Reviews of Grey Flannel (1976)
by Geoffrey Beene

I found an ancient bottle of this and decided to wear a teensy bit tonight. The top notes have faded, which is probably why I'm not getting the lemon or orange. And I don't really smell violets either...at least not what I associate as violets. This smells like orris root to me. A fuzzy and earthy/soilish/rooty sweetness. Yes, I get the green soapiness too. It's really hitting the right spot tonight. I keep going back for tiny spritzes. This might be addictive. I think it's better without its top notes. It reminds me a little bit of Terre d'Iris by Miller Harris (I love that one too).

Toughy. Sometimes is smells absolutely wonderful, well balanced rich green and natural. Sometimes it strikes me as a harsh and awfully acric, with the definite dated elements.

Solution is very simple though, and highly recommended to anyone : Easy on the trigger, 4 sprays is an absolute max. (and only 2 of those for the open skin, while the other two belong under your shirt)

The high quality green-soap-like drydown with the hint of almond is absolutely unique and wonderful.

I used to wear this in Highschool!!! OMG brings back memories (good and bad). This was my one cologne and I wore it year round...BIG mistake. Kinda cloying in the warmer months. I didn't know I was wearing a classic however...cool feeling.

Very clean from the opening. I've grown fond of the violet. This is a classic frag that is great to have around in your wardrobe.

It smells like nothing else I have, even if it's a bit minimalistic in structure. It doesn't smell sparse however.....almost"amplified" if you will.

From beginning to end, a classic scent that can be had at a great price.

I have used GF since the early 80's and I loved it hugely back then. Now I am not so sure any longer. I'm having this idea that the formula has changed over the years. It's more chemical now while 20 yrs ago it was authentic/real. Could it be that GF is using chemical rather than natural ingredients nowadays becue it's cheaper. I would gladly pay double the price if it would be for the "old" GF. It's difficult now, at least for me it is, to wear it even for nostalgic reasons. It's different now.... and I'm sad for it!!

It's a classic alright. I loved smelling it on others when I was a kid, but it's not something I reach for very often as an adult. It's well constructed and quite green with a great big violet leaf blow in the face. Once it settles down into a bit of wood, it still keeps a lot of the green alive and turns rather linear. I like it, but I don't really want to smell like it. I appreciate it and would hate to see it discontinued after all these years.

With that powdery, yet citrussy drydown, it´s hard for me to think of this as the classic "suit scent". This is one of the older colognes, that will make the people around you aware of the fact that you´re wearing one (cologne, that is). It definitely changes its character throughout the first hour or so, to become a distinct, somehow aristrocatic smell. It´s dandyish, and if that´s what you´re looking for, this the best you can get for your money. Forget about the fact that it´s old - old can be classy.

No, I don't hate it, but it's too suburbia prom night rented tuxedo retro 70's. Some like it out of nostalgia, others because they can't find a citrus with longevity and some plain like it. I'm not one of them, much too overbearing a juice, If you want a violet rush that's dignified and distinct, try Joseph Abboud. GF is too high a price to pay for longevity. Pass.

A stunning green/spicy chypre that highlights an incredible galbanum/violet/sage combination drying down to a beautiful woody/rooty base of cedar/oakmoss/vetiver. Excellent sillage! This scent is so distinct, you won't mistake it for anything else. Ideally suited for fall/winter. This is a classic and worth a try.

Grey Flannel opens with a barrage of very dry, bitter herbal notes, supplemented by what smells to me like a very heavy dose of violet leaf. Over time a slightly sweeter mown grass accord enters to underpin the brusque top notes, but Grey Flannel remains a stark and craggy scent.

Grey Flannel eventually matures into a blunt vetiver on a mossy cedar base, from which point it remains resolutely linear before fading away. Grey Flannel is clearly a product of that same decade that brought us the more trenchant and confrontational Yatagan, and I’m glad it’s survived for all these years. It makes a fine antidote to the host of faceless clean men’s fragrances that dominate today’s designer market.

A green and soapy scent that ends up smelling like a patchouli rose or a leafy neroli (actually listed as violet). This is linear with very few things going on which makes this beautifully minimalistic.

Quite a shocking opening, Citrussy and sharp with and floral backing that smelled to me quite artificial. Once that disspated, the heart was quite powdery and smelled a bit old ladyish. It dries down after a while into nice sandalwood, maybe a little patchouli.

