HomeFashion19 Perfumes That Smell Like Fresh Laundry (In the Best Way Possible)
19 Perfumes That Smell Like Fresh Laundry (In the Best Way Possible)
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I think we can all envision what it means to smell dirty, but what about smelling clean? It's a harder concept to grasp since there are so many different interpretations of what it means to smell clean. To me, cleanness is the smell of fresh laundry straight out of the dryer, an empty street just after a rainstorm, or a squeeze of bright, fresh citrus.
I think the biggest thing about a clean scent, though, is that you know it when you smell it. I'm obsessed with fragrance, and I have plenty of scents I've labeled in my mind as "clean smelling" that I rotate through my fragrance collection. The biggest similarity they have is that the best clean perfumes always make me feel fresh and new—like a blank slate. I wear them when I want to feel like I'm giving myself a new start. Keep reading to find my favorite clean-smelling scents. Some may even catch you by surprise.
Key notes: Calabrian bergamot, Sicilian lemon, white bouquet, light, and musky woods. Without a doubt, this is one of my all-time favorite fragrances. The first time I smelled it, I was so entranced by the scent that I requested my boyfriend start wearing it (and now he does). It smells like a freshly laundered linen shirt clinging to the skin in the summer. Customer review: "A gorgeous, fresh, almost linen like opening that has a nice citrus twang to it. This is the equivalent of a crisp button down on a summer day."
Key notes: Aldehydes, pear, lily of the valley, iris, rose, orange flower, white musk, Indonesian patchouli, and ambrette seeds. This fragrance really does encapsulate the feeling of a lazy Sunday. Picture yourself spending a day in bed lying in freshly washed sheets—that's what a spritz of this smells like. Customer review: "This is such a clean, beautiful skin scent. I know that many people hear 'skin scent' and run the other way because they fear it’s going to be very light and not last long. Luckily, I find no such issue with this product. It lasts hours for me and it stays on my clothes forever."
Key notes: Bergamot, peony, and amber. Consider this the perfume equivalent of your favorite white T-shirt—appropriate for every ocassion. . Customer review: "This is my favorite fragrance, I get so many compliments when I wear it. People tell me I smell like warm hugs. It still smells great during my eight hour work days."
Key notes: Kumquat, mandarin, orange, orange blossom, jasmine, almond, cashmere, cedar, and vanilla. This fragrance smells like cashmere hung up to dry on a clothesline in Greece. Customer review: "It's a cozy scent. It's slightly sweet, yet sexy and fresh, but not overpoweringly trying too hard to smell sexy. It's a smell you'd want to curl up to and is light enough to wear to work and not feel like you're doing too much."
Key notes: White rose, pink pepper, aldehyde, violet, neroli, peony, blonde woods, sandalwood, and musk. What does the color white smell like? That's the question this scent answers. It's pure, refreshing, and simple without being boring. Customer review: "This is perfect for anyone that is not into a strong perfumes. I just love it because its light, fresh, and delightful. This should be part of your perfume collection. Just perfect."
Key notes: Blood orange, water lily, and vetiver. This scent reminds me of going for a run in my hometown at twilight in early spring. One of my neighbor's used to hang their clothes up to dry in their backyard, and the smell of flowers blooming entangled with fresh laundry is nothing short of intoxicating. Customer review: "Every single time I wear this fragrance I feel like I've been transported back to that seventies era in Los Angeles. Hotel California on the radio cruising Laurel Canyon in my favorite chambrais shirt. A must have, moving into late spring and summer. A mindful, light and fresh scent."
Key notes: Citron, mandarin, fresh ginger, magnolia, orange blossom, laminaria blossom, amyris, grey amber, and cedar. Waves crashing against rocks on a brisk day—that's this fragrance in a nutshell. It's invigorating and fresh, like getting a spritz of salt water across your face. Customer review: "Beautiful, soft, light scent. It lasts all day. Price is definitely worth it, it's gorgeous."
