Ralph Lauren – Romance for Men: Overview, Smell, Notes & More!

A woody, aromatic perfume, Romance for Men works as a versatile fragrance for both men and women.

This is mainly because of its floral nature, something that is alien to the often sporty aesthetic that has long been synonymous with male fragrances and the campaign videos and ads connected to them.

Despite its feminine emanations, the scent still brings about a sentimental feeling to its male users, and those lucky enough to use it.

Because it also spawned the exact opposite emotion in others, however, we’ll take a closer look at what exactly made it special to one consumer group and instantly forgettable to another.

Ralph Lauren Romance for Men: Overview

• Brand: Ralph Lauren
• Fragrance: Romance for Men
• Release: 1999
• Gender: Men
• Perfumer: Antoine Lie

Fragrance Notes

• Top Notes: Lavender, Pistachio Leaf, Orange, Ginger, Black Currant, Mandarin Orange, Ginseng
• Heart Notes: Rose, Geranium, Saffron, Cardamom, Basil, Celery, Lily
• Base Notes: Pine Tree, Oakmoss, Vetiver, Musk, Patchouli

What Does Romance for Men Smell Like?

The fragrance is well-known for its powerful, aromatic opening that unveils itself in the form of a warm ginger and citrus-based scent.

This is then followed by a milder floral middle that smells of fresh, spicy, aromatic herbs.

One major criticism is the fact that this decline from the strong opening to the mild center is too quick and doesn’t leave one to enjoy the initial richness.

Like with most male scents, Romance for Men finishes off with an impression of sweet woods; the likes of pine and patchouli contribute to this.

How Long Does Romance for Men Last?

Because of the small caveat regarding its short-lasting richness, the strongest features of the fragrance can last for around two to three hours if it blends well with your body chemistry. 

It takes up to six to seven hours overall for the juice to finish.

In terms of the scent sillage, it’s not as strong as some of the perfumes within the Ralph Lauren collection.

You do leave behind a decent trail, but only one that compliments the nose of the person (or people) closest to you.

When Should You Wear It?

A bottle of Romance for Men has sometimes been described as an all-year-round type of fragrance. 

However, to properly harvest its fruits, the perfect seasons for wearing it are spring and summer.

It complements balmy summer nights particularly well.

Where Should You Wear It?

The fragrance is perfect for a date, whether that be an afternoon picnic or a night-time movie.

It’s generally suited to those shorter occasions.

Presentation and Value for Money

In essence, this fragrance represents the bold, expressive, romantic man.

Released way back in the late 90s, it should be no surprise to hear that Romance for Men was since discontinued.

This isn’t to mean that you’re completely unable to access or purchase it; a bottle on a site like eBay can be quite expensive, however.

Someone can sell a 50ml bottle for anywhere between $180 to $300.

Not to mention that you should be wary of online fakes when you shop online.

In most cases, this pricing can be seen as too extravagant.

However, given that this rare perfume is also older than some of its target audience, a case can be made that eBay and co. are justified to host such prices.

As they say, “It’s just business.”

Perfumes that Smell Like Romance for Men

1. Ungaro Pour L’Homme III (Emanuel Ungaro)

Upon smelling it, this 1993 release has some similarities to Romance For Men thanks to its powerful opening notes.

One may actually get a whiff of vodka if you’re particularly keen. 

The opening is similarly fruity while the heart is comparably fresh and rosy.

The base, on the other hand, is unsurprisingly woody.

2. Classic Blue (Adidas)

A light blue 1986 release by the sporting company, one can easily confuse this for the all too common, alcohol-infused, chemical‐based cologne.

It is, however, quite the opposite.

Being a primarily aromatic, citrus-based fragrance, it contains notes that are a lot similar to Romance for Men with the likes of rose and vetiver.

3. Boss Sport (Hugo Boss)

A bold, green, aromatic fougere, this Hugo Boss perfume was released back in 1987.

It’s similar to the Ralph Lauren product owing to its expansive combination of top notes that immediately blow your nose away.

4. Silver (Paul Sebastian)

Released just two years after Romance for Men, the Paul Sebastian cologne has a more sensual, oriental, and spicy scent to it.

Not as close as the above three scents, but close enough for the similarities to be noticeable.

5. Chaps 2007 (Ralph Lauren)

The most recent among the other fragrances, the Chaps 2007 (also Chaps Est 1978) was released by the same company covered in this review. 

With a muskier aroma to it, the scent is recognized as one with a similar aromatic sensation, the likes of lavender being one of the more noticeable notes.

The Bottom Line

Many online reviews for Romance for Men reveal a healthy appetite for Ralph Lauren to bring it back.

Other perfume reviews are simply thankful that it’s now a classic and hasn’t been revived.

Mixed reviews considered, as with most things in life, the wisest decision is to be grateful for the present.

In a couple of decades’ time, the latest woody cologne might be the new world classic.

If so, we’ll be lucky enough to say that we had it before it became noticeably overpriced!