This reads like a bad review, but I actually found it quite interesting. The transition between the very different stages was pulled off effortlessly, with each new note developing when it feels like it should. I tried it on a day in the house in winter and was not keen, but after wearing it out on a warm spring day i found it to react better to a warm climate and humidity.

I'll try it again, maybe on a hot summer

I bought this blind and this stuff is absolutely HORRIBLE!! I first smelled it and I immediately said cat piss and earthworms! My brother said it smells like a dead possum covered in cheetah fur sprinkled with urine. I cannot begin to tell you how bad this stuff is and I feel sorry for anyone that actually wears this stuff in public it never ends! I had to shower 3 times just to get this disgusting juice off my body.

Dredged this up out of the distant past because I saw the review in Turin's new book. It really is an extraordinary scent, and I remember that when it was introduced it was very controversial. (Am I revealing my age here?) It was a novel use of green notes in the top to overwhelm the citrus,
and the sweet floral notes and almondy, slightly powdery drydown seemed out of character with the rest of the scent. I guess we would now say that Grey Flannel's nose, André Fromentin, was a visionary. A leap of the olfactory imagination, for sure.

From the magnificent Estonian website parfyym.pri.ee:

Top Notes: Galbanum, Petitgrain, Neroli, Bergamot, Lemon
Middles Notes: Violet, Rose, Narcissus, Mimosa, Iris, Sage, Geranium
Base Notes: Cedarwood, Vetiver, Oakmoss, Tonka bean, Almond

This is technically a chypre, I guess, because of the bergamot in the top and the oakmoss in the base, but it comes across as a wacky green floral, with the bitterness of petitgrain and galbanum playing against the sweeter middle and woody-oriental base notes.

I rarely wear it, probably (to be honest) because even after all these years, it still shocks me a bit. But I've come to love the progression and the puzzling change to that soft drydown. Hooray for cognitive dissonance!

I cannot for the life of me understand the negative reviews submitted here about this fragrance.

This is a delightfully clean and gentlemanly fragrance. You can wear this when suited and booted, or at the weekend with jeans and a casual shirt.

When you consider the mass market for citrus openings and ozonic scents where men apparently like very clean and fresh fragrances, then really they should be buying this. This oozes class, the mass market frags don't.

What I particularly like is the opening. Yes there are elements of citrus in there but it's the violet which sings loudest, projecting an elegant haze around the user. I like floral notes in male perfumes and this one does it beautifully.

This fragrance never tries hard to please, it settles into a wonderfully smooth and comfortable drydown. It is understated and beautifully put together.

Thumbs up? Oh yes.

As soon as I sampled Grey Flannel at a JC Penny's, I immediately found and bought a mini of it to clear out my sinuses when congested, and it works better than any Nasonex spray that you can find. Far too overpowering for me to wear, big thumbs down.

Lemon? Orange? What are you talking about? Those aren't the top notes! Unless you're referring to the bitter-tasting roots that feed these plants, which we admire in fragrances. Grey Flannel, to this nose, is an exquisite treat. It's so rich and deeply spicy; yet surprisingly simple. The opening is marvelous; the topsoil from a vegetable garden fills your nostrils as you churn it over, and a warm sensuous backing of lavender controls the harsh minerals and dirty roots. This is purely and simply a Neanderthal juice. It's so primitive and simple, but for some reason, it is so timeless and classic. The oakmoss heart sprouts out very early into the life of the fragrance, and it just keeps on growing; untamed, dirty, and resemblant of a wild patchouli. The base of sandalwood is not real apparent, because the top and heart notes are so clingy, they stick right down to the base and grow with it. However, therein lies a problem, because, like the Earth, things that live past their lives tend to rot, and get old, and therefore smell bad. The lavender eventually turns into a compost-like smell; which, coupled with the oakmoss, provides a nice whiff of what appears to be manure.

Because of it's simplicity, there's not that much else that can be said about Grey Flannel. It's relatively cheap; and, for how powerful it is, it remains quite well-natured and seems to be liked by many. I quite like this fragrance, but it's a winter-*ONLY* scent. If you dare wear this in summer, be prepared to take a bucket with you, because people around you are going to want to throw up. In the winter, however, it will cut through your scarves and heavy jackets; even Jean Paul Gaultier would blush at how powerful GF projects, and how long it lives on the skin.

