10 Best Leather Perfumes for When You Want a to Make a Smooth, Sultry Statement
It's the note to reach for when you want to smell mysterious.
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Few things compare to the smooth, rich scent of a brand new leather jacket. When I'm perusing a leather market, I always wish I could bottle the aroma—and technically, it's very possible with the best leather perfumes. Leather is one of those accords that feels warm and familiar, and while many people consider it to be an inherently masculine scent, I'm here to open your eyes—errr, your nostrils—because leather is one of the most versatile fragrance notes.
Leather smells rustic and deep when paired with oud and woody perfumes (it can give total cowboy vibes), or it can take on a mysterious, sultry persona when mixed with silky caramel, pillowy musks, and heady floral scents—I'm looking at jasmine, osmanthus, and violet. Think about it: Patent leather pumps and sleek leather slacks are very different from each other. It's the same with leather perfumes: No two smell the same.
The best leather perfumes we′ve smelled:
After sifting through my vast perfume collection (a cool 500 scents and counting), I hand-picked the most unique, head-turning leather perfumes that will make you the center of attention.
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One Cosmo editor says: "This might be the most iconic leather fragrance of all time, and for good reason. This reminds me of a brand new leather jacket, a luxe designer bag, and a powdery bouquet rolled into one. Grounded in smooth, supple leather and swirled with patchouli, this has an inherent masculinity that's softened with whispers of skin-like violet and heady jasmine. I consider this one of the best going out scents when I want to grab someone's attention, and I find it so hot that tons of men wear it too. Maybe my future significant other and I will have matching perfumes?" —MARY HONKUS, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY EDITOR
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Black leather, violet, jasmine |
| Sizes available | 0.33, 1.7, and 3.3 oz. |
One Cosmo editor says: "Under the Stars combines a few of the strongest, most enveloping notes in perfumery—leather and oud—and ups the ante with a dash of black pepper before mellowing with labdanum, a warm amber-like accord. This feels complex, smokey, and mysterious all at once. It's not uncommon for people to do a double-take and ask 'what are you wearing?' when I spritz this. It really is a super unique perfume in my collection." —MH
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Black pepper, labdanum, oud, leather |
| Sizes available | 1.05 and 3.4 oz |
One Cosmo editor says: "I don't know what it is about this perfume, but it's an instant turn-on for anyone who comes near me—man or woman. This was developed with aromas that are supposed to increase seduction (according to Charlotte Tilbury), and it really achieves those claims when I wear it. Juniper gives this invigorating bite on the initial spritz, then sensual musk and leather intertwine. It's warm, erotic, and verrry mischievous. I'm obsessed!" —MH
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Black pepper, leather, musk |
| Sizes available | 0.34, 1.6, and 3.38 oz |
One Cosmo editor says: "I picked up a travel size of Somewhere But Nowhere a few weeks ago, and I've almost used the whole thing—I can't stop spritzing it. This extra cozy scent transports me to a snowed-in ski chalet where I'm surrounded by my besties who are all enjoying spiked cider. Cardamom and carrot seeds enliven this with the perfect amount of spice, while glossy leather and cedarwood wrap me in warmth. I love how it then becomes slightly sweet with vanilla and honey. Spritzing this invites a bit of nature into my life without ever exiting the concrete jungle." —MH
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Cedarwood, black tea, cardamom, leather |
| Sizes available | 0.33 and 1.7 oz |
One Cosmo editor says: "Housed in the gilded bottle is a delightful combination of blueberries, caramel, and leather. These notes sure make for a surprising combination, but once you catch a whiff, you'll understand just how well these aromas work together. Gold Street isn't subtle—this is in-your-face opulence that's velvety, polished, and head-turning. One spritz leaves an impressive scent trail and makes the high price justifiable, IMO. The bottle will last you for ages." — H
Features at a Glance
| Notes | French leather, caramel, suede |
| Sizes available | 3.4 oz |
One Cosmo editor says: "This perfume was the best leathery discovery I made while in Grasse, France. (You know, the perfume capital of the world!) I was even more elated when I found out it's available in the states. This feels daring and original because it blends smokey, aquatic, and metallic notes into an intoxicating aroma that lasts all damn day despite the affordable price. Lost in Translation opens clean and fresh with violet leaves, white tea, and juniper before melting into a spicy cloud of patchouli, leather, and tobacco." —MH
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Juniper, white tea, patchouli, leather |
| Sizes available | 1.7 oz |
One Cosmo editor says: "This little rollerball reminds me of my grandpa—not in an old man way, but in a nostalgic, rustic sense. The textured perfume oil features whispers of fresh florals (a dizzying combination of orchid and lotus) that morph into spiced wood and leather. Cedar and sandalwood peek through on the dry down and linger all day for a comforting yet enlivening rush." —MH
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Clove, iris, leather |
| Sizes available | 0.2 oz |
One Cosmo editor says: "Most leather fragrances I've tried are dark, heavy, and lean a little masculine—Fétiche Le Cuir is the exception. Inspired by the patent leather red bottoms every girl dreams of, this floral-leather perfume emits effortless sensuality thanks to supple leather, soft suede ,and bright, peachy osmanthus flowers. I might not be able to afford a pair of Loubies yet, but when I want to strut around like I am wearing them, I just spritz this instead. It acts as an immediate confidence boost that allows me to walk into any situation feeling like that b****." —MH
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Osmanthus, suede, leather |
| Sizes available | 1.4 and 2.7 oz |
One Cosmo editor says: "When I first sniffed this perfume I wrote it off as another citrusy-floral clean girl scent. But this clean girl has some badass undertones in the dry down. This isn't just a perfume—it's a full-on experience. Don't let the bright mandarin and peach opening fool you: As this wears, a heady bunch of rose, osmanthus, and magnolia appears before a hit of captivating, raunchy leather and patchouli emerges a few hours later. Sublime is an underrated dimensional scent, IMHO. I mean, it is like an IYKYK scent—it's one of Kendall Jenner's faves too." —MH
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Mandarin, rose, tethered leather |
| Sizes available | 3 oz |
One Cosmo editor says: "Yeah, so, I want all of my perfumes to have as much audacity as this one. Leather and vanilla are an underutilized pairing, but they form an elite combo. This statement-making scent melds spicy with sweet warmth. Orange blossom gives it a bubbly radiance at the top, while saffron, rose, and incense create a regal, notice-me-now energy. When leather, amber, and vanilla appear in the dry down, the scent emits a warm glow that follows you throughout the entire day." —MH
Features at a Glance
| Notes | Orange blossom, saffron, leather |
| Sizes available | 1.7 oz |
Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?
Mary Honkus is a contributor for Cosmopolitan with seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories, including dissecting the latest fragrance trends, and reviewing Olivia Rodrigo's favorite perfume. For this story, she sniffed through her impressive 500-bottle perfume collection to bring you the best leather scents.
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