap, you may not have real Armani cologne in your hands.
Final Thoughts
Armani has an excellent reputation in the world of fragrance, offering up a variety of unique colognes that are well-loved. But every scent is unique, and what’s right for you may differ from what the masses recommend.
For us, we really liked the Giorgio Amanu Eau Pour Homme EdT as the best overall Armano cologne for its classic fresh clean sophisticated scent. Ultimately, scent is personal, so take the time to find the best Armani colognes for you. That way, you can wear it proudly.
Let us know which one you end up trying and why!
Looking for more quality cologne brands that may fit your style? Check out our in-depth article on:
- Versace Colognes for Men
- Tom Ford Colognes for Men
- Bond No. 9 Colognes for Men
- YSL Colognes for Men
- Prada Colognes for Men
- Creed Aventus Clones for Men
FAQs
What Is the Newest Armani Cologne and Perfume?
For those wondering, “What is the newest Armani perfume and cologne?” there are several that came out in 2023.
Acqua di Gio Parfum, Armani Code Eau de Toilette, Rose Milano Soie de Nacre, Emporio Armani Stronger with You Amber, Georgi Armani Stronger With You Limited Edition, My Way Parfum, and Si Eau de Parfum Intense are all recently released fragrances.
What Is the Best Smelling Giorgio Armani Perfume?
While fragrances like Armani Code and Giorgio Armani are undeniably popular, which Giorgio Armani scent smells the best is a bit subjective. Every person experiences fragrances a bit differently.
As a result, what one person enjoys most may differ from what another person likes best. What matters is finding your ideal scent, so explore your options to determine which Giorgio Armani perfume you consider the best smelling. There really isn’t a wrong answer here.