Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier
Men 1995
Main accords
Description
Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier is an oriental fougère fragrance for men. Launched in 1995, the nose behind this composition is Francis Kurkdjian. The top notes are lavender, mint, cardamom, bergamot, and tarragon; the heart notes include cinnamon, orange blossom, and caraway; while the base notes reveal vanilla, tonka bean, amber, sandalwood, and cedar.
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The olfactory pyramid
A guide to the opening, heart and lasting trail of the fragrance.
The community speaks
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In the collection
Leading answer I own it
56,676 votes
What do you think?
Leading answer Love it
23,886 votes
Season
Choose severalLeading answer Winter
32,622 votes
Time of day
Choose severalLeading answer Night
18,278 votes
Each question has its own vote count. You can choose several seasons.
Fragrance profile
About Le Male
Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier is an oriental fougère fragrance for men. Launched in 1995, the nose behind this composition is Francis Kurkdjian. The top notes are lavender, mint, cardamom, bergamot, and tarragon; the heart notes include cinnamon, orange blossom, and caraway; while the base notes reveal vanilla, tonka bean, amber, sandalwood, and cedar.
Flowers Green, herbal and fougère Spices White flowers Musk, amber and animalic Woods and mosses
It may remind you of
Ranked by what the community voted.
More from Jean Paul Gaultier
Related editions
More from Francis Kurkdjian
How it wears
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Longevity
Leading answer Moderate
13,135 votes
Sillage
Leading answer Moderate
13,118 votes
Character
Leading answer Traditionally masculine
10,080 votes
Value perception
Leading answer Fair price
9,268 votes
Most talked about
Notes and topics that come up most in 40 reviews.
Featured review The most detailed of the latest reviews.
Have you worn Le Male?
Tell us how it opens, how it settles on your skin, how long it lasts and when you wear it.
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Samg2011
They’re often overlooked, smells like the sea and cleanliness, perfect for a summer night.
Ewmj99
The fragrance that made me a perfume fan. Don’t let social media reviews convince you it’s outdated; it’s a great scent that always leaves you smelling clean and rich.
Shin Sabbath
My brother came back from a trip and gifted me the 5ml mini. This is the second time I’ve smelled Le Male properly. I know many people find it cloying or gross because of that vanilla note; it’s not for everyone. But I absolutely love it because it performs well on my skin; I enjoy the herbs more, and it gets subtly sweet as it dries down. People mock me saying it smells ‘gay,’ but I don’t mind, haha.
Diego Bronson
A timeless classic for any occasion, except very intense heat. The mint, lavender, and vanilla, though imitated many times, have a different and unique balance in Le Male. A must-have in any collection.
DiegoSupertramposo
Very balanced, highlights cardamom, mint, and vanilla. From my point of view, it’s super versatile for all year round, maybe not extreme heat. Although this line has many derivatives, this one along with Le Parfum are the most charming; they aren’t cloying or abusive of the sweetness that makes you look like a walking dessert. Cheers.
sebfailla
I think it’s interesting, moderate longevity, trail and projection at the same level. Nothing heavy. But nowadays it lacks a distinctive signature where you’d say: ‘ah, it’s this one.’ If you’re a classic, it’s a good option; if you like to innovate and stand out, better to skip it.
MARCKO
I don’t have much to say, it’s already very outdated, doesn’t impress, it’s not as rich anymore, nor does it have that charm that currently characterizes JPGs. Without a doubt, it’s the worst in the line, but it deserves credit because it was the first of an iconic line like Le Male.
Khanom_
The perfume I enjoyed most in my life and that introduced me to this world. A work of art. I don’t have it anymore and always miss it. 10/10.
JuanCanada
30 years after its launch, it’s prudent to say its moment of brilliance has passed. Most likely, only those thirty (or older) will buy it out of nostalgia, to evoke memories of their youth. As it dries down, it resembles perfumes like Cuba Paris (mega cheap, typically come in 35ml emulating Cuban puro/habano). With those characteristic smoky tobacco touches of the brand, which I don’t like and give it that outdated vibe of the past. I don’t understand how they associate it with Reflection Man or the acclaimed Le Male Parfum; they have nothing in common. It’s not a bad perfume, but with so many new alternatives, it ends up relegated and overshadowed by this classic.
