
That Man
That Man by Revlon is a sharp, classic aromatic fougere that first appeared in 1958. It balances bright citrus top notes like lemon and bergamot with a spicy, woody heart of geranium, cedar, and carnation. This scent offers a clean, reliable, and decidedly masculine presence, perfect for men who prefer traditional, timeless grooming profiles over modern, sweeter alternatives.
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Performance Metrics
151 VOTESOpen Performance Breakdown 1 TAKE
Longevity is moderate, lasting 4 to 6 hours. Projection remains at an arm's length, making it a polite, professional scent for office settings. Best suited for autumn and winter climates where the oakmoss notes can settle properly on the skin.
Notes Pyramid
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That Man is an aromatic fougere that feels dry, spicy, and clean. It balances sharp citrus notes of lemon and bergamot with a warm heart of geranium and carnation, all grounded by a mossy, musky base of oakmoss and tonka bean. The texture is bracing, soapy, and herbaceous, maintaining a classic, rugged profile throughout the wear.
Main Accords
12 MAPPEDThe dominant aromatic and mossy accords create a dry, traditional feel. Over time, the bright citrus opening fades to reveal a steady, soapy spice. The oakmoss base ensures that the fragrance retains its earthy, masculine grip for the duration of its life on the skin.
Community Data
243 TOTAL VOTESCOMMUNITY SENTIMENT
OWNERSHIP STATS
GENDER APPEAL
REVIEW SENTIMENT
When to Wear
TAP TO VOTETIME OF DAY · TAP TO VOTE
OCCASIONS · TAP TO VOTE
It looks easiest to wear in fall and winter. The vote picture leans most toward night.
Pros & Cons
Quick take before you sampleWHY PEOPLE MAY LIKE IT
classic masculine fougere profile
clean soapy finish
versatile for office wear
great piece of american history
non-offensive projection
dry spicy heart notes
reliable daytime scent
pairs well with casual clothes
sophisticated traditional aesthetic
unique historical backstory
refreshing citrus opening
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
discontinued and hard to find
moderate longevity
feels dated to some users
lacks modern sweetness
requires secondary market hunting
limited availability
fragile vintage bottle design
might be too sharp for beginners
not a high-projection scent
synthetic musk notes can feel dry
needs reapplication for long days
Fragranxe Review
EDITORIAL“Revlon That Man: An American Classic from 1958”
The opening of Revlon That Man is a lesson in vintage clarity. You get a sharp, immediate blast of lemon and bergamot that feels like an icy splash of water on the face. There is no waiting for the top notes to unfold. It hits the senses with a directness that modern fragrance marketing rarely achieves today. This opening is brisk, bracing, and entirely functional, setting the stage for the aromatic journey that follows.
As the citrus top notes retreat, the heart reveals its true character. Geranium and carnation appear alongside cedar, creating a dry, spicy, and slightly soapy texture. It feels grounded and intentional. Unlike many contemporary scents that hide behind synthetic sweetness, That Man remains resolutely aromatic and herbaceous. The inclusion of spices in the heart gives it a warmth that bridges the gap between the initial citrus punch and the deeper base notes.
Moving into the dry-down, the foundation becomes the star. Oakmoss, musk, and a subtle hint of tonka bean emerge to provide longevity and texture. The oakmoss here provides that classic, earthy quality that is a hallmark of the 1958 era. On the skin, the musk acts as a binder, keeping the spice from feeling too sharp while ensuring the scent maintains a clean, professional profile throughout the late stages of wear.
Regarding performance, it behaves as a traditional cologne. Longevity sits in the moderate range, typically yielding four to six hours of detectable wear depending on your skin chemistry. Sillage is likewise moderate, staying within arm's length. This performance makes it a superior choice for professional environments where you want to smell groomed rather than aggressive. It performs at its absolute peak during autumn and winter months, when the cooler air highlights the dry woody and mossy notes rather than muting them.
This is a fragrance for the man who appreciates heritage. It does not suit someone looking for a modern, club-ready, or ultra-sweet fragrance. If you prefer the aesthetic of a classic barber shop, clean white shirts, and a more understated form of masculinity, this will fit perfectly into your rotation. It carries a sense of confidence that does not need to announce itself.
