How Niche Perfumery Is Breaking Gender Codes

For most of the 20th century, the perfume industry has operated on a strict binary: masculine or feminine. Men were sold sharp, woody notes—often labeled with words like “sport,” “intense,” or “cool.” Women were offered sweet florals and soft musks in pink packaging. But this split wasn’t rooted in the art of fragrance—it was built by marketers, not perfumers. The idea that certain notes are “for men” and others “for women” is a relatively modern invention, and it doesn’t reflect the true nature of scent.

A Look Back at Scent Without Gender

Historically, scent has been used across all cultures and classes, without gendered rules. Ancient Egyptians used myrrh, frankincense, and floral oils regardless of gender. In Mughal India or the Ottoman Empire, rich blends of rose, oud, and amber were enjoyed by all. Even in 18th-century France, perfumed gloves and powdered wigs were worn by both men and women. It’s only with the rise of mass production and retail marketing that scent became labeled and divided.

The Rise of Unisex in Niche Perfumery

Niche perfume brands are leading a quiet rebellion against this binary. Without the need to conform to retail shelves or mainstream expectations, niche perfumers have the freedom to create for emotion—not gender. The result is fragrances that speak to personality, experience, and memory. A smoky rose, a leathery vanilla, or a resinous floral doesn’t belong to a man or a woman—it belongs to whoever connects with it. This is the power of unisex perfumery: it lets the wearer decide what feels right.

Why Labels No Longer Matter

Today, fragrance is becoming more about self-expression than identity. More people are choosing perfumes based on how they feel rather than who they’re told they are. They want scent to say something about their mood, their story, their presence. Unisex doesn’t mean neutral or watered down—it means layered, bold, and emotionally rich. It acknowledges that no one fits into a single box. The same perfume might smell warm on one person and sharp on another—and that’s part of the beauty.

Parfums Najmi: Fragrance as Self-Expression

At Parfums Najmi, we see firsthand how scent transcends gender. We’re proud to witness men confidently wearing Aura Céleste, a delicate, floral-leaning creation, just as much as women gravitate toward the woody intensity of Songes d’Orient. For us, this isn’t surprising—it confirms what we’ve always believed: perfume is not about gender, it’s about emotion, presence, and identity. Each scent should reflect who you are, not who you’re told to be. Our collection is a celebration of that freedom—crafted for individuality, not conformity. Explore our fragrances and find the one that speaks to you.