Lmora23
Never get tired of its exquisiteness. I met it in college at 20, back in 2010, and it was a scent that absolutely captivated me. I promised myself I’d save up to buy it for my graduation day, and that’s exactly what happened. Since then, it has always been my favorite perfume, the best Le Male of all time. Let them release 1,000 flankers; they can’t take anything away from it.
Fernando Dihern
Jean Paul Gaultier’s “Le Male” is a classic with solid technique, but honestly, it smells terrible on me. Its sweet, synthetic opening with lavender and vanilla tries to seduce but ends up smelling cheap, artificial, and cloying. It might impress beginners, but for a trained nose, it feels forced, unnatural, almost like a costume. I won’t deny its power and longevity: it projects strongly and lasts for hours, which speaks to a solid construction. But that persistence makes it invasive and hard to tolerate. It divides: loved by those seeking impact, rejected by those seeking elegance. It’s a prime example that technical quality doesn’t always equal beauty. It can be an icon for some, but for me, it’s a reminder that not everything that shines deserves to stay in memory.
Paola829
I love the scent of this fragrance, and I just bought a women’s perfume that reminds me a lot of it; it’s called Beverly Hills Polo Club 2. What a wonder.
blvck-w-wilson
Don’t let comments about it smelling old or being a gift for grandpas fool you. Being sexy is an attitude, so either you have it or you don’t, and like any fragrance, it’s about your personality anchoring perfectly with it to give it more edge… But if you wear Le Male, you’re a bomb of sensuality. I’ve worn it since I was 17, and 20 years later, I still get compliments. It’s timeless for the tough guy. If you’re young and have the personality to wear it with confidence, friend, believe me, you’ll be remembered forever. I’ve also met men aged 50/65, and instead of feeling like it smells old, I say: “fresh macho.” I’ll keep wearing it until I’m 70 or older 🔥. If you want to smell like everyone else, there’s no better time in designer perfumery than with their elixirs and the thousands of clones out there. But if you want to make a statement without stepping outside the norm, this Le Male does its thing. The ultimate sexy, tough macho.
JavierSantana
Although it’s 30 years old, Le Male leads the pack in composition across the entire line. Not suitable for inexperienced noses that know only two perfumes and use them to bash everything unknown. Suitable for those who want to smell artistic perfumery. Totally timeless, like a Bill Evans solo or a good leather jacket in autumn.
carloslopezz
When you see a perfume that’s been selling for 30 years and you still see it in every store… that’s the one. A masterpiece by FK. In the line of legends like Fahrenheit, ADG… perfumes that today don’t stand out for those seeking the latest bomb, but which were the foundation of everything. Not suitable for men who want to smell like dessert or a chocolate bonbon (sometimes interesting). It will never go out of style. Refined, elegant, balanced… perfect.
Lucio Martinelli
Well, I think my first review should be about my first perfume, stolen from my dad with his consent. It was a gift from my mom to him, Batch 2013 I think, and there’s still more than half left, something I don’t want to use so it doesn’t run out. It’s one of those cloned scents but nothing compares, that transcendent sensation of mint, lavender, and vanilla that leaves you thinking. It’s finding that just-right sweet touch without being cloying. Francis had it clear, he saw it from before, those fresh chords that fade into amber and shine through without being annoying. It lasts me a long time, and I can feel it all the time. I simply love it, and it connects everything.
Dinamita
A good fragrance, known by many as “the one that started it all.” This perfume is a classic, and there’s not much more to add. I’m 20 years old, and in my opinion, it doesn’t smell “old,” as some say. It’s true that its shaving foam touch can give it a vintage nuance, but nowadays it can be worn without issue. Should I recommend it? An emphatic yes. It’s very versatile, perfect for almost any moment. I couldn’t describe each note precisely, but together they offer a very pleasant aroma. Within the brand, it’s one of the most versatile and “fresh” alongside Paradise Garden, although it doesn’t reach completely fresh territory due to the vanilla note that adds sweetness. Obviously, this depends on each person’s taste, so I suggest trying it before buying blindly. In summary: an attractive, versatile, sexy, and functional perfume for most occasions.