Ultimately, That Man is a remarkable piece of American fragrance history. While it has been discontinued, the effort to track down a bottle is well worth the time for any serious enthusiast. It stands as a reliable, masculine, and unpretentious scent that offers a window into the fragrance landscape of the late fifties. Grab it if you find a reputable vintage bottle, but be prepared for a traditional, dry experience.
FAQs
What does That Man by Revlon smell like?+
That Man is a crisp aromatic fougere that leads with a sharp, citric opening of lemon and bergamot. It quickly transitions into a spicy, herbal heart of geranium and clove, eventually resting on a solid foundation of oakmoss and musk. It maintains a clean, soapy quality that feels familiar and professional, reminiscent of traditional aftershaves from the mid-twentieth century.
How does the scent change from opening to dry-down?+
The opening is immediate and energetic, dominated by bright petitgrain and lemon. As it sits on the skin, the fragrance loses that initial citrus snap and moves into a drier, spicier territory. The heart notes of cedar and carnation provide a woodier structure, while the base of amber and tonka bean adds a faint, grounding warmth that persists for several hours.
What is the longevity like for this classic cologne?+
Longevity is moderate, typically lasting four to six hours on skin. Because it was originally formulated as a cologne in 1958, performance is lighter compared to modern concentrated fragrances. You might want to carry a small decant for reapplication during the afternoon if you need the scent to last through a full workday.
Does this fragrance project heavily?+
Sillage is moderate, sitting close enough to be noticed by those nearby without filling the entire room. It offers a gentle, clean projection that is ideal for office environments or close-contact settings. It will not overwhelm your colleagues, instead providing a polite and polished aura that radiates within arm's length for the first two hours.
Which season is best for wearing That Man?+
This aromatic fougere performs best during the crisp air of autumn and winter. The dry, woody notes of cedar and oakmoss harmonize well with cooler temperatures. While you could technically wear it in spring, the scent really hits its stride when the weather provides a chill, allowing the musk and amber base to settle effectively on your skin.
Is this a suitable signature scent for daily use?+
It serves as an excellent, unobtrusive signature scent for a man who appreciates traditional, clean profiles. If you enjoy soapy, spice-forward fragrances that do not lean too sweet or modern, That Man offers consistent reliability. It is versatile enough for the office, casual errands, or formal dinners where you want to appear put-together without shouting.
Is this fragrance considered masculine or feminine?+
That Man is firmly classified as a masculine fragrance. The combination of petitgrain, oakmoss, and cedar creates a classic, rugged profile that aligns with traditional barber-shop aesthetics. While fragrance preference is always individual, most people associate these specific aromatic and mossy notes with traditional masculine perfumery standards established in the late 1950s.
Can I wear this in a professional office setting?+
Yes, it is highly suitable for the office. The clean, soapy profile ensures you smell groomed and intentional without offending those in your immediate vicinity. It projects a professional, mature image that pairs well with business casual or formal attire, making it a safe choice for meetings where you want to appear composed and reliable.
How does it compare to modern scents like Calvin by Calvin Klein?+
Both fragrances share a similar era-specific DNA, focusing on aromatic and woody structures. Calvin is often perceived as slightly deeper and more complex in its leather nuances, whereas That Man leans harder into the sharp, citric, and soapy qualities of traditional 1950s cologne. If you like the dry, bracing feel of Calvin, you will likely appreciate this.
Is That Man a good fragrance for blind buying?+
Blind buying is best for those who already enjoy vintage aromatic fougeres or classic barber-shop scents. If you dislike sharp citrus openings or dry, mossy bases, you might find it too traditional. If you appreciate historical fragrance culture and want to own a piece of perfume history, it is a rewarding addition to your collection.
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Dupes & Alternatives
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Consider Calvin by Calvin Klein or Caron Pour Un Homme if you are looking for that classic 1950s-era aromatic DNA and cannot find a vintage bottle of That Man.
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