Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male

for men

Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male is a classic Oriental for men that mixes clean aromatics with sweet vanilla warmth for nights out and cool-weather wear.

Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male

Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male

4.2 oz EDT Spray
$107.00 USD
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Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male
$107.00 USD

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Genuine branded fragrance, new and sealed. Securely shipped from the US.

Ships from the US

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Genuine & sealed

100% genuine branded fragrance, new, sealed and in original packaging.

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Unopened items may be returned under our returns policy.

Scent Dossier

Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male is a classic men’s Oriental built around fresh aromatic lift, warm spice, and a creamy vanilla-amber base. It starts clean and lively, then settles into a sweeter, fuller style that feels relaxed but clearly noticeable. Best in Fall, Winter, and Spring, it suits casual wear, dates, parties, and evenings out. The appeal is broad, though the sweetness makes it less ideal for anyone wanting something dry, crisp, or barely there.

Accords

Aromatic
Vanilla
Warm Spicy
Sweet
Amber
See the Closest Scents to This Profile

A Scent For

This fits the guy who wants a fragrance with personality but does not want to wear something difficult. It suits men who enjoy sweetness, warmth, and a clean aromatic start rather than a dry woody style. Smart for casual nights, dates, and social settings where you want to be noticed. Not the best pick if you want a quiet office scent or if sweet vanilla-heavy fragrances usually feel too much on your skin.

Occasions

Casual
Casual
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Party
Party

Seasons

Fall
Fall
Spring
Spring
Winter
Winter

Time

Versatile
Versatile

Sillage

Sillage
3/4
Strong

Longevity

Longevity
4/5
Long Lasting

When and Where

Cooler weather is where this really makes sense, especially Fall and Winter, with Spring also working well when temperatures stay mild. Day or night can both work, but it feels most natural for evenings, weekends, parties, and relaxed date settings rather than very formal occasions. With solid longevity and noticeable trail, it can feel a bit much in high heat, cramped offices, or gym-style situations where lighter scents usually land better.

Fragrance Pyramid

Top Notes

Artemisia
Artemisia
Bergamot
Bergamot
Cardamom
Cardamom
Lavender
Lavender
Mint
Mint

Middle Notes

Caraway
Caraway
Cinnamon
Cinnamon
Orange Blossom
Orange Blossom

Base Notes

Amber
Amber
Cedar
Cedar
Sandalwood
Sandalwood
Tonka Bean
Tonka Bean
Vanilla
Vanilla

Deeper Detail

How it Opens

Le Male comes in bright and recognizable, with lavender and mint giving it a barbershop-clean freshness while cardamom adds a spicy kick that keeps it from feeling plain. There is a sweet edge early on, but it still reads fresh rather than heavy. The overall effect is outgoing, confident, and easy to notice without feeling harsh, which is a big reason it has stayed popular for so long.

How it develops

After a short while, the fresh top eases back and the warmer side takes over. Cinnamon, vanilla, and amber bring a sweeter, cozier feel, while tonka adds a soft almond-like warmth that makes the drydown feel creamy and rounded. Woods underneath keep it from turning syrupy. It stays fairly rich and noticeable on skin, so it does not fade into a light clean scent as the hours go on.

History

Launched in 1995, Le Male is one of Jean Paul Gaultier’s best-known men’s scents and a defining mainstream Oriental from the era. Created by Francis Kurkdjian, it built its reputation on pairing traditional aromatic freshness with a sweeter vanilla-amber base, giving it broad appeal while still feeling distinct enough to stand out in casual and evening settings.

Perfumier

Francis Kurkdjian

Country of Origin

France

Year Created

1995

Our Verdict

Buy it if you want a proven men’s scent that blends fresh aromatics with sweet, warm depth and has enough presence for social wear. Skip it if you prefer dry woods, very subtle projection, or a strictly crisp daytime style.

The Closest Scents to Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male

Le Male is known for its aromatic lavender and mint top, warm spicy cardamom and cinnamon heart, and a sweet vanilla and amber base. This edit explores fragrances that share that aromatic, warm, and sweet foundation but with different emphases, from richer vanillas to spicier woods, offering a curated selection for those who love the classic.

Xerjoff 1861 Zefiro

Xerjoff 1861 Zefiro

for women and men
$246.00

Like Le Male, 1861 Zefiro opens with aromatic artemisia and bergamot, but where Le Male goes minty and lavender, this Xerjoff adds a boozy white wine note. Both share a warm spicy heart with cardamom and cinnamon, though Zefiro leans more into incense and honey in the base, creating a richer, smokier oriental feel.

Read the Full Profile →
Warm Spicy
Amber
Woody
Aromatic
Sweet
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal
Party
Party
Parfums de Marly Carlisle

Parfums de Marly Carlisle

for women and men
$398.00

Carlisle shares Le Male's aromatic warmth with bergamot and nutmeg up top, but introduces a fruity green apple note that Le Male lacks. Both have a vanilla and patchouli base, yet Carlisle adds saffron and a floral heart of rose and jasmine, making it more complex and slightly sweeter, while retaining the cozy oriental character.

