Spending over $400+ for a 3.4 oz (100ml) bottle of cologne is not the norm for a lot of people. But that’s what Tom Ford is offering to the masses. So, good for you for being able to afford them and continuing to have an interest in his offerings.
Currently, Tom Ford fragrance house has a total of 52 fragrances listed on their website—35 colognes and perfumes in their luxury Private Blend collection, and 17 more from the more budget-friendly(ish) Signature collection. You see, even the most inexpensive colognes are at least the price of regular designer colognes that are on the market right now, if not more.
And, next year, Mr. Ford will be celebrating his 20th anniversary since the inception of the Black Orchid, his first-ever fragrance born to the world. Clearly, he excels at what he’s doing, with a few missteps along the way. Obviously, his own clothing brand is well-known in the fashion industry, his perfumery craft that made us still talk about it two decades later—not to mention the two infamous films (A Single Man in 2009 and Nocturnal Animals in 2016) that he wrote and directed himself, but his filmography may be the weaker link among his greatest rest.
The Best Tom Ford Colognes, At A Glance
Enough of his story, let’s get to the primary purpose of why you’re here. Right, Ford’s fragrances are fairly pricey, but they come with top-notch quality that new people-soon-will-become-his-fan will appreciate. His fragrance lines include different aromas for every type of man. There are notes like woody, tobacco, vanilla and much more that selected individuals will appreciate and suit the most. So, which are you? Let’s get to it right away.
Before we begin, note that we all live in various climates, so consider your sense of gut on how these might feel to you, although these fragrances are mostly suitable all year round. A good rule of thumb with Tom Ford fragrances is that the darker the bottles are, the heavier the scent they contain (which is ideal for colder climates), and the lighter ones are the opposite.
Best Colognes | Best Woody Colognes | Best Budget Colognes
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Ford’s Oud Wood popularizes the use of oud-a precious and exotic wood note in Western fragrance markets. Technically a unisex woody spicy fragrance—the blend of cardamom, sandalwood, tonka bean and many others makes it warm and gently spicy, rich in wood and has that sensual, lingering finish.
- Fragrance Family: Woody
- Top notes: Rosewood, cardamom, Chinese pepper, ginger
- Middle notes: Oud wood, sandalwood, vanilla
- Base notes: Tonka bean, amber, Sichuan pepper, vetiver
- Size: 0.3 oz, 1.0 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz, 8.4 oz
A Macy's reviewer says: “Not too feminine or sweet, there is a woody sensuality and it lasts all day. At first, I thought it would be suitable only in the colder months, but it actually works even in warmer weather."
Related: Best Woody Colognes
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The creation of Tobacco Vanille marked the brand’s serious entrance into the luxury fragrance market in 2007, as part of Ford’s inaugural Private Blend collection. The fragrance was conceptualized as his olfactory interpretation of an exclusive London gentlemen’s club (the sophisticated lunch establishment rather than its American counterpart).
If you’re a smoker who has been inhaling high-end cigs, you’ll be familiar with the scent of this cologne. You’ll be greeted with the smell of fresh tobacco—not pungent, but rather sweet. You’ll smell the sweetness and spiciness from the tobacco note to your nose and the vanilla will come around after a good while. Though the overall scent is quite strong, you should consider spritzing it moderately.
- Fragrance Family: Warm, Spicy
- Top Notes: Tobacco leaf, spicy notes
- Middle Notes: Vanilla, cocoa, tonka bean, tobacco blossom
- Base Notes: Ginger, dried fruits, wood sap, woody notes
- Size: 0.3 oz, 1.0 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz, 8.4 oz
A Macy's reviewer says: “This cologne has a deep, musky scent that lasts throughout the day. Usually, I avoid perfume featuring notes of vanilla. I find they generally elicit thoughts of cake and frosting, and, while not exactly unpleasant, it's also not really what I want to smell like. As such, I was pleased to find the particular mix of notes in this perfume did not bring about the same confectionary associations. The scent is deeper and more sensual. The sweet vanilla scent is balanced by the woodsy, tobacco undertones and cut ever so slightly with the light, fruity scent of apricot. It is rich and deep. Sweet with the notes of vanilla, yet sophisticated and opulent."
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Incepted in 2021 and inspired by the ritualistic burning of Palo Santo wood (which is traditionally used for purification and spiritual cleansing), Mr. Ford has created another luxurious unisex fragrance for the people who love being minimalistic throughout their lives. The star ingredient is of course, palo santo—a smoky, resinous and slightly sweet aroma it produces. While others: ebony and guaiac wood are deep, dark, creamy and smoky-sweet, linger beautifully on your skin.
