For as long as I can remember, I've always found myself drawn towards fragrances whose brands have created lore or a character for. Finding the ones that not only leave me feeling inspired to embrace new (possibly bolder and edgier sides of me) is where it all starts. For now, I'm furloughing my dedication to fresh-smelling, powdery florals and diving into a fragrance note that comes with warmth, depth, and a whole lot of mystery: leather. Leaning into your comfort fragrances definitely feel familiar and friendly, but why not fully embrace (or at least shake hands with) the version of you a perfume can bring out?
To investigate this, in true beauty editor fashion, I've sifted through hundreds of fragrances to identify the seven best leather perfumes that money can buy to prove it. From a unique and vibrant olfactory experience that transports you to the rolling hills of the more rustic wild west to the Harley enthusiast frequented dive bars off Route 66, I promise there's a fragrance here for everyone. If that sparks your interest as much as it did mine, keep on scrolling to find your perfume match made in heaven.
Key Notes: Smoked black pepper, olibanum, leather, black sandalwood. Leather is one of those underrated perfume notes that offers a punchy, yet warm, first impression to anyone that crosses your path. AllSaints' Leather Skies Eau de Parfum is the epitome of this, with warm and soft leather contrasted with rich woody notes and organic cistus (rock rose). When it comes to unisex leather fragrances, this one sets the standard. Whether you decide to wear it while on the back of a vintage Harley is entirely up to you. Customer review: "This fragrance is great for colder months, its presence is known with a bold yet gentle scent. I love that the leathery smell is rounded out with a sweetness of vanilla. This is one of those fragrances that will keep you mesmerized; it's truly one of my favorites. I have gotten several compliments about AllSaints Leather Skies!"
Key notes: Brazilian pink pepper, Indian sambac jasmine, Italian bergamot, patchouli, oak moss. When leather fragrances don't bring out your bold, edgy side, your quiet luxury trend loving self may come out to play. Bottega Veneta's namesake fragrance is exactly what I imagine someone who would summer on the Italian riviera and flock to Aspen for the winter to wear on the daily. Launched in 2011 as the brand's first fragrance, this contemporary yet timeless eau de parfum is a must-have for the masses. Customer review: "I have been looking for the perfect perfume for myself for many years! At last I have found the 'love of my life' in Bottega Veneta. It is exactly what I've been looking for. It's not overpowering and has a very, very sexy scent. Strong hints of patchouli and woodsy musk. I am crazy about this perfume and hope that they never stop making it!"
Key notes: Lotus flower, pepper, muguet, green violet, leather, cedarwood. Described by Malin + Goetz as "marrying rawness and refinement," this nostalgic eau de parfum uses a unique olfactory blend of powdered muted florals and rustic wood notes to echo the soft presence of leather. Evoking memories of unexpectedly scoring the perfect vintage, artisanal leather find after hours of searching; the Leather Eau de Parfum is must-have for anyone seeking an intimate fragrance that oozes warmth. Customer review: "On the first sniff, I thought this scent was very unusual. It smells very strongly of leather and cedar. However, on the dry down, you get this wonderful sweet sandalwood and a hint of white flowers. It surely grew on me and I kept wanting more! This is definitely a mysterious fragrance and you will be amazed!"
Key notes: Black leather, violet, patchouli, jasmine sambac, vetiver, amber, moss. The arrival of fall signals the beginning of my search for an ideal cold weather fragrance with Ombré Leather landing itself at the top of my list. Its sensual scent is the result of bold blend of jasmine sambac, addictive patchouli, vetiver, and of course, leather. If its sleek, matte flacon (with a faux leather plaque) and fragrance combination of warm and spicy notes isn't enough to make you want to break out your combat boots, I don't know what will. Customer review: "This scent is truly iconic and is a must have! You want a scent that gives you fall in a bottle? Here’s the answer. New car meets an Italian boutique. Anyone can wear this and rock it. Wears forever and is sure to earn some well deserved compliments! Excellent choice."