Read the Full Profile →
Warm Spicy
Vanilla
Woody
Sweet
Aromatic
Casual
Casual
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal

Le Male Elixir is a direct relative, intensifying the original's lavender and mint with a more pronounced vanilla and tobacco base. It shares the aromatic, sweet DNA but adds honey and tonka bean for a denser, more gourmand experience. The result is a bolder, sweeter take on the classic Le Male profile.

Read the Full Profile →
Vanilla
Sweet
Amber
Aromatic
Tobacco
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Party
Party

Phantom Intense echoes Le Male's aromatic opening with bergamot and cardamom, but swaps mint for lemon and adds a lavender note. Both have a vanilla base, yet Phantom Intense introduces rum and orange blossom in the heart, giving it a boozy, fruity twist. It is fresher and more modern, with a woody cedar finish.

Read the Full Profile →
Aromatic
Vanilla
Amber
Fresh Spicy
Woody
Casual
Casual
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Party
Party

Le Male Le Parfum shares the same cardamom and lavender heart as the original, but strips away the mint for a smoother, more powdery iris note. Both rely on vanilla and woody base, but Le Parfum is darker and more formal, with a softer, creamier texture. It is a refined, less aromatic version of the Le Male signature.

Read the Full Profile →
Vanilla
Aromatic
Warm Spicy
Powdery
Woody
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal

Stronger With You Absolutely starts with bergamot and elemi, similar to Le Male's citrus top, but adds rum for a boozy warmth. Both feature a vanilla base, but this Armani incorporates chestnut and cedar, creating a nutty, woody depth. It is sweeter and more gourmand, with a cozy, spiced character that complements the original's profile.

Read the Full Profile →
Warm Spicy
Vanilla
Amber
Woody
Sweet
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Party
Party

Original Santal opens with cinnamon and coriander, echoing Le Male's warm spice, but adds juniper and rosemary for a more aromatic, herbal twist. Both have a vanilla and tonka bean base, though Santal emphasizes sandalwood, giving it a creamy, woody finish. It is lighter and more versatile, suitable for daytime wear.

Read the Full Profile →
Warm Spicy
Woody
Aromatic
Vanilla
Sweet
Casual
Casual
Date Night
Date Night
Everyday
Everyday
Evening Out
Evening Out
Work / Office
Work / Office
Bois 1920 Classic 1920

Bois 1920 Classic 1920

for women and men
$175.00

Classic 1920 shares Le Male's aromatic start with artemisia and bergamot, but introduces basil and lemon for a greener, fresher feel. Both have a lavender and carnation heart, yet Classic 1920 adds jasmine and rosemary, making it more floral. The base is a blend of amber, cedar, and vanilla, similar but with a lighter, more classic barbershop touch.

Read the Full Profile →
Aromatic
Citrus
Fresh Spicy
Woody
Amber
Casual
Casual
Everyday
Everyday
Work / Office
Work / Office
Travel
Travel

Layton opens with apple and lavender, a fruity aromatic twist on Le Male's mint and lavender. Both have a warm spicy heart with cardamom, but Layton adds geranium and violet for a floral nuance. The vanilla and patchouli base is shared, yet Layton incorporates guaiac wood and pepper, making it spicier and more complex.

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Vanilla
Warm Spicy
Fruity
Woody
Aromatic
Casual
Casual
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal
Creed Centaurus

Creed Centaurus

for women and men
$445.00

Centaurus starts with cardamom and cinnamon, mirroring Le Male's spicy top, but adds pink pepper and tobacco for a smokier edge. Both have a vanilla and amber base, though Centaurus includes benzoin and tonka bean, creating a richer, balsamic sweetness. It is more opulent and darker, suited for formal evening occasions.

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Amber
Warm Spicy
Vanilla
Woody
Sweet
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal
Mind Games Kingside

Mind Games Kingside

for men
$563.00

Kingside opens with cardamom and saffron, echoing Le Male's warm spice, but adds pink pepper for a sharper kick. Both have a vanilla and patchouli base, yet Kingside introduces cacao and coffee in the heart, giving it a gourmand, leathery depth. It is more daring and intense, with a leather accord that sets it apart.

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Warm Spicy
Amber
Leather
Woody
Sweet
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal
Party
Party
Nishane Ani

Nishane Ani

for women and men
$185.00

Ani shares Le Male's bergamot and cardamom top, but adds blue ginger and pink pepper for a fresher, spicier start. Both have a vanilla and cedar base, though Ani includes ambergris and benzoin, creating a powdery, resinous sweetness. It is more unisex and airy, with a softer, more ethereal quality than Le Male.

Read the Full Profile →
Vanilla
Warm Spicy
Amber
Woody
Powdery
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal