This Often-Despised Perfume Is Actually a Fashion-Person Favorite

Patchouli is probably one of the most misunderstood scents out there. When you hear or think about the fragrance, "earthy" might come to mind (and possibly not in the most positive light), or perhaps you associate it with the hippie era due to its popularity in the '60s. But patchouli, which is native to tropical regions in Asia, has been used for centuries as an essential oil.

The scent is musky, a little sweet, and spicy all at once. It's a strong, statement-making fragrance that's not exactly for people who want to fly under the radar. Although it's gotten an iffy rap in the past, that's definitely changed in recent years. Now, you'll find patchouli in many "sophisticated" and "chic" fragrances.

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(Image credit: @emmahoareau)

And it's a fashion-person favorite. We've seen it on the vanities of many influencers, and even our own editor in chief, Kat Collings, is a fan. "When I selected Le Labo's Patchouli 24 scent over its more popular perfumes like Thé Noir and Santal 33, the shopkeeper gave me a nod of approval, saying it was a special and rare choice," Collings says. "I, of course, let this go straight to my head, but it truly is an exceptional perfume. I find it to be a rather androgynous scent with notes of leather, smoke, and vanilla. The actual patchouli is very subtle, too, nothing like the stereotypical patchouli scent associated with hippies."

Want to give a patchouli fragrance a try? These are some of our favorites:

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(Image credit: @piabaroncini)

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(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

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(Image credit: @eggcanvas)

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(Image credit: @bubblyaquarius)

Next up, Wearing This Cult-Loved Perfume Brand Practically Guarantees Compliments

Managing Editor

Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019. In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY andBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot). She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.