Think You Don't Like the Smell of Leather? These Perfumes Will Change Your Mind

Key Notes: Smoked black pepper, olibanum, leather, black sandalwood

Leather is an underrated perfume note that offers a punchy yet warm first impression. With warm and soft leather contrasted by rich woody notes and organic cistus (rock rose), AllSaints' Leather Skies Eau de Parfum is the epitome of this. When it comes to unisex leather fragrances, this one sets the standard. It's up to you to decide if you'll wear it while on the back of a vintage Harley. 

Customer review: "This fragrance is great for colder months. Its presence is known [thanks to] a bold yet gentle scent. I love that the leathery smell is rounded out with a sweetness of vanilla. This is one of those fragrances that will keep you mesmerized; it's truly one of my favorites. I have gotten several compliments about AllSaints Leather Skies!"

Key notes: Brazilian pink pepper, Indian sambac jasmine, Italian bergamot, patchouli, oak moss

If leather fragrances don't bring out your bold and edgy side, they may at least entice your quiet-luxury-loving self to come out to play. Bottega Veneta's namesake fragrance is exactly what I imagine someone who summers on the Italian Riviera and flocks to Aspen for the winter would wear daily. Launched in 2011 as the brand's first fragrance, this contemporary yet timeless scent is a must-have for the masses.

Customer review: "I have been looking for the perfect perfume for myself for many years! At last, I have found the 'love of my life' in Bottega Veneta. It is exactly what I've been looking for. It's not overpowering and has a very, very sexy scent. Strong hints of patchouli and woodsy musk. I am crazy about this perfume and hope they never stop making it!"

Key notes: Lotus flower, pepper, muguet, green violet, leather, cedarwood

Described by Malin + Goetz as "marrying rawness and refinement," this nostalgic eau de parfum uses a unique olfactory blend of powdered muted florals and rustic wood notes to echo the soft presence of leather. Evoking memories of unexpectedly scoring the perfect vintage leather find, Leather Eau de Parfum is a must-have for anyone seeking an intimate fragrance that oozes warmth.

Customer review: "On the first sniff, I thought this scent was very unusual. It smells very strongly of leather and cedar. However, on the dry down, you get this wonderful sweet sandalwood and a hint of white flowers. It surely grew on me, and I kept wanting more! This is definitely a mysterious fragrance, and you will be amazed!"

Key notes: Black leather, violet, patchouli, jasmine sambac, vetiver, amber, moss

The arrival of fall signals the beginning of my search for an ideal cold-weather fragrance, with Ombré Leather landing at the top of my list. Its sensual scent is the result of a bold blend of jasmine sambac, addictive patchouli, vetiver, and of course, leather. If the sleek matte flacon (with a faux leather plaque) and warm and spicy fragrance notes aren't enough to make you want to break out your combat boots, I don't know what will.

Customer review: "This scent is truly iconic and is a must-have! [If] you want a scent that gives you fall in a bottle, here's the answer. The new car meets an Italian boutique. Anyone can wear this and rock it. [It] wears forever and is sure to earn some well-deserved compliments! Excellent choice."

Key notes: Pink pepper, rum absolute, java vetiver oil, vanilla bean, tobacco leaf absolute

Smooth leather may not be a key note in this fragrance, but the combination of its other earthy, spicy, and warm layers work together to create something undeniably sensual. Capturing images of aged leather armchairs, heady cocktails, and impeccably dressed musicians in a cozy jazz club, Maison Margiela's fragrance is as cool as it gets. I'll be wearing this one nonstop once I finally dive head-first into New York's music scene this fall.

Customer review: "This cologne came highly recommended to me, and I have to say it lives up to the hype. It smells old-school (like a jazz club) but not overly musky. It doesn't indulge its title too much and stays within a normal range of pleasant yet smoky, oaky, and leathery finish. I highly recommend it to anyone looking!"

Key notes: Rose, lily-of-the-valley, tuberose, powdery mimosa, benzoin, iris, leather

As someone who spends a decent amount of time testing, reviewing, and recommending fragrances, I can confidently say that Hermés' Kelly Calèche combines powdery floral notes with sultry leather and cozy vanilla like no other perfume I know. It's light and feminine, with an undercurrent of something slightly dark and mysterious. What's more, its unique name is a nod to two of the brand's most iconic objects: the Kelly handbag and the house's signature horse-drawn carriage.

Customer review: "The leather is toned down from a musky, animalistic note to a buttery, soft leather note. The grapefruit is upfront, then dries down to a powdery rose/violet with the warmth of leather and the subtle sweetness of vanilla underneath. It lasts about five to eight hours with two spritzes, and the sillage (trail of scent in the air) is moderate. I love this parfum. It is the perfect blend of sophisticated rose, sexy leather, and best of all, the vanilla note is not teenage saccharine sweet. Perfectly balanced. A lovely springtime parfum, although I wear it all year long."

Key notes: Butterscotch leather, pale oris, orange blossom saffron, myrrh, cade, vegan castoreum

Don't let the fact that you don't recognize a majority of the key notes in this unique fragrance from D.S. & Durga discourage you from experiencing it. The brand describes it as "a modern transparent leather" that puts hearty, smooth leather into play with soft florals, patchouli, and incense. This is one way to wear cruelty-free leather with pride without getting the side eye from inquisitive passersby.

Customer review: "This is a leather-smelling lovers leather. [A] put on your black leather jacket, chaps, and helmet, mount your Harley, and make your way to Sturgis leather. And it doesn't relent. At least, [it didn't] for the four hours it lasted on my skin. Not a daily wear but a great accent for the right outfit and event."

Key notes: Plum, cinnamon, leather accord, violet, birch woods, patchouli, vanilla

A cloudy, rainy day is always a good excuse to take a trip to an ancient-looking library (or at least smell like you belong in one). Bibliothèque from Byredo makes the latter possible by cracking the code on how to bottle how it feels to be in a library surrounded by leather-bound books and finding comfort in silence. The fragrance was originally in candle form but launched in 2017 as an eau de parfum after thousands of requests.

Customer review: "This is my favorite perfume I have ever owned. It's the sexiest cross between a beautiful sweet floral scent and brand-new leather-bound books. It's definitely there and stays with you but still manages to not overpower [you]. I get so many compliments on it—like a crazy amount. All of Byredo's fragrances are just gorgeous and sophisticated. Wish I could own them all."

Key notes: Violet accord, cardamom, iris, ambrox, cedarwood, leather, sandalwood

My love affair with Santal 33 dates back years. Reminiscent of the intrigue of the American West, the unisex fragrance beautifully blends soft, powdery florals with rustic and semi-smoky Australian sandalwood, papyrus, and cedarwood. Rather than inspiring you to hop on a Harley, you may feel the urge to take up horseback riding and finally embrace the Western trend.

Customer review: "Rubbery leather with an industrial feel and dry woods make for a pungent opening. The more time passes, the fragrance relaxes and grows as a smell into a creamy sandalwood with cardamom and papyrus. It sweetens a bit but still maintains the leathery aspect, which is now paired with soft, buttery iris. Have received lots of compliments!"