Banana republic colognes in 2019: Best Scent, Low Price

Are you looking for a contemporary cologne that you don’t have to wait until payday to buy? Then, you’ll be pleased to know that the 6 best Banana Republic colognes punch well above their price point.

Banana Republic’s fragrance collection, which was launched in 1995, has grown to include more than 48 scents. Banana Republic colognes have been created by perfumers of international renown, including Irina Kuczinski. Each cologne was created with your mood, style, and budget in mind.

I covet a bougie bottle of cologne like the next man, but I’m not a scent snob. Perfumes that aren’t designer, niche, or luxury are often pushed to the back of the medicine cabinet,  but trust me, inexpensive fragrances can be just as cool and sexy.

Yes, if you want a long-lasting fragrance to take you from dawn to dusk, you’ll have to splash out. But there’s another option.

You can go for a less expensive cologne and reapply it liberally without stressing about how much you’re using. Plus, you won’t have to worry about when your favorite Banana Republic cologne will expire.

What’s more, choosing cologne versus perfume doesn’t mean you have to settle for lesser quality, and that’s precisely what you’ll find when you consider Banana Republic men’s cologne.

Discover why 6 of the best Banana Republic fragrances are a match for other fashion brands! 

The Key Takeaways

Each cologne search is approached with a tried-and-true plan: I do extensive research, read reviews and test the products. Here I’ve compiled my best Banana Republic colognes to give you a curated list.

Banana Republic Modern Man is the leader in this category. This clean, soapy fragrance is understatedly sensual and deserves to be in your collection. Banana Republic Black Walnut is a cologne that has a low price but rich notes. This smoky cedar scent is perfect for attracting attention.

Why it’s great: Modern Man is the perfect example of Banana Republic’s winning fragrance formula: lightweight and appealing to the male masses. Soapy musk, clean aquatics, and crisp citrus from the heart of this aromatic Banana Republic men’s cologne.

Modern Man takes my top spot since I can’t think of an occasion where it wouldn’t excel. If you love classic colognes like Azzaro Chrome and Versace Dylan Blue, I have a feeling you’re going to like this one.

Who is this for? A cologne which is suitable for any occasion will be the most useful to you. Modern Man for me is the perfect fragrance. It’s bright, fresh, and a no-brainer choice for laid-back lunches or a day at the office.

There are flaws, but they’re not deal breakers. Modern Man, like many aromatic colognes is a skin scent that huggs the body so projection is mild.

Top NotesWater notes: grapefruit, seaweed and juniper| Middle Notes: Cyclamen, tamarind | Base NotesMusk, vetiver incense patchouli birch| Types of: Eau de Toilette

Why it’s great: One of the best-loved fragrances in Banana Republic’s men’s cologne range, Black Walnut is a cult classic thanks to its sweet-smelling, smoky, warm notes. Black Walnut will only cost you under $20, making it the best Banana Republic men’s cologne.

Who is this for? Black Walnut is a more intense version of Banana Republic’s colognes. Black Walnut, with its cognac, tobacco and cedar notes, is perfect for when the temperatures fall and the sun sets.

The flaws are not the end of the world Black Walnut’s powdery finish may not appeal to guys who favor traditionally masculine scents.

Top NotesCognac| Middle Notes: Tobacco | Notes on the Base: Cedar | Types of: Eau de Toilette

Why it’s great: One criticism that Banana Republic men’s colognes occasionally face is that they can feel generic. The brand’s answer was to develop its Icon range, which aims to deliver unique, upscale scents to compete with the top designer colognes.

Oud Mosaic is my favorite Icon scent. Featuring the holy trinity of Middle Eastern notes—rose, cardamom, and oud—this is a great beginner oud cologne for guys. Although, it’s the fruity plum element that has me coming back for more. Perfect for winter night outs when you’re looking to stand out.

