Masculine vs Feminine Fragrances: Do Men Really Like Candles?
Masculine vs Feminine Fragrances: Do Men Really Like Candles?
Introduction: Breaking the Scent Stereotype
Candles have long been marketed toward women — floral packaging, sweet vanilla scents, and soft pastel jars. But in recent years, the rise of masculine fragrances has reshaped the market. From deep woods and leather to coffee and tobacco, candles are no longer just for “her.” More men are embracing candles for their apartments, home offices, and relaxation routines.
The question is: do men actually like candles, or is it just clever marketing? Let’s explore the difference between masculine and feminine fragrances, why the male audience is growing, and which scents men really love.
Masculine vs Feminine Fragrances: What’s the Difference?
Fragrance families are often divided into two camps: feminine-leaning and masculine-leaning.
Feminine fragrances: Light, sweet, and floral. Think lavender, rose, vanilla, and fruity blends.
-Masculine fragrances: Earthy, smoky, and bold. Notes like sandalwood, leather, tobacco, cedarwood, and coffee dominate.
Of course, fragrance is deeply personal. Many women love smoky candles, while many men enjoy sweeter vanilla or citrus blends. But the gender divide is rooted in traditional perfumery and cultural marketing.
Why Men Are Embracing Candles
Candles used to feel like a “girly” purchase, but times have changed. Men are buying candles for several reasons:
1. Home Aesthetics – Men living alone or in shared apartments want their spaces to feel inviting. A candle on the coffee table instantly adds warmth.
2. Mood & Stress Relief – Scents like eucalyptus, sage, or teakwood help men unwind after work.
3. Personal Style – Just like cologne, fragrance is part of self-expression. A smoky mahogany candle makes a different statement than a sweet vanilla one.
4. Gift Appeal – Men are increasingly gifting candles to friends, partners, or even using them as easy self-care upgrades.
Search queries like “candles for men,” “masculine candle scents,” and “best candle for men” are growing every year.
The Most Popular Masculine Candle Scents
Men’s preferences often lean toward woody, smoky, and earthy profiles. Some of the most searched masculine candle scents include:
1. Mahogany Teakwood – A cult classic that smells like upscale cologne.
2. Tobacco Vanilla – A mix of warmth and spice, both rugged and smooth.
3. Sandalwood & Cedarwood – Grounding, earthy, and natural.
4. Coffee & Espresso – Cozy, energizing, and perfect for morning vibes.
5. Driftwood & Sea Salt – Fresh yet masculine, like ocean air with depth.
👉 Affinati’s Saffron Cedarwood 3-Wick Candle and Mahogany Teakwood 3-Wick Candle blends are perfect examples of masculine-leaning fragrances that balance strength with sophistication.
Feminine Fragrances That Men Secretly Love
While bold scents dominate the men’s market, many men also enjoy candles traditionally seen as feminine. Why? Because scent is about mood, not gender.
1. Vanilla – Comforting, warm, and universally appealing.
2. Lavender – Calming and sleep-friendly (perfect for stressful lives).
3. Citrus – Bright, clean, and energizing.
4. Floral + Wood Blends – Rose + cedarwood or jasmine + sandalwood bridge the gap beautifully.
The success of searches like “best vanilla candle” and “best lavender candles” shows that men aren’t avoiding these scents — they’re just choosing ones that feel balanced.
Do Men Really Like Candles? The Data Says Yes
Market research and search trends tell a clear story:
- Searches for “candles for men” and “masculine candles” have surged in recent years.
- Candle brands are releasing “for him” collections at record speed.
This shift shows that men aren’t just curious — they’re actively buying candles.
How to Choose the Right Candle for Men
If you’re buying for yourself or as a gift, here are a few tips:
1. Start Neutral: Wood, sage, or ocean-inspired scents feel balanced and not overwhelming.
2. Pick Multipurpose Scents: A Coffee Shop Candle works for mornings and cozy evenings alike.
3. Match the Space: A bold tobacco candle might work in a living room, while a subtle lavender candle suits the bedroom.
4. Try Layering: Pairing a masculine base (cedarwood) with a sweeter top note (vanilla) gives complexity.
Why Gendered Labels Are Fading
The truth? Fragrance doesn’t have a gender. A candle either fits your mood or it doesn’t. What’s happening now is simply a correction: brands like Affinati are showing that men can embrace candles without judgment.
In fact, the strongest growth is in unisex fragrances — scents that mix warmth, freshness, and sophistication in a way that appeals to everyone.
Conclusion: Candles Are for Everyone
So, do men really like candles? Absolutely.
The rise of masculine fragrances has simply given men permission to embrace what they already wanted: cozy, well-scented spaces that reflect their style. Whether it’s Mahogany Teakwood for confidence, Coffee Shop for comfort, or Vanilla for warmth, candles are a lifestyle choice — not a gendered one.
And with brands like Affinati creating candles that blur the line between masculine and feminine, there’s a scent for every mood, every space, and every person.
Read More:
1. Top 10 Best Selling Affinati Candles of 2025
2. Best Candle Scents for Anxiety & Stress Relief | Calming Aromatherapy