This is a sharp, clean floral. It has a metallic edge that makes it very elegant and masculine, despite being very floral. It lasts well, and although it is strong, the simplicity of it makes it suitable for the workplace, as well as daytime and summer wear.
I quite enjoy wearing this scent. The simplicity of it focuses my attention, and the quality of the ingredients shines throughout the day.

Wow, this stuff is potent. At first when I sprayed it, it was way too overpowering, and very green. It has a very retro feel to it obviously, but after awhile, it becomes more manageable. I don't think it's bad, but it's not really my taste either. Not for the younger crowd.

I love this scent and I am a women that wears it as one of my staple's I find it very "clean" smelling and easy to wear when I can't be bothered with anything else but then I love woody.... violets, and I feel a bit like a 1920's flapper going off to work as a typist.. I find it perfect for inside or crowds, as it is not overpowering on my skin at all in fact it is light and soft and I find I need to reapply after less than an hour, I get complimented by men every time I wear it

The first our is really good!
Freshy, lavender and sparkly orange.
But Grey Flannel, diminishes soon into a mountain of sticky, itchy moss.
It doesnt mix well with manly sweat.
And in the end feels, somewhat outdated.

Smells as though one went rolling in an herb garden, complete with mulch, mushroom compost and manure. I'm afraid my brother ruined it for me as he would put so much on it would permiate the whole house. The good news: it lasts, and you can get a better deal by getting it in BIG bottles.

I am not old by any means, and though I admit that I cannot not regularly sport this fragrance in my workplace, I break the mold every now and then and apply a spritz or two (and not a single drop more). Its aromatic green lavender is intoxicating, and yes, as most intoxicating substances go it is overpowering but this mellows down to a delicate mossy/woody accord that lasts for the better part of the day in my skin. I also get a touch of vanilla-like sweetness which is very reminiscent of JPG "Le Male" one of my personal favorites, so maybe that is why I love Grey Flannel.

As the classics teach us "all in moderation" perhaps applies best to this fragrance since overdoing it will lead to either the temporary paralysis of your sense of smell, or if you happen to live out in the country, you may find yourself just irresistible to all sorts of herbivores.

All in all, right up there with Plato and Aristotle. Its place will be forever linked with great classics. Though I don't think greek philosophers smelled quite like this...maybe like Kouros who knows...

Classic this may be, but when first applied...whew!!! That burst of lavender is so overwhelming that thoughts of "Is this a pansy cologne?", "Could a real man wear this?"
flooded my mind.
After 15 minutes or so the initial lavender assault gave way to some slight citrus that weaved more green/mossy while the lavender remained in diminishing quantities till the very end.
If you are willing to endure the top lavender scream, to get to the murmurs of moss...this is a most unique, well made and long lasting frag. (Surprisingly made in the USA) I will keep my bottle and wear it only when I feel an odd yet cheerful lift is needed to the day...
Cheers...

This is one of fragrances that you should not smell it from a close distance. This is a pure sillage fragrance of violet and oakmoss with a slight scent of lemon and sandalwood. I can very hardly notice the scent of orange. This more a scent for open-air. I think it is a bit strong for to use inside unless you use very small amount of it. I think it is very suitable to use on an open-air party or event.

I thought I already made a comment on this...I am glad I have spent a lot more time so as to give a better review.

This is not for everybody, but any frag enthusiast will LOVE this. i wore this a long time ago and enjoyed it but was ready for something else. my collection as swelled and as a result my nose is a lot better, and I mos def appreciate this a whole lot more.

I cannot go without have at least a 4 oz bottle always available, though this stuff is so potent you only need a little. Every once in a while I must get a whif, just to feel good. The combo is just so unbelievable, and the drydown is amazing, def numero uno for me.

I use this as a space freshner sometimes too albeit a diluted-with-hot-water home-made spray. the hot water takes you to the drydown fairly quickly and hangs around a while.

I imagine this stuff will be around for a long time, at least I will make sure it does. it is the ultimate curve ball for newbie noses...they can't help but love it, yet they don't know what it is.

