The citrusy fragrance released by Ralph Lauren in 2013 was a big hit. I am sure if you are into fragrances, you have heard the name ‘Polo Red’. The popularity of the cologne forced Ralph Lauren to make many flankers of it.
And other fragrance houses tried to make a dupe of it to fulfill people’s desire for Polo Red.
As some alternatives will satisfy you less than others, I tried to select the best ones for you to have a similar experience.
If you enjoy the smell of Polo Red, you will love the fragrances I will mention below.
Which Colognes Smell Like Polo Red?
Polo Red is a citrusy cologne that shows its sweet and warm accords with time.
The top notes of Polo Red are Cranberry, Grapefruit, and Italian Lemon.
It begins with a refreshing blast of cranberry and citrus; you won’t expect any different notes to hit you. You can smell the tart side of the cranberry as well. Yes, the opening is loud, but its scent won’t overwhelm you.
Amber controls the fruity notes of the top notes from being overbearing. It gives warmth and cuts off the sweet aroma.
The fragrance has floral aspects; however, it is constrained and grounded. At last, you will smell soft wood to end the scent naturally.
Therefore, the main notes of Polo Red are sweet and tart cranberry, citrusy lemon, and warm amber.
Women love the smell of Polo Red on men. The projection and longevity of Polo Red are pretty moderate.
The fragrance is versatile. You can wear it anytime except when the weather is not humid. You do not have to think about the occasion before spraying Polo Red, as it goes with everything.
Also, check out: Colognes That Smell Similar to Polo Blue
So, here are the best colognes that smell like Polo Red:
Ralph Lauren Polo Red Intense
Top notes are Cranberry, Blood Grapefruit, Lemon, and Saffron;
Middle notes are Coffee, Ginger, Lavender, and Sage;
Base notes are Amber, Leather, and Red Cedar.
Polo Red Intense is the most similar fragrance of Polo Red, even compared with the other flankers. Ralph Lauren released it in 2015. It starts with cranberry and citrusy notes like Polo Red as well.
With the cranberry and citrus notes, you will get coffee and saffron, giving the fragrance its personality. The floral aspects are more noticeable here than in Polo Red.
With a less sweet tone, the fragrance pulls out its fresh leather and lavender. It focuses more on fresh accords than sweet ones.
The projection is loud initially; however, it becomes close to your skin with time. It is not a beast, but the person next to you will smell the scent.
For being the intense version of Polo Red, Polo Red Intense has better lasting power than Polo Red. It will provide you with a longevity of 8 to 9 hours.
When to wear?
The season preference of Polo Red Intense is similar to Polo Red. Except on hot days, you can wear it in any weather. As the fragrance is sexy, it is an excellent option for clubbing and night outs. People love the combination of fresh aroma with some balanced sweet cranberry.
Why should you wear it?
- A fresher version of Polo Red.
- Versatile fragrance.
- Good longevity.
Givenchy Play
Top notes are Bitter Orange, Grapefruit, Bergamot and Mandarin Orange;
Middle notes are Coffee, Pepper, Amyris and Tobacco blossom;
Base notes are vetiver and Patchouli.
Play is not a dupe. However, even without having the cranberry note, it is an excellent alternative to Polo Red. The citrus on the top with coffee makes sure of that.
And it also will remind you of Polo Red Intense, as the coffee note is more noticeable here.
The opening of Play is the most attractive part of the fragrance. You will love the light and sweet citruses when you spray the cologne. And, immediately, you will think of Polo Red.
Then the coffee note peeks in and lightly shows its magic. There is no way people will not like the way you smell. Everyone can pull off this uplifting fragrance. The notes are not too complex, but the scent is comforting.
The longevity and projection of Play could be better. After 3 to 4 hours of application, you have to reapply.
Also, you can check out: Dupes Similar to Paco Rabanne Invictus
When to wear?
The cologne is light and breezy so it won’t perform in winter and fall. Therefore, it is excellent for spring and summer. You can make Play your daily office as it does not project much, and your colleagues won’t hate your fragrance.
