Masculine by Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana Masculine Eau de Toilette

A discontinued 1999 classic from D&G, created by Max Gavarry, with green petitgrain and herbal orange blossom over a rare teak wood and fig leaf base — hard to find, well remembered.

Masculine
Woody
Woody Aromatic
1999
Reviewed byBibi Burness·Last updated 23 September 2026

Dolce & Gabbana Masculine Eau de Toilette is a woody aromatic fragrance for men, launched in 1999 and created by Max Gavarry. It has been discontinued and reissued at various points, and remains sought after for its green, herbal character.

What does D&G Masculine smell like?

The opening pairs petitgrain and bergamot for a green, slightly bitter citrus start. The heart is unusually herbal, combining orange blossom, clary sage, mint, basil, jasmine and caraway, which gives the fragrance a savoury, almost culinary edge rather than a purely floral one. The base of teak wood, fig leaf, musk, vetiver and cedar closes things out with a dry, woody finish that's distinctive among fragrances from the same period.

  • Top notes: Petitgrain, bergamot
  • Heart notes: Orange blossom, clary sage, mint, basil, jasmine, caraway
  • Base notes: Teak wood, fig leaf, musk, vetiver, cedar

Performance and when to wear it

D&G Masculine is typically moderate to long-lasting on skin, with the woody base helping it hold through the day. Its green, herbal character suits spring and summer particularly well, though the dry woody base means it can work in cooler weather too.

Who is it for?

As a discontinued fragrance with limited stock, this suits collectors and fans of late-1990s green, herbal masculines who want something distinct from more common woody or fresh releases available today.

Frequently asked questions

Is D&G Masculine long-lasting?+

It's typically moderate to long-lasting on skin. The teak wood, vetiver and cedar base gives it reasonable staying power, while the green petitgrain and herbal top notes are most noticeable in the first hour or two.

Is D&G Masculine for men or women?+

As the name suggests, it's formulated and marketed as a men's fragrance, with a green, herbal top and a dry, teak-and-cedar woody base underneath it all.

Why is D&G Masculine so expensive here?+

This fragrance has been discontinued and is only available in limited, rare stock, which is reflected in the price. Availability isn't guaranteed once current stock sells out.

At a glance

Masculine by Dolce & Gabbana — Woody – Woody Aromatic. Launched 1999. Created by Max Gavarry. Price in South Africa: R4390. Best for: morning commute, weekend brunch, power meeting, garden party.

Scent profile
Woody – Woody Aromatic
Launched
1999
Perfumer
Max Gavarry
Price in South Africa
R4390
Gender
Masculine
Best for
Morning Commute, Weekend Brunch, Power Meeting, Garden Party
Price RangeR4390
Where to Buy in SA
R
Rio PerfumesUnverified
R4,390
Score = checks passed of 8All sellers →
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Main Accords

Woody
85%
Aromatic
75%
Musky
65%

Fragrance Pyramid

How this scent unfolds on your skin

Petitgrain
Bergamot
Orange blossom
Clary sage
Mint
Teak wood
Fig leaf
Musk
Vetiver

Community Opinions

Pros
Unique and memorable scent profile👍 508
Available from trusted retailers👍 427
Cons
Bold scent may not suit all preferences👎 341

Wear It When

🌅

Morning Commute

A spritz before you leave — fresh enough to wake you up, polished enough for the boardroom.

Morning
Energising
🥂

Weekend Brunch

Sun-dappled café tables, iced lattes, and effortless charm.

Midday
Relaxed
💼

Power Meeting

Quiet confidence in a bottle. Let the work speak — the fragrance just underlines it.

Afternoon
Commanding
🌿

Garden Party

Blooming hedgerows, pastel dresses, and sunlight warming bare shoulders.

Afternoon
Romantic

Drag the knobs to explore

🌸 Spring0% · Skip
☀️ Summer0% · Skip
🍂 Autumn0% · Skip
❄️ Winter0% · Skip

This Scent Is For

For Him
Earthy & Refined

Grounded & sophisticated — commands quiet respect.

Scent Mood

FreshRadiantWarmCosy

Peak season: 🍂 Autumn (75%)

75

Spr

60

Sum

75

Aut

55

Win

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Layer It With

Curated scent pairings to build a signature from Masculine. Each combination is vetted by perfumers, editors, and community.

Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt

The salt that goes with anything.

All Seasons
Unisex

Most layer-able scent in the JM range — adds saline-herbal lift to almost anything. Limited solo performance.

Jo Malone London Grapefruit

The brightener for heavy days.

Spring
Summer
Unisex

Adds an uplifting citrus accessory to anything richer — works whenever a scent feels too heavy for the weather.

Layering Tip

Spray the heavier scent first, then the lighter one on top. Start with two scents — more than three quickly becomes muddled. Always test on skin first.

How to Layer Masculine

Combine Masculine with these partners to create something new. Spray the heavier scent first, let it settle, then add the accent on top. These are note-based suggestions — a great starting point to experiment with.

French Avenue Essence de Blanc
Suggested pairing office wear

Layer Masculine with

French Avenue Essence de Blanc

How: 1 spray each, layered together on the chest

Result: both are aromatic-citrus with an ambergris base, so the pairing reinforces the fresh, musky drydown

Mancera Kumkat Wood
Suggested pairing casual daytime wear

Layer Masculine with

Mancera Kumkat Wood

How: 2 sprays Dolce & Gabbana Masculine first, 1 spray Mancera Kumkat Wood on top

Result: the woody-fruity accord extends the teak wood-cedar base for longer-lasting wear

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