The Best Summer 2026 Fragrances For Men, According To A Cologne Expert
“Bright, citrus-forward fragrances are coming back into the spotlight.”
In the fragrance world, trends can be every bit as fickle as those found on fashion runways, but the classics have a way of coming back into play, at least according to olfactory expert Steve Soderholm. The founder and CEO of Nashville atelier Ranger Station, Soderholm has a keen nose for scents that the well-appointed modern man should wear, including the best seasonal scents for summer.
With a renwed focus on “bright, fresh and clean” summer fragrances, Soderholm says that the cologne tide has turned away from “dark, woody, smoky, and warm fragrances regardless of the time of year.” Soderholm and his wife Jordan have run Ranger Station for over a decade, and he tells Maxim that “bright, citrus-forward fragrances are coming back into the spotlight,” adding: “Let’s be honest, they never went anywhere, but they are getting more of the attention they deserve now.”
To bolster your personal fragrance rotation, check out Soderholm’s favorite on-trend colognes for summer below.
Ralph Lauren Polo Green
In keeping with a focus on vivid, vibrant green scents of the season, Soderholm recommends investing in a fragrance that’s as classic as a crisp Ralph Lauren polo shirt or Oxford cloth buttondown. Polo Green (available in an Intense version as well as an Oud de Parfume and an Eau de Toilette) touches on freshly cut grass, orange flower and even pine and tobacco. Soderholm notes that “it is widely recognized as starting the surge of green fragrance in the ’80s,” a trend that holds staying power today. Starting at $116
Creed Green Irish Tweed
A pleasing harmony of lemon, peppermint and bergamot guide the way in an utterly classic fragrance selection that Soderholm said remains as relevant as ever. Although not a new arrival on the scene as far as the best colognes are concerned, the fragrance expert says that the Creed signature (which also features a delicate interplay between lavender, oakmoss and geranium) is useful, relevant and pleasing “in a way that has aged well.” Starting at $360
Byredo Sunday Cologne
When a fresh and clean seasonal fragrance is the way to go, one summer scent in particular springs to mind for Soderholm, who calls Byredo Sunday “one of my favorites in this realm.” Two particular scent notes stand out for the perfumer, he said. “It perfectly blends that citrus and moss freshness that I love with warmth that allows it to last all day long.” With sophistication and luxury in mind, it might be the cologne you reach for ahead of your next rooftop soiree. Starting at about $195
Ranger Station Smooth Operator
For Soderholm, his own extensive supply of simply excellent fragrance options proves useful as he opens new shops from Nashville to New York City to Charleston and back. With top notes of bergamot and pepper balanced by middle notes including the likes of fir needle and jasmine, Smooth Operator delivers on the promise of the leisurely yet luxe summer months. As Soderholm notes, he wears the scent “when I want to lean into something fresh and clean … (that) still has power.” Starting at $94
Curve for Men Fragrance
Billed as both “spicy” and “magnetic,” this absurdly affordable Curve fragrance serves as a dash of nostalgia for Soderholm while also offering distinctly on-trend notes that fit nicely into today’s clean, bright fragrance trends. Soderholm wore the cologne in his youth, and it’s available today in an affordable package for those looking to try a new signature scent on for size. Starting at $12.98