Key notes: Pink pepper, rum absolute, java vetiver oil, vanilla bean, tobacco leaf absolute. Smooth leather may not be featured as one of this fragrance's key notes like the other fragrances mentioned so far, but the combination of its other earthy, spicy, and warm layers work together to create something undeniably sensual. Capturing images of aged leather arm chairs, heady cocktails, and impeccably dressed musicians in a cozy jazz club, Maison Margiela's fragrance is as cool as it gets. I'll be wearing this one nonstop once I finally dive head first into New York's music scene this fall. Customer review: "This cologne came highly recommended to me and I have to say it lives up to the hype. It smells old-school (like a jazz club), but not overly musky. it doesn't indulge it's title too much and stays within a normal range of pleasant yet smoky, oaky, and leathery finish. I highly recommend to anyone looking!"
Key notes: Rose, lily-of-the-valley, tuberose, powdery mimosa, benzoin, iris, leather. As someone who spends a pretty decent amount of time testing, reviewing, and recommending fragrances, I can say with confidence that Hermés' Kelly Calèche combines the sweet and powdery floral notes, sultry leather, and cozy vanilla like no other perfume. Its light and feminine with an undercurrent of something slightly dark and mysterious. What's more, its unique name is a nod to two of the brand's most iconic objects: the Kelly handbag and the house's signature horse-drawn carriage. Customer review: "The leather is toned down from a musky, animalistic note to a buttery, soft leather note. The grapefruit is upfront then dries down to a powdery rose/violet with the warmth of leather & subtle sweetness of vanilla underneath. It lasts about 5-8 hrs with two spritzes and the sillage (trail of scent in the air) is moderate. I love this parfum. It is the perfect blend of sophisticated rose, sexy leather & best of all the vanilla note is not teenage saccharine sweet. Perfectly balanced. A lovely, Spring-time parfum although I wear it all year long."
Key notes: Butterscotch leather, pale oris, orange blossom saffron, myrrh, cade, vegan castoreum. If you don't recognize a majority of the key notes that make up this unique fragrance by D.S. & Durga, don't let that discourage your from experiencing it. The brand describes this one as, "a modern transparent leather," that puts hearty, smooth leather into play with soft florals, patchouli, and incense. This is one way to wear cruelty-free leather with pride without getting the side eye from the inquisitive passerby. Customer review: "This is a leather-smelling lovers leather. I mean put on your black leather jacket, chaps and helmet mount your baddest Harley and make your way to Sturgis leather. And it doesn't relent. At least for the four hours it lasted on my skin. Not a daily wear but a great accent for the right outfit and event."
Key notes: Plum, cinnamon, leather accord, violet, birch woods, patchouli, vanilla. A cloudy, rainy day is always a good excuse to take a trip to an ancient-looking library (or at least smell like you belong in one). Byredo's Bibliothèque makes the latter possible by cracking the code on how to bottle how it feels to be in a library surrounded by leather-bound books and finding comfort in silence. The fragrance was originally created in candle form but, following thousands of requests, finally launched as an eau de parfum in 2017. Customer review: "This is my favorite perfume I have ever owned. It’s like the sexiest cross between a beautiful sweet floral scent and brand new leather bound books. It’s definitely there and stays with you but still manages to not be overpowering. I get so many compliments on it. Like a crazy amount. All of Byredo’s fragrances are just gorgeous and sophisticated. Wish I could own them all."
Key notes: Violet accord, cardamom, iris, ambrox, cedarwood, leather, sandalwood. My love affair with Santal 33 dates back years. Reminiscent of the intrigue of the American West, the unisex fragrance beautifully blends soft, powdery florals with rustic and semi-smoky Australian sandalwood, papyrus, and cedarwood. Rather than inspiring you to hop on a Harley, you may feel the urge to take up horseback riding and finally embrace the western trend for once and for all. Customer review: "Rubbery leather with an industrial feel and dry woods make for a pungent opening. The more time passes, the fragrance relaxes and grows as a smell into a creamy sandalwood with cardamom and papyrus, it sweetens a bit but still maintains the leathery aspect which is now paired with soft buttery iris. Have received lots of compliments!"