- Fragrance Family: Woody
- Top Notes: Incense, palo santo, black pepper, violet leaf
- Middle Notes: Leather, labdanum, cade oil, papyrus, rose
- Base Notes: Resins, ebony tree, guaiac wood
- Size: 0.3 oz, 1.0 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz, 8.4 oz
A Macy's reviewer says: “This is the THIRD bottle of Tom Ford's Ebene Fume that I've purchased! It is such a unique and seductive scent. I get SO MANY compliments on this when I wear it. Not overpowering, and doesn't bother my sinuses or allergies. A mysterious, masculine mix! HIGHLY recommended as one of his all-time BEST!"
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This 2024 release builds on the legacy of Ford’s perfume house’s iconic leather fragrances. The inexpensive(ish) cologne offers a much fresher, radiant take while adding spices, creamy and sensual notes to the already beloved leather theme. Upon the first spritz, you’ll be welcomed by the fresh, lively and sparkling zest from ginger, coriander and cardamom. Meanwhile, leather accord and vanilla tincture soften and sweeten the composition. Ambrofix includes amber-woody depth, and the blend of creamy sandalwood, warm amber, and sweet tonka with benzoin turns something that is honeyed and has that resinous finish. However, it doesn’t last as long as other contenders here, which is why the pricing is slightly cheaper than the rest.
- Fragrance Family: Warm, Spicy
- Top Notes: Cardamom, ginger, coriander
- Middle Notes: Vanilla, leather
- Base Notes: Ambrofix
- Size: 0.3 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
A Macy's reviewer says: “Very strong initially, but then a subtle clean scent lasts all day. Only dab a little on key areas."
Related: Best Cheap Colognes
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On hot, summery days, you will need the breeziest scent to cool off your precious body. The 2022’s Costa Azzura refresh is our pick for its essence of sun-drenched shores, aromatic forests, and the hedonistic pleasures of a Mediterranean escape that the cologne captures. You’ll feel the freshness of the sea breeze from its Italian lemon and throughout the spray, the scent reveals cypress oil and oak wood extract aroma for that coastal forest and driftwood imagery. The noticeably salty amber delivers a sun-kissed, golden quality that continues to linger. All in all, it is lighter, fresher, and more herbaceous, with mojito-like nuances.
- Fragrance Family: Earthy, Woody
- Top Notes: Italian lemon
- Middle Notes: Cypress oil, oakwood, driftwood accord
- Base Notes: Cstus absolute, salty amber, labdanum
- Size: 3.4 oz
A Macy's reviewer says: “Rich, gorgeous and subtle. Natural fresh cypress, ocean, with amber and citrus notes in lux harmony that is not overbearing. Fun, sophisticated, it's one of my most favorites. Pure love."
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The designer’s Noir Extreme EDP represents the decadent, grandeur and opulent side of masculinity—with sophistication and sensuality. The scent surprisingly lasts almost forever, too. This gourmand masterpiece of a cologne merges warm amber, rich spices from cardamom, ginger and orange blossom, plus noble guaiacwood and also sandalwood in one sleek, dark bottle with gold accents. All these notes effectively produce something that lasts an easy 8-10 hours on your skin and also clothes, leaves a sophisticated scent trail that people will notice when you walk past them, but it’s fairly balanced between noticeable and overwhelming. It’s no wonder that this cologne has become one of the brand's best sellers since its 2015 release.
- Fragrance Family: Warm, Spicy
- Top Notes: Amber, nutmeg, saffron, mandarin orange, neroli
- Middle Notes: Kulfi, cardamom, rose, mastic (or lentisque), jasmine, orange blossom
- Base Notes: Vanilla, woody notes, sandalwood
- Size: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
A Macy's reviewer says: “Fabulous cologne! Long-lasting and perfect for sophisticated events. The sweet/woody smell pulls the attention of the room every time. The projection of the notes is just right-not too strong, not too soft."
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Now, why is this our pick instead of its ‘Eau de Parfum’ sibling? It’s much bolder, spicier, more intense, darker and richer—but less gourmand. Upon the first spray, you’ll pick out the fiery, burn-on-your-tongue kind of spice and when it begins to simmer down, you’ll feel its full-bodied creaminess, which you’ll be a stan after that experience. Unlike its EDP older brother, the Parfum fragrance includes tonka bean, which, unbeknownst to many, has addictive, creamy, chocolate-like qualities. Overall, and all we can say is—if you thought Noir Extreme wasn’t enough for you, the Parfum should suffice your needs.
- Fragrance Family: Spicy
- Top Notes: Cardamom, ginger, mandarin orange, neroli, citruses
- Middle Notes: Kulfi, Bulgarian rose, orange blossom, jasmine
- Base Notes: Vanilla, leather, suede, amber, cedar, tonka bean, guaiac wood
- Size: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
A Macy's reviewer says: “I purchased this fragrance a little while ago, and I can't state enough how gorgeous it is…I love it, and it's definitely on my top ten fragrances of all time. Need something delicious, gourmand, and sexy? TF Noir Extreme should definitely be in your collection!"
