Escape for Men by Calvin Klein

I bought the current version of Escape for Men by Calvin Klein, made by Coty Spain, and I must say it was a huge disappointment. Unlike the originals from the 90s and early 2000s, which came in frosted glass bottles, this one comes in a transparent bottle, which already signaled a change. The scent is very faint and light, with a projection more akin to a body mist than an intense fragrance. It barely retains any traces of the original formula and lacks that explosive fruity burst of melon, mango, and citrus that made the classic so striking. I’ve read that the US version still resembles the original more and keeps the frosted bottle. For now, I’ve ordered a vintage bottle from 2000 to see how it has held up over time and if it can wake up that unforgettable tropical feeling I had the first time I used it in 1997.

Escape for Men by Calvin Klein. For me, the best fragrance from the worst designer house. This contradiction makes sense given Calvin Klein’s lack of innovation lately, with weak, generic scents that no longer have a signature, except for this glorious exception. Escape is a fruity men’s fragrance that doesn’t use citrus as a base. It opens with melon, mango, and peach—macerated fruits for pure delight. Then come the heart notes of fir, juniper, and cardamom. It has great trail and projection, clinging to fabrics with brutal potency. I could still smell it after washing my shirts. Surprisingly, and as a welcome exception, it smells just like it did in the 90s. I hope the younger generation starts appreciating these 90s jewels that were truly masculine fragrances. Rating: 9/10.

My story with this perfume: It was 2004, I was 15, and my uncle gave me a partially used bottle. He loved it (or still does, I guess), thinking it was very youthful and perfect for my age. The 90s didn’t feel that distant yet, there were still cultural echoes, which is why from my perspective, Calvin Klein’s Escape seemed like a still-modern scent. It’s hard to describe the first time I tried it, but I only know that one note captivated me that I couldn’t define back then. In short, it smelled fresh, youthful, and “modern.” Compliments from several people, especially women, didn’t keep me waiting. I think I bought two more bottles; in fact, it was the first perfume I bought with my own money. It became my signature for a while. However, since the perfume boom wasn’t as big back then as it is today, I didn’t continue with that scent, partly because later I discovered the legendary ADG, which displaced CK Escape. Fast forward to today… I’ve had my small collection for a few months now, and Escape was my last acquisition, yes, mostly out of nostalgia rather than the perfume itself. I don’t have much to say about performance, but now I know that captivating note was the melon with a hint of mango; I love how it clings to the atomizer… a delight. I miss the old bottle design with its frosty finish; it gave it a special visual touch.

Lots of melon, tropical. It’s for daily use, but much better in tropical climates. It’s a rich aquatic aromatic. Although in extreme heat it can get cloying, you just need to use a little less. If you like the melon note, it’s a definite yes. The cypress, fir, and birch blend perfectly to create a very particular sensation. An underrated gem from Calvin Klein.

A very fruity, tropical, and modern opening, combined with green and aromatic notes with a retro vibe; the archetype of the 90s fragrance, serving as a link between two eras of perfumery: the one where genders were distinct and the other, which tends to blur the boundaries. At the time, it must have been a very youthful scent, but today it’s not quite as much; I see it more as a young adult fragrance. So, if you’re younger and want to try it, you’ll need to adjust (just a bit) your nose, especially if you’re used to heavy, sweet fragrances.

I was given a CK set and this was my favorite. It opens fruity and fresh with a sweet dry down, making it very noticeable. Once it dries, it smells like a wet forest while keeping that citrus vibe. The sillage isn’t its strong suit (lasts about an hour or so), but for the price, it’s worth reapplying. A really interesting option.

When I was little, back in 1995, I used to steal perfumes from my brother. I was about 12, and I only remember a smell of melon.

No need to debate it: the top 3 of Calvin Klein are Escape, Eternity, and Obsession. Tremendous.

For me, Escape is the best CK for men. I love its incredibly fruity, fresh, and respectful opening, even with the reformulations. I received a bottle from the 2022 batch and was surprised that the quality remained intact. It lasts and projects well, highlighting the flaws of other classics like CK One or Eternity. I’ll use it for hot days; despite being fruity, it’s not cloying and gives energy. It lasted in the gym with moderate application, but I’ll mostly use it to go out with my wife, who is a huge fan (9/10).

Nice fragrance; I used it until I finished the 100 ml bottle. I let myself be swept away by the charms of Escape For Woman, but it didn’t meet my expectations, though I do have nice memories. What bothered me most was its weak sillage.

The frosted bottle of Calvin Klein’s ‘Escape’ stares at me from the desk. It’s fresh and a bit bold; it doesn’t fascinate me as much as Dune or Kenzo, but I respect it. It steps away from the safe lavender/mint profile with a strong dose of secondary fruits and herbs. The eucalyptus works better than in Contradiction. It tries to differentiate itself from Eternity with a fresh, aromatic twist. The opening is mango and melon, feeling more like mango, followed by a bright, salty grapefruit. It’s polarizing: you either love it or you don’t. Then it calms down and lets its woods show through—fir, cypress, and more perceptible eucalyptus. The herbal and woody notes take over. It lasts well on skin but has a moderate trail. It’s a fresh aromatic, acceptable, and less polarizing than the women’s version. I like it, but I wouldn’t buy it blindly.

I was looking for summer fragrances, and seeing melon, sea, eucalyptus, and knowing it’s a classic, I didn’t hesitate to buy it. The first thing I notice is that sweet melon, which doesn’t last long, along with the eucalyptus and classic aromatic notes. That sweetness makes it not very appealing in the dead of summer; I enjoy it more in mild weather, like spring or autumn.

It’s a classic and simple fragrance, fruity. A bit strong at first but formidable once it dries down. It’s like the 90s in a bottle; I like it so much I bought two at a comfortable price. Long life to this perfume.

It smells like tea and plastic, with a smoky and sweet touch. It’s the exact aroma of stepping into a new car. It has its years and doesn’t feel old to me, although I prefer Eternity.

It’s a special fragrance with an original scent. The combination of melon and eucalyptus, with its sweet tones, got me so many compliments back in the 90s, which I later capitalized on for outings, what times those were… I still keep it for the memory. Even with its reformulation, it continues to earn compliments.