XyrahPerfumist
Jean Paul Gaultier’s Le Male is a simple fragrance that marked an era and remains alive in the memory of our noses. On mine, I perceive brief lavender, mint, and citrus in the opening; the lavender and mint linger, fresh and revitalizing, perfect after a shower or to wear at home with a partner enjoying closeness. Sometimes it lasts better, other times worse. Curiously, on dry skin it seems to cling with more force; on my father, it lasted for hours and hours. Perhaps it’s the changes in manufacturers and compositions that alter its longevity, but even so, it remains a very rewarding fragrance. For lovers, Le Male is a must-have. I’m not a huge fan of the whole brand, but this perfume deserves a permanent spot on the shelf, always. It’s a work that combines simplicity and personality, leaving a warm and familiar memory on the skin and in the mind.
Looore
Simply incredible. In the community, most reviews indicate this scent is already outdated, and despite not smelling like current launches, it remains an incredible scent. Try it yourself and form your own opinion, but this is a classic of classics that is definitely worth a try. Regardless of the “established age” for this perfume, I feel like anyone can wear it on most occasions.
Cazaputas42
The classic of classics. The winning formula remains unbeaten; it stands the test of time. I don’t know anyone who has complained about this fragrance.
FranzPR
Le Male by JPG is unforgettable. The blend of lavender, vanilla, and mint creates an addictive, comforting trail that evokes hugs and special nights. It balances sensuality with coziness: sweet without being cloying, with character and an enveloping warmth. Projection and longevity are excellent; you don’t need much to stand out. It remains current, recognizable, and versatile. It always receives compliments for something hypnotic that connects with everyone. A true icon.
FabCa
A perfumerie classic, very similar to the earlier Cuba Gold but with a cleaner, more polished dry-down. It doesn’t drive me crazy, but it smells good; a mature scent that’s a bit dated.
mauriciomadrizr
SPECTACULAR. I tried it recently and knew it was a classic. Rich scent with mint, lavender, and aromatic spices. I’m gifting it to my dad because it’s too versatile and classic; I’d also love to own one, it’s a must-have. I give it 8/10. Simply spectacular.
Daniipntr
Iconic fragrance and my first good perfume from childhood. As a huge JPG fan, I had to review the original. After trying a decant, I asked myself: where is the Le Male EDT I remember? I recall it with plush lavender-menthol and deep vanilla, but here only plain lavender remains, lacking nuances and roundness. I wouldn’t buy it if Le Parfum is available, though I must judge this 80s masterpiece from memory. It’s barber-shop fresh, informal, and versatile, but not for summer.
Rick Azafranado
It never goes out of style. My first perfume to get compliments from so many women. My signature scent. I’ve tried everything, but this was my go-to for years. It’s incredibly versatile, an absolute masterpiece of perfumery.
Rick Azafranado
At 35, this is undoubtedly the perfume that has given me the most compliments from women compared to all the others I’ve worn from school through my professional career. I would buy it again, although I personally vary my scents. Objectively, it’s totally a ‘low pants’ choice for those who don’t know about perfumes. If it’s your first JPG, this is the one to get the DNA, then move on to the moderns. 10/10.
Jeremyyael
It starts fresh but very strong, smelling of a grown man. In the dry-down, mint and vanilla with tonka bean appear, which to me smells like deodorant, very ‘manly,’ even sweaty. I tried to wash it off out of disgust, but it stays on the skin; it’s very long-lasting.
Manuel Carmona
A great classic from Francis with notable differences across its 20 reformulations. In this batch, the opening combines lavender, cardamom, and sweetened mint, almost without bergamot. An hour later, the dominant aquatic (not spicy) mint remains, without sharp freshness. It stays flat for 5 hours, lacking the old vanilla; it smells more like classy airport cleaner. Modern batches smell like public service, but this one saves itself. It’s mature, not youthful; sexy and masculine; ideal for evening meetings or dates, not for summer. Clothing and attitude matter. If you can find old batches, it’s a classic for every gentleman. Scent: 7.5/10, Longevity: 5.5/10, Sillage: 6.2/10, Versatility: 8.0/10, Compliments: 8.5/10, Originality: 9.5/10, Rarity: 0/10. Average: 6.46. Worth it if you like classics.
Luisfher 82
I had it 10 years ago and didn’t appreciate it, even gave it to my brother; it seemed vintage for my grandfather. I think it deserves a second chance, as I’m planning to buy 80s and 90s classics.
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