Why should you wear it?
- Similar perfume from a designer house.
- Signature fragrance.
- Marvelous opening.
Davidoff The Brilliant Game
Top notes are Campari, Red Berries, Vermouth, Bitter Orange, Lemon and Clary Sage;
Middle notes are Cedar and Orange Blossom;
Base notes are Tonka Bean, Caramel, Coumarin and Hay.
The Brilliant Game is a fantastic dupe of Polo Red. With the citruses at the top and red berries playing as the suitable replacement for cranberry, the sweet tone of the cologne also matches Polo Red.
The presence of Campari and Vermouth gives the fragrance an alcoholic touch and makes it frizzy.
Tonka bean and caramel also add to the sweet tone of the cologne. However, it is not too sweet. Women love it on men.
It is an excellent option for teenagers who are beginning their perfume journey. It is hard to dislike the crowd. And as it is cheap, young men can afford it easily.
The woody touch is excellent as it gives the fragrance to stand on.
The longevity of The Brilliant Game could be better. I get around 3 to 4 hours maximum. The projection is poor as well.
When to wear?
The Brilliant Game is for fall and winter. The sweetness of the scent is thick, which works perfectly with the cold weather. It will be too much to handle if you wear it in summer.
Why should you wear it?
- Great scent.
- A cheaper alternative to Polo Red.
- For the younger crowd.
Givenchy Play Intense
Top notes are Mandarin Orange and Bergamot;
Middle notes are Coffee, Pink Pepper and Amyris;
Base notes are Tonka Bean, Patchouli, Vetiver and French labdanum.
A flanker of Givenchy Play ‘Play Intense’ is also a great clone of Polo Red. The citrus opening and strong coffee note mixed with sweet tonka bean will remind you of Play.
Givenchy released Play Intense in 2008 to continue the line of Play.
Play Intense is mainly famous for its coffee note. And the other aspects of this fragrance are pretty similar to Polo Red. Its citrusy and sweet accords are the reason for that.
The coffee note makes the fragrance smell very chocolatey, and with the combination of orange jogs one’s memory of the orange chocolate bar we used to have when we were kids.
The fragrance is fresh but, at the same time, has a gourmand feeling as the coffee always continues to be the center of attention.
Play Intense has few stages, and it becomes unnecessary to have too many changes when the fragrance can rock from the beginning of its journey.
Follow our guide: Colognes That Are Similar To Polo Black
When to wear?
Play Intense is for winter and fall. The gourmand side of the fragrance makes it thick and appropriate for cold days. And, it is preferable at night.
Why should you wear it?
- Good longevity.
- Sweet but muscular fragrance.
- Similar to Polo Red as well as Play.
Halloween Man X
Top notes are Cardamom, Lavender and Lemon;
Middle notes are Coffee, Whiskey, Cinnamon, Leather and Mineral notes;
Base notes are Tonka Bean, Amber and Incense.
Halloween released Man X in 2019. It is pretty new to the market. Mna X has many similarities with Polo Red with a twist of spicy tone.
If you love a fragrance that has a mixture of sweet and spicy accords, then Man X is for you. This makes Man X unique even after having the same vibe as Polo Red.
The cologne starts with a fresh opening, and cardamon gives the spicy kick right from the top.
The longevity and projection of Halloween Man X are outstanding. You will quickly get a performance of 8 to 9 hours.
The price of the fragrance is also very affordable, so you can overuse it without overthinking.
When to wear?
The sweet-spicy cologne goes mostly with colder days. You can wear it on warmer days, but the projection will be less.
Why should you wear it?
- Cheap cologne.
- Receives compliments.
- Excellent longevity and projection.
Conclusion
Polo Red is a mixture of fresh and sweet fragrance that many perfume lovers love. Your hunt is over now if you are looking for its best dupes. These 5 alternatives are great ways to experience Polo Red with their own personalities. You can try their decants before buying full bottles.
Read more on: Alternative Dupes of Adidas Moves
If you have any further queries, please feel free to ask them in the comment section, and I would be happy to answer them.