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Most of Tom Ford’s colognes and perfumes are ideal in more grand, lavish and important settings. But this one is different. It’s less overwhelming than the rest, so it’s perfect when you just want to run some errands. But, you can still expect great compliments from people and questions like, “Wow, great smell, what are you wearing?” And you'll proudly answer, “Oh, it’s Tom Ford.” Although you’ll feel the harsh scent in the first hour due to its sharp lavender note, the next few hours are where it settles into a more stable and less harsh blend of mostly lavender, mint and oak moss.
- Fragrance Family: Earthy, Spicy
- Top Notes: Lavender extract, lavender
- Middle Notes: Oakmoss, rosemary, mint, basil, geranium
- Base Notes: Patchouli, amber
- Size: 3.4 oz
A Macy's reviewer says: “It smells like you stepped into a 1950 barbershop while someone is getting a shave. It’s subtle but so long-lasting, truly a masculine fragrance that can make you feel clean and confident."
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If you used to buy the generic kind, you’ll love this cologne at first sniff—and maybe couldn’t stop sniffing for the rest of the day. It’s a rich leather fragrance that completes your winter season. The Ombré Leather EDP is spicy, slightly sweet and aromatic with cardamom as its opening. Then the leather note emerges—supple, rich, creamy, almost velvety jasmine. When it dries down, it’s warm, earthy, and slightly smoky with amber and moss lingering on the skin.
- Fragrance Family: Warm, Spicy
- Top Notes: Cardamom
- Middle Notes: Black leather, jasmine sambac, violet
- Base Notes: Amber, moss, patchouli, vetiver
- Size: 0.3 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz, 5.1 oz
A Macy's reviewer says: “I went back and forth on this scent because of the price tag, but WOW does Tom Ford live up to the name!! It has a very warm and distinct scent with leathery undertones. The EDP has darker and spicier notes compared to the EDT, which is closer to a fresh, sweet scent. The only downside is that it’s so strong that I wear it only as a statement scent. I wouldn’t recommend it as a first-time cologne, but if you want a date night scent or a nice fall or winter smell, this is the thing for you!"
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Soleil Blanc is not too heavy nor too light. It’s more citrusy in the opening, some beachy florals, nutty and freshly-cracked coconutty. In the dry down, you’ll experience that it slowly gets sweeter. Moreover, the spicy depth that cardamom and pink pepper do is unique, thanks to its hint of pistachio and bergamot.
- Fragrance Family: Warm, Spicy
- Top Notes: Pistachio, bergamot, cardamom, pink pepper
- Middle Notes: Tuberose, ylang ylang, jasmine
- Base Notes: Coco de Mer, amber, tonka bean, benzoin
- Size: 0.3 oz, 1.0 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
A Macy's reviewer says: “Ohh my this was love at first sniff. It is so luxurious, so airy and creamy-coconutty. It lasts very long on my skin, just wish it had a little more projection. Worth every penny."
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Without the existence of sparkling blue waters, lush greenery, and sun-drenched citrus groves of Portofino, Italy—this celebrated fragrance wouldn’t be made by Mr. Ford for the world to appreciate. This citrus cologne evokes a sense of Mediterranean elegance and relaxation. The blend of Italian bergamot, Sicilian lemon, bitter orange, and mandarin for an intro is bright and invigorating, while its heart lies neroli (orange blossom), African orange flower, and jasmine. These notes lend a floral, slightly honeyed sweetness to ration out the initial citrus burst. Besides—amber, ambrette seed, and angelica deliver a subtle warmth and a soft, musky finish, making the scent more grounded and leaving a refined, lingering trail.
- Fragrance Family: Fresh, Aquatic
- Top Notes: Italian bergamot, mandarin orange, lemon, bitter orange, lavender, rosemary, myrtle
- Middle Notes: African orange flower, Tunisian neroli, jasmine, Pittosporum
- Base Notes: Amber, angelica, ambrette (musk mallow)
- Size: 0.3 oz, 1.0 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz, 8.4 oz
A Macy's reviewer says: “Nerdi Portofino Eau de Parfum is a beautiful summer scent that smells like you on a warm island. The scent lasts about 3 to 4 hours on your clothes, but not long on the skin, which is fine for me. Having a small bottle allows me to take it with me to touch up the scent whenever I want. Overall I enjoyed it I just wish it last longer because it’s so beautiful."
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You wouldn’t believe how clean and refreshing this cologne is despite being strong on its woody profile. The fragrance hero vetiver, which is surprisingly easy-going but still sophisticated. There’s an earthy undertone from oakmoss and some warmth and lasting depth from amber and precious woodsy notes. Because of its fresh, just-out-of-the-shower feeling, this subtle and light cologne is suitable to wear in the daytime, even as your companion when you sweat yourself out in the gym.