Love it!! My wife told me this was one of her favourite scents. At first, I thought it reeked of ultra- strong lawn clippings...but, I left it on for a whole day. Phew, what a difference!! It left a musky, almost laundry -hung- out- for- a -day scent. I got LOTS of compliments at the office. I once bought one of those male attraction scents; you know, the kind that are supposed to attract the opposite sex? Well, looking back on my naivete, all I had to do was buy Grey Flannel because that 's what it smelled like...exactly. I highly recommend this scent especially to men that have lots of contact with the public.

very fruity and un-appealing .. Actually reminds me of walking into a fruit shop on a stinky hot day and most of the goods are over ripe .

Hmmm...Grey Flannel has changed a bit slightly nowadays. It's lost its bright fizziness as well as that tight formulation of violet and oakmoss to perfection, which leads me to think that this is probably a synthetic oakmoss that smells flatter than the real thing. Still has good longevity which makes me happy, and you can't go wrong purchasing this classic at a steal everywhere. My most beloved fougere, still here, still around...that's all that matters!

Priced greatly for the product. Old fashioned smell could easily think of grandpa putting this stuff on. Very aromatic but unfortunately has one or 2 dimensions (notes within the aromatic range). Lasting power mildly below average for me about 6 hours before all essence off. Good product for the price. 7/10

One of the first fragrances to really grab me back when it came out. The violet and oakmoss complement each other beautifully.

Dry oakmoss is superb here! It's one of those scents I hope they never stop making. Clean, dry, fresh, metro-manly!

Grey Flannel is a true original... Like someone else, I first encountered it when I was far to young to wear it. The top note of violet framed in romantic 1920's setting, neatly dressed in suit and a straw hat, I believe this to be a definite must for the fragrance enthusiast...a pity that it does not come in a contrentrated version. Other GB fragrances have miles left to reach to the same level...

As romantic as the last twist of tissue paper round a bunch of violets. A wonderful fragrance both demure and assured exuding the confidence that never expresses itself boisterously or boorishly. This is a fragrance for a stylish and sophisticated romantic.

When I was 13, I had a friend whose elder brother was an ardent user of Grey Flannel. I wasnt much of a fragrance enthusiast then, but I couldnt help notice the simple, suave and formal design of the bottle, and the fancy women that my friends brother used to hang out with. Fast forward a decade or so, and I finally have my own bottle. Being more mature and aware of fragrances, I can finally see what it was all about.

Grey Flannel is one of finest green- mossy fragrances ever crafted. The fragrance is constructed around the note of Violet - to my nose, the opening notes are outstanding. A floating violet note, tempered by citrus notes. You cannot detect the lemon or orange notes individually, but they help in toning down the earthy sweetness of the violent. The blending of the notes is superb. The fragrance then smoothly shifts to the basenotes phase. Oakmoss comes into the mix, and provides a slight fresh earthy accord. The violet note never goes away. Rather, it passes through the three note phases, visiting and mixing in with the structure notes. The longevity is great. If you dont like violet, you probably wont care for Grey Flannel. But its still worth sampling. Who knows, maybe you could find a new found appreciation for the violet note. Also, I couldnt believe the low prices for which Grey Flannel can be found online and in various stores.

Grey Flannel smells extremely natural, smooth, and chic. I can understand why it was the FIFI award winner in 1976.

Very original and very for MEN...boys and girls..dare not smell it. I like the top and the base notes best though..The heart is rather powdery. Lasts reasonably long.

A great fragrance for the price. Let others call it dated -- I call it a classic. It's DEFINITELY a winter fragrance for me, though, and NOT one to be worn heavily. (Apply this one with ease.)

Sweater weather. Falling leaves. Hallowe'en and Thanksgiving. VERY autumnal scent.

A unique fragrance! - Quite medicinal - but don't let that put you off!

The after shave is the best - the EDT is too strong for me

This is a nice one!!

A clean green fragrance, Grey Flannel is unique. I don’t know another scent that comes close to the violet-green / wood-mossiness of Grey Flannel. The opening is rather harsh—a natural green note that sets the stage for a clean, bright movement toward floral, powder, and then wood and oakmoss. The violet note is the identifying characteristics of this fragrance. I feel that violet is highly appropriate for a masculine fragrance because of its sharpness. Grey Flannel is not a heavy fragrance, and it is sharp and very identifiable. It is also warm and sophisticated and classic. I don’t wear it too often, but I like the idea that it is there when occasionally it is exactly the fragrance I want to wear on a day. It’s a fragrance that was ahead of its time, making it quite wearable now.

