Despite being released in the 90s, Acqua di Gio is still one of the world’s most popular men’s colognes. Its widespread popularity and love have resulted in many dupes and alternatives to this fragrance.
If you are looking for a scent that is very similar to Acqua di Gio, perhaps cheaper in price or simply an alternative with a twist, then you are in the right place.
I have dug up the best colognes that smell similar to Acqua di Gio and listed them in this article. So, keep reading till the end.
What Does Acqua di Gio Smell Like?
Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani was launched in 1996 and was curated by Alberto Morillas, Annick Menardo and Christian Dussoulier.
It is a full-blown aromatic fragrance, including the freshness of aquatic notes. It’s notes breakdown is as follows:
Top Notes: Lime, Lemon, Bergamot, Jasmine, Orange, Mandarin Orange and Neroli
Middle Notes: Sea Notes, Jasmine, Calone, Peach, Freesia, Hyacinth, Rosemary, Cyclamen, Violet, Coriander, Nutmeg, Rose and Mignonette
Base Notes: White Musk, Cedar, Oakmoss, Patchouli and Amber
A wonderful balance of sweet and salty sea water notes and undertones of the sun’s warmth on your skin make up the fragrant concoction.
The citrusy goodness hits you right at the top of the scent, and you get a plethora of different tangy flavors.
Unlike most men’s fragrances, this one has a variety of different floral scents combined with citrus before moving into the deep oceanic heart.
As it settles, the potent spicy notes are mellowed by a woodsy base and a velvety, earthy trail.
It is a unisex fragrance. However, it leans more on the men’s side, so not many ladies can be seen donning this fragrance.
Even though it doesn’t have a huge sillage or super lengthy longevity, it has still won over the hearts of people with its enigmatic, versatile fragrance that is quite unbeatable, in my opinion.
What Colognes Smell Like Acqua di Gio?
Acqua di Gio is a classic scent, and some people would even give it the title of the best men’s fragrance to exist!
Hence, naturally, beating this scent is going to be tough, but nevertheless, there are scents that bring about a similar scent and aura as this one.
To make things easier for you, I have included a detailed compilation of the fragrances that I think are the best alternatives to Acqua di Gio.
So, here are the fragrances that smell similar to Acqua di Gio:
360° Red by Perry Ellis
Top Notes: Lime, Bergamot, Cinnamon, Orange, Mandarin Orange, Cloves and Nutmeg
Middle Notes: Lavender and Coriander
Base Notes: Musk, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Red Cedar, Vetiver and Oakmoss
I believe 360° Red for Men by Perry Ellis is one of the best alternatives to Acqua di Gio. The similarity in their scent is undeniable, and you get it at a much lower price!
Released in 2003, 360° Red was created by Jean-Louis Grauby. The opening flavors of 360 Red are lemon and lime, which is very similar to the opening of Acqua di Gio, but with much less complexity.
It finishes with a light, fresh sweet and spicy cinnamon and peppery aroma that resembles the scent of Acqua without being overwhelming.
It’s not too far-fetched to say that some people prefer this over Acqua di Gio. You get very good performance, a good depiction of the smell, and it’s far less expensive.
I would highly recommend giving this a try if you are a big fan of the Armani fragrance but want a close-smelling dupe at a lower price.
When To Wear
It can be worn throughout the year. However, it is ideal for summer and spring.
Why Should You Buy It
- Very similar fragrance to Acqua di Gio.
- The closest alternative to Acqua di Gio.
- Budget-friendly, much lower price than the Armani.
- Long-lasting fragrance.
- Versatile scent.
- It is unisex.
Just Me for Men by Paris Hilton
Top Notes: Lime, Bergamot, Lemon, Black Currant, Tangerine and Green Grass
Middle Notes: Sea Notes, Sage, Lotus, Cloves and Nutmeg
Base Notes: Mahogany, Incense, Oakmoss, Patchouli and Crystal Amber
Launched in 2006, Just Me for Men by Paris Hilton smells very similar to Acqua di Gio and has a beautifully aquatic aroma. It was created by Jean-Louis Grauby.
The opening notes are very playful, citrusy and similar to Acqua di Gio. However, the base notes are smokier, and the amber note is not as noticeable.
It is much greener and grassier than the Armani. The freshness generated by this fragrance is hence undeniable.
