Head to head
Ralph Lauren Polo and Guy Laroche Drakkar Noir are often compared by people choosing between the two. Polo is a chypre fragrance and Drakkar Noir a fougère one, and they share juniper, basil, coriander and patchouli. They are related in style but clearly different once you smell them side by side.
Polo stands apart with cumin, pine and vetiver, while Drakkar Noir brings lavender, lemon and rosemary. Polo lasts longer (very long-lasting against long-lasting), and they project about the same (strong). Drakkar Noir is the cheaper one: about $40 against $95 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.
| PoloRalph Lauren | Drakkar NoirGuy Laroche | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | $95 · 4.0 oz | $40 · 3.4 oz |
| Concentration | Eau de Toilette | Eau de Toilette |
| Launched | 1978 | 1982 |
| Family | Chypre, Leather | Fougère, Aromatic |
| Top notes | Juniper, Basil, Cumin, Coriander | Lavender, Lemon, Rosemary, Basil |
| Heart notes | Pine, Patchouli, Vetiver, Oakmoss | Juniper, Coriander, Cinnamon |
| Base notes | Leather, Tobacco, Cedar, Musk | Oakmoss, Leather, Patchouli, Fir |
| Longevity | Very long-lasting | Long-lasting |
| Projection | Strong | Strong |
| Best seasons | Fall, Winter | Spring, Fall, Winter |
| Occasions | Office, Formal event, Everyday | Everyday, Office, Date |
| Style | Classic, Natural, Elegant | Classic, Urban |
Ralph Lauren
$95 · 4.0 oz · EDT · Men · Chypre
Pine needles, oakmoss, leather and pipe tobacco. A deep green classic that smells like an old study lined with books.
Choose Polo if you want longer wear, something better suited to cold weather and a more natural and elegant character.
Guy Laroche
$40 · 3.4 oz · EDT · Men · Fougère
Sharp lavender and herbs over dark moss and leather. The barbershop scent that defined the eighties and still works today.
Choose Drakkar Noir if you want a lower price, something better suited to warm weather and a more urban character.
Answer 7 quick questions about the person and the occasion, and we will match the fragrances that fit best.
Take the quizPolo lasts longer (very long-lasting against long-lasting), and they project about the same (strong). Longevity also depends on your skin and on how much you apply.
Drakkar Noir is the cheaper one: about $40 against $95 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 juniper, basil, coriander, patchouli and oakmoss. They are related in style but clearly different once you smell them side by side.
For spring and summer, Drakkar Noir is the better fit. For fall and winter, Polo is the better fit. Polo is at its best in fall and winter, and Drakkar Noir in spring, fall and winter.
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