Another neglected old bottle my husband has from lord knows when. He won't go near it. But I rather like it (I love sampling his fragrances). Sometimes I spray a tiny amount on my wrist just because I'm in the mood for it. I can see how annoying this could be to others, though, if you wore a lot of it. A very small amount is nice because it's potent.

Quite unique, theres certainly nothing else out there like Grey Flannel. You can certainly pick up the Violet top note as it dominates the fragrance. As such this makes it wholly unusual but I would say none the less enjoyable. Its true that I've yet to receive any compliments about it but then its also true that I've yet to receive any complaints. After the initial spray, the Violet note, whilst remaining throughout does subdue a little allowing the rest of the notes to come through. I think it is here that people expect to be able to pick out the individual notes of this fragrance. I find this impossible. So subtle and precise is the blending of the notes that its hard to pick out Orange, Sandalwood or any of the others for that matter. Rather they provide a subtle bed for the Violet. I myself have never been a fan of the smell of Violets but this fragrance keeps me coming back. It is not one I would wear on a date though I would wear it socially. I do wear it in the office as it is the only sweeter fragrance I've found to date that stays with me for most of the day. I guess the genius of a fragrance like this rests in its surprise factor. Because its like nothing else out their, its bound to create interest albeit unspoken. I like this. It makes a statement about you as a person rather than defining you as a fashion victim. It says your individual and not afraid to try something more interesting, older, more obscure and as such should be considered cool, and yes even chic!

Grey Flannel I could never think of as sexy. I guess because, my beloved paternal grandfather wore this quite often and it reminds me of him. So, I find this cologne to be very comforting & nostalgic when I smell it. He always dressed to the nines and smelled terrific. Very warm and comforting, just like Gray Flannel.

A timeless basic in a wardrobe like...grey flannel, especially a grey flannel suit. Slightly green notes, the powdery notes being counterbalanced by zesty, juicy citrus before becoming too overwhelming. Plesant cedar and mossy touches towards the end- the carefully rounded, almost iconic expression of flawless manhood and exquisite fashion consciousness. Let's hope they won't discontinue this one, like they did unrightfully to many classics.

i can not say that i dont like this fragance, i like so much, but to my girls doesn`t like, they likes the other (bottle blue) in my opinion the other is more younger

Good green and sober cologne can be worn either men or women. Citrus are gone - and you have green violet leaves and moss. I should say that my friend - model working in Rome and London - used to wear it onto all castings to prevent any sexual harrassment!!!
Certainly an excellent green cologney fragrance for rainy weather!

This is a staple of my small fragrance collection. The violet note makes this fragrance very unique. Great stuff to wear anywhere from a formal event to just hanging out.

Grey Flannel is defenitley an original cologne. I can not think odf another cologne like it. It is warm without being heavy. The name perfecly fits the smell.

As has been mentioned, the violet note dominates this one. And a lovely violet it is! Be warned, though, that Grey Flannel goes on very mossy, and it takes some time and breathing room for it to settle in harmoniously. It works best for me when applied prior to shaving, giving the scent ample time to dry down before I get dressed. Use a light hand and you will be rewarded with a clean and incredibly long lasting scent. It has been called the scent for diplomats for good reason.

P.U. This is horrible. It stinks from the sprayer and it stinks on my skin. I noticed no development over time either. I haven't met a woman who likes this disgusting, overpowering hell potion. nauseating...

Always reminds me of the seventies and eighties when I smell it. Quite unique, but overbearing. If it smelled to me like Fahrenheit, as it does to some, it would get more wearing than once every 500 days. I just tire of it after a few moments, and it lasts and lasts. Note until the end basenotes do I like it, and by then it's too late.

Yesterday pick up a bottle of the original Flannel because of all the talk here about it recently. It is unique how this scent was so ahead of its time. Very floral and woody and clean. Nothing else I think copies this scent.

A very different mixture of floral (violet), greens and musk. Very long lasting and sweet. A guy needs a fair amount of panache to bring this one off successfully.

This is an old classic and the only cologne I think is even remotely similar to is Dior's Farenheit. It is very green, herbaceous, I think is the word, and extremely long-lasting.