What Cologne Did Don Draper Wear?

Five likely candidates…

I just finished watching the entire “Mad Men” series for the second time. Of all the personal style things of Don Draper’s that you see — sharp suits, slick hair, skinny ties — the one thing you never see is what fragrance he wears.

One reason Mad Men is so entertaining is every major character evolves significantly throughout the series. Go through the cast – Don, Betty, Peggy, Roger, Joan, Harry, Sally, etc. – each individual is an ever-changing mix of character flaws and redeeming qualities.

This tension is a human experience in that while some things change within us, some stays the same. Don’s reckoning with his own past is in fact one of the major themes of the show, all while he presents a different Don Draper to the world and is shaping the future of culture.

Don’s fragrances of choice likely evolved along with the character. I’m going to speculate on Don’s preferred fragrances and I would love to hear your thoughts as well.

Old Spice

Classic After Shave for Men

Old Spice

First comes the Old Spice. Don (a.k.a. Dick) served in the Army and Old Spice was synonymous with Soldiers during that time period. He probably picked up a bottle at the base Exchange and wore it in uniform.

It’s a classic, old-school masculine scent that has stood the test of time. Don didn’t come from money and this ubiquitous bottle was the most likely place for any man of his generation to start.

Remember those scenes where Don is working in the garage or puttering around the house drinking pull-tab beer? That Don feels so distant from the suited, martini-drinking executive, but I can imagine him turning to this familiar scent on those days as well.

The Old Spice Classic After Shave for Men is still popular today and it remains one of the most affordable fragrances available.

Dunhill for Men

For Men (Vintage)

Dunhill

Number two is Dunhill for men. While Dunhill remains a British luxury house and sells other fragrances, Dunhill for Men is no longer available (but can still be found on eBay). First launched in 1934, this woody fragrance is another old-school classic that might have been an early Don upgrade.

This very well may have been the scent of Don’s early career. It was established and would not have stood out. Impressive, but not exclusive. Upgraded to match his rising status and that of the country as a whole. I imagine Don wearing this when he was a fur salesman and needed to rub elbows with the rich for the first time. He likely still wore it as he transitioned into his first job in advertising.

Finally, I can’t look at the Dunhill logo and not think of how the branding matches the show’s opening credits featuring the verticality of skyscrapers and the falling black suit.

Aramis

For Men

Aramis

Number three is Aramis, which stands as one of the most enduring (and sexiest) fragrances for men. This is a scent likely worn by someone you know as many consider it one of the timeless standard bearers for leathery, masculine scents.

While the scent is traditional, as is the brand by now, this fragrance would have been a find for those “in the know” when first launched in 1963. Perhaps Don Draper would have been an early adopter.

Heavily masculine and new, yet not straying far from tradition? That seems like a mid-era wear for Don. I can almost see him putting this on after buttoning up a crisp, new, white dress shirt. Or maybe he was wearing it when he upgraded a car.

Aramis was created by Estée Lauder who claims Aramis to be “the first prestige men’s fragrance to be sold in department stores.” It’s not hard to imagine Don picking up “the first prestige” of anything and we saw him early on at the fictional Menken’s department store. Aramis remains popular today, but at an affordable price point.

Chanel Pour Monsieur

Pour Monsieur

Chanel

Number four, Chanel Pour Monsieur. Introduced in 1955 as an Eau de Toilette, Pour Monsieur was Chanel’s first men’s fragrance. Today, the Eau de Parfum Pour Monsieur hits similar notes, but with greater intensity. It’s still a masculine fragrance, but promotes a more refined palate moving in a bright, citrusy direction from what we’ve seen thus far.

I don’t think Don would have bought this himself, but would have been the perfect gift from Megan. We know Megan’s appreciation of everything French and her eye for style. Pour Monsieur would have marked Don’s move from the traditional American dream to international levels of luxury.

Krigler Blue Escapade 24

Blue Escapade 24

Krigler

Finally we have Krigler Blue Escapade 24. First introduced in 1924, this is a boutique masculine fragrance inspired by Napoleon’s exploits along the Bay of Biscay at the border of France and Spain. It blends woodiness, citrus and spice that might mark the culmination of Don’s journey through scent. It’s a sophisticated blend that would stand out in a crowd, in the best way.

Again, Blue Escapade 24 was likely gifted by Megan. While Don worked to build American brands, he might ultimately turn to boutique European fragrances from houses that held the things he so desperately yearned for, but couldn’t quite create for himself – history, tradition and provenance.

Your Thoughts?

What do you think? Do these fragrances match Don Draper’s various eras?

Thanks, as always, for reading.