It also has an impressive performance considering its price and the fact that it is a celebrity fragrance. You can wear this for hours on, without having to re-apply the scent again and again.
So, I would say that try Just Me for Men by Paris Hilton if you’re looking for something a little greener with a similar opening and dry down.
When To Wear
Why Should You Buy It
- Similar fragrance to Acqua di Gio.
- Greener alternative to Acqua di Gio.
- Much lower price than the Armani.
- Long-lasting fragrance.
- Versatile scent.
Blue Homme by Armaf
Top Notes: Grapefruit, Bergamot, Neroli, Lemon, Mandarin Orange and Lime
Middle Notes: Rosemary, Lavender, Jasmine and Nutmeg
Base Notes: Oakmoss, Cedar, Amber, Patchouli, Vanilla and Musk
Though Blue Homme by Armaf is not the best-selling fragrance by the famous French brand, it sure is a great alternative to Acqua di Gio.
It is smooth and spicy and strongly resembles Acqua di Gio. The neroli top and some enchanting citrus note open Armaf Blue.
This one doesn’t have the same sense of sea wind that the Armani does. Additionally, the hint of jasmine in the scent isn’t particularly strong.
In my opinion, this smell doesn’t project quite as effectively and doesn’t last as long, but it does catch the essence of it without turning overly aquatic, which some people may find appealing.
Overall, if you’re searching for a choice with a similar opening and base with fewer aquatic notes, it would be worthwhile to give it a shot.
When To Wear
Why Should You Buy It
- Similar scent to Acqua di Gio but is less aquatic.
- Much cheaper than Acqua di Gio.
- Versatile scent.
Blue Touch by Franck Olivier
Top Notes: Lemon, Bergamot, Green Notes, Tangerine and Pink Pepper
Middle Notes: Melon, Patchouli, Woody Notes, Vetiver, Galbanum and Sage
Base Notes: Musk, Amber and Oakmoss
Blue Touch by Franck Olivier was launched in 2011, and it is a close dupe to Acqua di Gio. However, it lacks the aquatic aroma that the Armani fragrance possesses.
The opening of Blue Touch is citrusy, like Acqua, but it has a touch of pink pepper, giving it a unique twist. It progresses into the middle accord of earthier notes before delivering a surprise fruity melon impact.
These notes flow naturally into a musky, ambery, and oakmoss base that is reminiscent of Acqua di Gio.
One application of Blue Touch will easily last you the entire workday because of its robust longevity and remarkable performance. I would say it gives you excellent value for the price.
Although the note formulas are somewhat diverse, I believe this fragrance will make you smile if you love Acqua di Gio but like a little twist.
When To Wear
Why Should You Buy It
- Similar scent to Acqua di Gio but is less aquatic.
- Much cheaper alternative to Acqua di Gio.
- Long-lasting.
- Good performance according to price.
Lisboa Colombo Avenida do Colegio Militar by Zara
Top Notes: Lemon, Grapefruit and Orange
Middle Notes: Jasmine
Base Notes: Woodsy Notes
Zara Lisboa Colombo Avenida do Colegio Militar by Zara was launched in 2015, and despite the differences in notes, it is quite similar to Acqua di Gio. It is fresh, aromatic and light.
This fragrance starts off with powerful citrus notes and tart grapefruit, fully excluding the salty aquatic note from its formulation.
It quickly progresses through the harmony, transforming into opulent middle notes of jasmine before settling into a woodsy base.
It didn’t linger very long on my skin, so the longevity isn’t great. The projection isn’t bad, but it could be better.
Given the low price, it is a decent, affordable alternative to Acqua di Gio, one that you can wear on the go.
When To Wear
However, I do not recommend wearing it for fancy or formal occasions as it is too subdued. It’s best worn during summer and more appropriate for casual wear.
Why Should You Buy It
- Similar scent to Acqua di Gio.
- Very affordable price.
- Fresh, aromatic scent.
Wrapping Up
Finding a proper alternative to your favorite designer cologne can seem cumbersome, but not when you have a list of the best similar fragrances.
If you love Acqua di Gio and want a cheaper but good alternative, try the colognes mentioned in this article – I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. They are much more affordable than Acqua di Gio and closely resemble its scent.
While some may have moderate performance, a few excel in that part.
So, which one are you going to opt for?
Let me know which fragrance you want me to cover next!
