Polo by Ralph Lauren was initially released in 1978, and since then, it has diversified into several masculine options.
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If you’ve been searching for the best Ralph Lauren cologne for him, our top picks can help guide you in the right direction.
Our Shortlist For Best Polo Colognes
Best Intro to Polo
Polo Eau De Toilette is the signature scent of many men worldwide. It’s also the first of the Polo by Ralph Lauren collection, initially released in 1978.
This potent cologne is earthy, spicy, and musky, making it a top choice for those looking for an undeniably masculine scent. But because Polo EDT is such a powerful fragrance, you will only want to apply one or two sprays each time you use it.
PROS: A classic masculine cologne, with excellent longevity, a great choice for most seasons
CONS: Can quickly become overpowering if too much is applied
- Longevity: 8+ hours
- Seasons: Spring, winter, autumn
- Notes: Juniper berry, bergamot, basil, coriander, caraway
- Launched: 1978
Best for Spring
When springtime arrives, you’ll want to switch to a cologne that features bright, refreshing notes—just like Polo Blue cologne by Ralph Lauren.
This casual scent isn’t overpowering, and its pleasant light cucumber and melon notes are a unique touch.
PROS: Light and crisp, projection allows for indoor and outdoor wear, ideal for spring
CONS: Very low longevity, not appropriate for year-round wear
- Longevity: 2 to 6 hours
- Seasons: Spring, summer
- Notes: Cucumber, bergamot, melon, citrus, patchouli
- Launched: 2003
Best for Summer
The bright, fresh, citrusy scent of Polo Sport makes it an ideal choice for summertime wear. A favorite of young men during the 1990s, this scent remains popular thanks to its comparatively light and woody notes.
While this fragrance’s longevity leaves much to be desired, its relatively low potency makes it appropriate for outdoor and indoor settings.
PROS: Great for summertime, appropriate for indoor and outdoor wear
CONS: Somewhat lackluster longevity
- Longevity: 4 to 6 hours
- Seasons: Summer
- Notes: Mint, bergamot, sandalwood, ginger, musk
- Launched: 1994
Best for Autumn
Polo Black cologne might become your go-to autumn fragrance thanks to its distinct combination of bright citrus and incense notes.
After you spritz Polo Black cologne, you’ll immediately notice the initial citrus notes, but over time this bright fruitiness fades to a softer, more sensual sandalwood.
PROS: Works as a transitory fragrance between seasons, is not overpowering, a good choice for indoor wear
CONS: Doesn’t last very long, fruit notes aren’t the most masculine choice
- Longevity: 2 to 6 hours
- Seasons: Spring, autumn
- Notes: Sandalwood, mango, sage, patchouli, lemon
- Launched: 2005
Best for Winter
Though you could wear Polo Supreme Cashmere all year round, its incense and firewood notes make it a natural choice for winter wear.
This cologne suffers from below-average longevity, but its low projection makes it a fantastic choice for indoor settings, including parties at the office or quiet evenings with friends and family.
PROS: A great choice for cold weather, low projection ensures it’s never overpowering
CONS: Multiple applications might be necessary for day-to-night wear
- Longevity: 3 to 5 hours
- Seasons: Autumn, winter
- Notes: Bergamot, firewood, myrrh, cardamom, frankincense
- Launched: 2017
Best for All Occasions
Whether preparing for a night out or heading into the office, you can feel confident about wearing Polo Red.
This sweet-yet-woody cologne is a low-projection option with average longevity, making it great for all occasions. Still, the fruit notes give this fragrance a feminine flair that might not appeal to everyone.
PROS: Appropriate for most seasons, not overpowering, can be worn indoors and outdoors
CONS: Not the most masculine option
- Longevity: Up to 6 hours
- Seasons: Autumn, winter, spring
- Notes: Cranberry, amber, cedarwood, lemon
- Launched: 2013
Best for Outdoor Activities
Selecting the best cologne for outdoor activities and events can be challenging. But Polo Deep Blue is a solid option, especially during the warm spring and summer seasons.
This Ralph Lauren fragrance is one of the newest additions to the Polo cologne collection and has a tropical vibe. Its bright mango and geranium notes are bound to garner compliments, though it can be overpowering when worn indoors.
PROS: Above-average longevity, bright and fresh scent, appropriate for men of all ages
CONS: Fruit notes can be initially overpowering
- Longevity: 8 to 12 hours
- Seasons: Spring, summer
- Notes: Ocean, mango, sage, bergamot, geranium
- Launched: 2020
Best for Indoor Activities
Are you searching for a cologne that won’t become overpowering while indoors? If so, you might want to try Polo Red Rush.
This fragrance features light, sweet red apple and mint notes that pair well with its undertones of cedarwood and spicy saffron. It doesn’t last long, so it won’t carry you through all-day wear, but its comparatively low potency makes it a top-notch choice for indoor occasions.
PROS: Light enough for indoor wear, a solid choice for most seasons
CONS: Not the best choice for day-to-night wear, below-average longevity
- Longevity: Up to 5 hours
- Seasons: Spring, summer, autumn
- Notes: Red apple, mint, grapefruit, cedarwood, saffron
- Launched: 2018
Best Year-Round Option
Polo Cologne Intense is the newest addition to the Polo by Ralph Lauren lineup, and it’s a return to form in many ways. Like the original Polo EDT, Polo Cologne Intense is distinctly masculine and earthy.
This fragrance balances the brightness of fresh herbs and mint with a deep, rich combination of incense. The result is a scent that’s great for year-round everyday use.
PROS: Appropriate for everyday wear, a less tobacco-rich version of the original Polo by Ralph Lauren
CONS: The scent profile is geared toward younger generations, longevity varies significantly
- Longevity: 2 to 8 hours
- Seasons: Year-round
- Notes: Basil, spearmint, vetiver, patchouli
- Launched: 2021
Best for Mornings
The light citrus notes of Polo Ultra Blue make it a smart pick for morning wear. Although the longevity of this cologne is notably short, this could work in your favor if you tend to apply different scents throughout the day.
This fragrance’s fresh lemon, herb, and salt notes are bright and airy, so this is one of the least overpowering Ralph Lauren colognes for men.
PROS: Smells clean and fresh, scent transitions from sharp and citrusy to mellow and herbal
CONS: Not appropriate or potent enough for cold weather
- Longevity: 1 to 3 hours
- Seasons: Spring, summer
- Notes: Lemon, basil, salt, citrus
- Launched: 2018
About Polo Ralph Lauren
Polo by Ralph Lauren (sometimes called Polo Green) has been around for more than 40 years and is well-known for its potency and spicy notes. This cologne was the first of the Polo cologne line but is now one of the wide varieties.
If the Polo Ralph Lauren cologne collection doesn’t appeal to you, there are plenty of other colognes to choose from. Check out our men’s cologne reviews to discover an option that suits your needs and style.
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Best Intro to Polo
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Best for Spring
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Best for Summer
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Who Makes the Cologne?
Ralph Lauren cologne is produced by L’Oréal. This company also produces several other popular perfume and cologne brands, including Lancôme and Giorgio Armani.
Born and raised in Austin, David is a dedicated writer and avid fragrance lover. When he's not trying out perfumes, he enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants.