Head to head
Giorgio Armani Acqua di Giò Pour Homme and Davidoff Cool Water are often compared by people choosing between the two. Both belong to the aquatic family, and they share marine notes, jasmine, rosemary and cedar. They are related in style but clearly different once you smell them side by side.
Acqua di Giò Pour Homme stands apart with bergamot, lemon and neroli, while Cool Water brings mint, lavender and geranium. They are rated the same for longevity (moderate), and they project about the same (moderate). Cool Water is the cheaper one: about $40 against $110 for a standard bottle.
How we picked. We put the two fragrances side by side using the data in our catalog: notes, olfactory family, longevity, projection, the seasons and occasions each one suits and its typical price. A fragrance smells different on each person, so try both on skin if you can. Prices are typical US retail prices and may differ at checkout.
| Acqua di Giò Pour HommeGiorgio Armani | Cool WaterDavidoff | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | $110 · 3.4 oz | $40 · 4.2 oz |
| Concentration | Eau de Toilette | Eau de Toilette |
| Launched | 1996 | 1988 |
| Family | Aquatic, Citrus | Aquatic, Fougère |
| Top notes | Bergamot, Lemon, Neroli, Marine notes | Mint, Lavender, Marine notes, Rosemary |
| Heart notes | Jasmine, Rosemary, Calone | Geranium, Jasmine, Sandalwood |
| Base notes | Patchouli, Cedar, Musk | Musk, Amber, Oakmoss, Cedar |
| Longevity | Moderate | Moderate |
| Projection | Moderate | Moderate |
| Best seasons | Spring, Summer | Spring, Summer |
| Occasions | Everyday, Office, Sport | Sport, Everyday |
| Style | Fresh, Sporty, Natural | Fresh, Sporty |
Giorgio Armani
$110 · 3.4 oz · EDT · Men · Aquatic
The aquatic icon of the nineties: sea breeze, salty citrus and clean musk. It smells like skin after a swim in the Mediterranean.
Choose Acqua di Giò Pour Homme if you want a fragrance that covers more occasions and a more natural character.
Davidoff
$40 · 4.2 oz · EDT · Men · Aquatic
The father of modern aquatics. Mint and lavender over a sea of freshness, at an unbeatable price.
Choose Cool Water if you want a lower price.
Answer 7 quick questions about the person and the occasion, and we will match the fragrances that fit best.
Take the quizThey are rated the same for longevity (moderate), and they project about the same (moderate). Longevity also depends on your skin and on how much you apply.
Cool Water is the cheaper one: about $40 against $110 for a standard bottle. These are typical US retail prices for a standard bottle and change often, so check the current price before buying.
They share marine notes, jasmine, rosemary, cedar and musk. They are related in style but clearly different once you smell them side by side.
For spring and summer they are about equally suited. For fall and winter they are about equally suited. Acqua di Giò Pour Homme is at its best in spring and summer, and Cool Water in spring and summer.
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