- Fragrance Family: Woody, Fresh
- Top Notes: Grapefruit, orange flower, sage
- Middle Notes: Nutmeg, orris root, pimento
- Base Notes: Vetiver, woodsy notes, oakmoss, amber
- Size: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
A Macy's reviewer says: “Good daily wear scent.. Can be worn in office or just casually. It's not a romancing the stone style scent but one that does gets attention."
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Tom Ford’s love for fine leather goods and his aim to capture the sensual, animalistic essence of leather is what makes this cologne possible to exist. It’s for the cool weather and seasons, producing non-stop compliments from both men and women alike. The striking opening combines spicy saffron, tart raspberry, and aromatic thyme. The raspberry adds a sweet, fruity twist that contrasts beautifully with the dryness of the leather. The mid notes introduce a resinous, smoky quality from olibanum, balanced by a subtle floral touch from jasmine. The dry-down is dominated by a rich, supple leather accord, enhanced by the smoothness of black suede and the warmth of amberwood and other woody notes.
- Fragrance Family: Woody
- Top Notes: Raspberry, saffron, thyme
- Middle Notes: Olibanum, jasmine
- Base Notes: Leather, suede, woody notes, amber
- Size: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
A Macy's reviewer says: “It is a step up from the basic colognes, this is grown man vibes here. Best in the wintertime to me. If you could afford it, get it. Hard to describe what is smells like on a review, Made for a boss like me and you."
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Designed as a unisex scent, it blends woody, spicy, and resinous elements to evoke the atmosphere of the Pacific Northwest’s majestic forests—towering trees, fresh air, and creative freedom. It’s best worn in bone-dry, very sunny and hot weather. The cologne is essentially designed to work in arid, desert climates like those in Las Vegas, Tucson, Phoenix, other cities in Arizona and California, and even countries in the Middle East.
The fragrance initiates with a lively, spicy burst from cardamom and turmeric. As it develops, the heart reveals an intricate blend of frankincense and iris, while the dry-down is dominated by a trio of woods-sandalwood, cedar, and oak-supported by creamy vanilla and amber to create better longevity and an oh-so-comforting finish.
- Fragrance Family: Woody, Earthy
- Top Notes: Cardamom, akigalawood, turmeric
- Middle Notes: Frankincense, oak, cedar, white sandalwood, iris
- Base Notes: Amber, vanilla
- Size: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
A Macy's reviewer says: “This cologne exudes an intoxicating blend of fresh citrus, warm spices, and a hint of musk that leaves an unforgettable, sophisticated impression."
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Tubéreuse Nue, which translates to "Nude Tuberose," captures the duality of the tuberose flower–fresh and innocent by day, intensely seductive by night. The official description poetically explains how "nocturnal tuberose merges with a supple suede accord and timut pepper to release intense desires under the veil of night," while a "soft, sensual blanket of musk captures the afterglow, promising the mood-and the longing-endures." As for the namesake, the scent has a very dense tuberose, is bright and gorgeous with a nice airy backing and a creamy dry down.
- Fragrance Family: Floral
- Top Notes: Lily, jasmine, timut pepper
- Middle Notes: Tuberose, styrax, benzoin, cacao
- Base Notes: Suede, musk, tonka bean, agarwood (oud)
- Size: 1.7 oz
A Macy's reviewer says: “This scent can be erotic, but use sparingly. Very fresh with tuberose and Jasmine could be worn by men and women for nights out. Put on early and let the scent develop. It changes the warmer you get and continues all night. There is a musky undertone that makes it rather exotic, too."
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Noir de Noir works well for laid-back evenings when conversation takes priority over romance—think of work happy hours or weekend get-togethers. The designer himself describes this as "a warm and sensual gourmand fragrance" and his "compellingly dark portrait of duality". It was created by a prestigious trio of master perfumers—Jacques Cavallier, Harry Fremont, and Olivier Cresp. The fragrance engenders a fascinating tension between feminine florals and masculine earthiness. The rich, velvety quality of dark rose forms the heart of the composition, surrounded by the earthy depth of black truffle and the warm sweetness of vanilla and patchouli. To put it simply, it’s like liquid gold pouring over molten woods and love letters scattered with the darkest of rose petals, highlighting the fragrance's romantic and mysterious character.
- Fragrance Family: Earthy
- Top Notes: Saffron
- Middle Notes: Black rose, truffle and floral notes
- Base Notes: Patchouli, vanilla, agarwood (oud) and oakmoss
- Size: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
A Macy's reviewer says: “Expensive but has a nice sultry scent. Would recommend over the new extreme fragrance. This one smells almost the same but more toned down."