What is it for? Oud Mosaic – You can also find out more about the following: Banana Republic Cologne is for niche fragrance lovers. Though it’s technically unisex, Oud Mosaic has a smoky and earthy finish that feels more masculine to me. I think it takes an alpha, confident male to play oud, as it is a very polarizing sound.

There are flaws, but they’re not deal breakers. Oud is a unique and powerful scent that won’t be to everyone’s taste.

Top notesPlum, cardamom or white pepper?| Middle Notes| Base Notes| Types of: Eau de Parfum

Why it’s great: Soft spices and aromatics combine in this OG Banana Republic men’s cologne. It was almost 10 year ago that I first tried Slate. I keep a few bottles in rotation.

Slate, with its metallic finish and youthful look, has been my favorite office chair for as long I can recall. Slate has always been a good blind buy for me.

Who is this for? If you’re looking for a solid buy to wear to work, then Slate is a worthy choice that won’t offend noses. This Redditor sums up the vibe of this refreshing scent perfectly, “Slate is a nice fresh one. I feel like I get a nice grass and rain feeling from it.”

There are flaws, but they’re not deal breakers. This is the best Banana Republic fragrance. The light scent of this cologne is more suitable for warmer weather, such as spring or summer.

Top NotesGlacier Water | Middle Notes: Silver sage | Base Notes: Ginger root | Types: Eau de Toilette

Why it’s great: Classic begins with a citrusy burst, including bergamot and clementine. It then settles into a soothing, soft scent. This unisex scent has a warm, comfortable feel that I can’t get enough of. It’s clear to see why Classic has been an integral member of the Banana Republic cologne lineup for almost 30 years.

I’ve seen Classic available in both an Eau de Toilette and an Eau de Parfum. It’s best to go with the Eau de Parfum. The blend is less sweet and more sophisticated.

Who is this for? If someone sprays this and tells me it’s a Calvin Klein fragrance, I will believe them. It shares the same crisp, clean, and effortlessly light DNA as some of my favorite men’s fragrances of all time.

Classic is the best Banana Republic Cologne and an excellent choice for daily errands.

There are flaws, but they’re not deal breakers. Classic, although it is classified as an Eau de Parfum performs more like an Eau de Toilette.

Top Notes: Bergamot, clementine, green notes, grapefruit | Middle Notes: Honeysuckle, syringa | Base Notes: Ginger, musk, wood notes | Types: Eau de Parfum

Why it’s great: This is a manly scent that’s perfect for date nights. At the heart of Cordovan are nutmeg and juniper, which lend a cuddling-up-on-a-sofa kind of vibe.

It’s woody, aromatic, and inviting, so it works well at bedtime, too. It’s a cologne you’ll want to swipe right for.

Who is this for? If you’re a smart, suave, and successful 35+ man of the world, then you’ll find this gentleman’s club-type cologne also works well in an office environment come wintertime.

There are flaws, but they’re not deal breakers. Cordovan’s subtle sweetness may not appeal everyone. It’s this, though, that separates it from generic scents. Putting this to one side, thanks to its leather and spice notes, it’s an EDT that you can happily wear in fall and winter.

Top Notes| Middle Notes: Nutmeg, juniper | Base NotesLeather, vetiver| Types of: Eau de Toilette

Banana Republic Colognes: What to Look for When Choosing the Best Colognes

Notes

Citrus scents, according to Web MD can help combat fatigue. Inhaling orange scents can boost mood and reduce stress. The uplifting citrus colognes make a great choice for everyday use.

Banana Republic Classic & Modern Man will give you a boost in the morning. Both come with a zesty start that will give you a boost.

When you’d rather stand out than blend in, you need notes that get people talking. And there’s no scent more attention-grabbing than oud, which takes center stage in Banana Republic’s Oud Mosaic. If you’re not brave enough to rock this controversial cologne, then dip a toe in the water of sultry scents with Black Walnut.

