Hilfiger Athletics (1998)
by Tommy Hilfiger

This is the least marked/dated of Hilfiger's 90's scents. Everyone knows the Apple pie/cranberry/rhubarb accords in Tommy, and it's played. Athletics flew under the radar, and I think this is an excellent pickup for citrus lovers. Its a long-lasting Grapefruit accord that totally dominates here, everything else is a distant 2nd. Some light aromatic Greeness and woods play the back all the way to the final drydown. THe main Grapefruit/Citrus accord, while not as natural as either Hermes D'Orange Verte, Miller Harris Tangerine Vert, or any of the Creed Citruses (Zeste Mandarine Pampelmousse being the closest), it lasts much much longer, and is just a little bit sweeter. On the other end of Citrus comparison, it is no where near the candylike synthetic sweetness that is Clinique Happy or Bond no.9 Little Italy. The scents that are closest in overall feel are Fresh Hespiredes (very similar, although hespiredes is more feminine), and to a lesser degree AdP Arancia Di Capri. If you like those 2 you will like Athletics, as I do.

Hilfiger Athletics, one of the premier and longer lasting citrus scents around (although now discontinued). It has a very sharp/citrusy opening, which I think might be the White Grapefruit. The topnotes stay with you all the way to the drydown. If you're looking for a fragrance for the Summer and you dont want to reapply throughout the day, then Athletics is a must.

I owned this in 1998 when it came out, and I restocked on a 100ml bottle when i heard it was discontinued. It's a fresh, clean citrusy smell all right..however, you can't win with this cologne...it smells REALLY strong in the initial spraying, but wears off sooner than you'd think..certainly worth keeping in your collection though..

I don't know why this fragrance is so underrated here! Initially It starts very sharp and citrusy (It's that nice accord also present in scents as Aramis Always, Psris Hilton, Echo and Polo Black) and after some time exudes a great light sweet smell that mixes perfectly with the top notes. I thought this note was originated by some fruity composition as a light "Tutti Frutti" note, but later I solved the mistery: It's the cottonwood! Truly exquisite!
Nice sporty casual scent, has also a good longevity on my skin. It's a pitty that It's discontinued.

I'm in total minority on the boards as I like this a lot. Sure it's a tad synthetic in the long run, but the primary citrus burst is just perfect for hot days. Actually the topnotes have a lot in common with Creed's Zeste Mandarine Pamplemousse as they are all about zesty grapefruit. The drydown is completely artificial though compared to ZMP, but if you can get it cheap you shouldn't hesitate. Also it's superior to Biagotti's Aqua di Roma that is the latest mainstream fragrance heavy on grapefruit.