Key notes: Orange, mandarin, lemon, petitgrain, cardamom, caramel, and musk. This scent is like smelling a citrusy breeze off of the coast in Capri. Customer review: "This scent smells nice, isn’t overwhelming, and is long lasting. Both my husband and I use this scent interchangeably—a truly gender neutral scent."
Key notes: Pomelo, saffron, lemon rind, fig leaf, ivy leaves, jasmine petals, olibanum, cistus, labdanum, clear musks, and ambrox. This scent is bright and unexpected, with both feminine and masculine flairs. Pomelo gives this perfume a dash of vivid citrus. Customer review: "This is such a beautiful, light citrus scent with hints of musks and florals. I chose this blindly after some intense online researching into fragrance notes since I hadn't smelt it in person and was very impressed."
Key notes: Driftwood, sea salt, and seaweed. Imagine a placid stretch of sea at dawn. This scent is that: grounding, languid, and a breath of fresh air. Customer review: "It's soft, yet clean, warm but not spicy, and not overly feminine but not necessarily masculine."
Key notes: Water lily, leafy greens, and musk. This perfume has a simple elegance to it. A spritz of this squeaky-clean scent feels like stepping out of the shower. Customer review: "It just feels like it would be worn by a natural beauty, someone that doesn't have to try so hard, effortlessly sexy, minimalistic, and so very clean and fresh! I'm obsessed."
Key notes: Linen. Unlike most perfumes, Demeter is known for taking a singular scent note and turning it into a fragrance. This one doesn't disappoint—it smells like pure, fresh linen. Customer review: "Smells exactly like the name, a jasmine scented fabric softener very floral, clean and springy."
Key notes: Juniper berry, green leaves, patchouli, and rain. If someone were to ask you your favorite smell, would your answer immediately be rain? If so, then this perfume is perfect for you. It captures the smell of earth after a heavy rainstorm. Customer review: "I have enjoyed all of my Le Labo purchases but Baie 19 is by far my favorite. It instantly relaxes me and just overall amazing. My husband loves it on me and one spray is enough to last all day."
Key notes: Aquatic accord, coriander, and red seaweed essence. Is there a more classically clean smell than aftershave? This smells like you just left an upscale barbershop. Though it sounds like a more masculine scent, it smells incredible on everyone. Customer review: "This is a warm, leathery and all around very pleasant scent. It doesn't project really far but it is a nice clean scent, like you just wet shaved with quality shaving cream and used a mild aftershave."
Key notes: Lemon, nashi blossom, white musk. For me, this is the ultimate Sunday-morning scent. Wear it when you're in the mood to toss on an oversize button-down and stroll your local farmers market. Customer review: "This is a scent all it's own. it's unique, lasts long, and I get many compliments."
Key notes: Citron, jasmine, and teakwood. Citrus zest meets jasmine and wood for an alluring, unforgettable hit of freshness. Customer review: "This has a fresh, soft scent, and it doesn't overpower a room. Even when I haven't been able to smell it at the end of the day, others have still complimented me on it."
Key notes: Vetiver, cedar, benzoin, pine, patchouli, and bergamot. The only way to describe this scent is invigorating. It embodies the feeling of taking a cold shower to clear your head. That's exactly what it does, too—this unique blend of scents helps you de-stress. Customer review: "This is a scent that is a little hard to describe, otherworldly, and the stuff of good dreams. Love it!"
Key notes: Aquatic accord, rose petal, and pine needle. Another rain-inspired fragrance, Margiela's newest scent is infused with pine needle for an invigorating twist. Customer review: "When the Rain Stops is the perfect every day perfume. It’s definitely on the more casual side, but it’s very fresh smelling."
Key notes: Mandarin, lemon, grapefruit, apricot, rose, magnolia, muguet, violet, amber, linden, blossom, and musk. Smells like walking down a rainy street in London. Customer review: "Smells really fresh and clean. It’s a good everyday ‘day’ scent. Lasts a while and isn’t too overwhelming. If you’re looking for something simple to wear I’d recommend."
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.
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