Longevity

Banana Republic scents have a subtle, pleasant fragrance rather than a heavy cologne. This makes them perfect for casual wear or occasions where you want to please the crowd, but it also affects their longevity.

My favorite BR scents last about four hours before I need to top up. Oud Mosaic or Cordovan are the best Banana Republic fragrances if you value longevity.

But don’t forget there are ways to make your cologne last longer. Remember that moisturizing your skin helps it to hold scents. Apply body lotion after hopping out of your shower to your arms and chest.

When it’s time to spray your scent, target pulse points, such as the wrists or inner elbows. These parts of the body are warm and can boost your projection. Finally, don’t forget to spray your shirt.

Season

Ever wondered why your perfume can smell sweet in the summer, but fade faster? To learn how to pick the right fragrance for the occasion and season, it’s important to understand how temperature affects your cologne.

Your cologne will evaporate when you are hot, either from the sun or your own body. This releases its scent. It will also be more noticeable if you use more heat. That’s why your cologne can feel heavy in summer but not even touch the sides come winter.

When the sun is shining, it’s best to opt for crisp citrus, refreshing aquatics, and clean musk. These lighter notes won’t overwhelm you even as the heat projects your scent from your skin. Modern Man, Slate and Classic are the best Banana Republic colognes to use in spring and summer.

When it’s cold outside, your cologne is going to have a hard time making itself known. Select scents that have stronger, deeper notes like tobacco, oud amber and wood. When fall and winter return, spray Black Walnut Mosaic and Cordovan.

How We Decided

If you’re not a cologne connoisseur who knows his notes from his accords, you may have a rough ride picking the perfect new fragrance. I’m a scent enthusiast and experienced reviewer, so I know where and how to find the best products.

The following criteria were the most important to me when I was searching for the best Banana Republic fragrances.

Price: Is it a good price for the quality of scent and its quality? Answer: a resounding yes. Every Banana Republic men’s cologne on this list all costs less than 40 dollars, making this brand one of the most accessible fragrance options for budget-aware bros.

Reputation of the Company: Some trends may be a fad, but I invest in products which will stand the test time. Banana Republic has been creating stellar scents since almost 30 years.

Banana Republic’s best-selling colognes have remained popular for decades, a testimony to their quality.

Reviews: I have done some research and discovered an interesting fact. Inc. reports that only 1 out of 10 satisfied customers will write a review. A dissatisfied client is much more likely to leave one. It is a very unreliable and unfair playing field.

When researching reviews for Banana Republic’s colognes I began to read between the lines. The result is overwhelming; not even the naysayers can outnumber the fans of Banana Republic men’s cologne.

Why should you trust us?

Mal is a fragrance and grooming writer for FashionBeans. He does the legwork tracking down, trying, and testing dozens of the best colognes for men, so you don’t have to.

From Bond No.9 and Creed to Ferragamo, Versace, and beyond, he’s no rookie when it comes to the world of fine fragrances. Mal, however, is also an advocate of the must-have fragrances below $50.

It’s expensive to collect the best-smelling perfumes, so hearing that you smell good is a flattering compliment, especially if it comes from someone who is a potential lover. But it’s even nicer when you find a cologne that women love without maxing out your credit card.

The BR product is aimed at people in their late 20s and mid 40s. Mal read through Reddit, Amazon and TikTok feedback to write this review. Mal sampled and smelt each of the 48 scents available to him in order to find out which Banana Republic colognes were best.

Mal’s final take on Banana Republic men’s colognes is that the brand produces standout scents. Banana Republic is a lifestyle brand that has a reputation for being underrated.

Final Verdict

The best Banana Republic colognes are the unsung heroes of the men’s fragrance world. Versatile, crowd-pleasing, and a steal at less than 50 dollars, there’s a Banana Republic men’s cologne for every occasion.

My pick of the bunch is Banana Republic Modern Man, which blends a bevy of shower-fresh notes for a feel-good frag that’s guaranteed to earn you compliments.