Polo (1978)
by Ralph Lauren

Classic. Strong pine musk that teeters on the edge of a feminine oriental fragrance. If I weren't such a fragrance junkie, I wouldn't go any further than smelling Polo and wear it all my life.

So I tried this stuff first when I was back in high school and like many people my age, I put WAAAAAYYYYY too much of this stuff on! Sometimes you can get away with this with a weaker fragrance, but since this one is so potent, there really is no excuse for putting copious amounts on.
After wearing this stuff for about a week and wearing too much, I got sick and tired of it because it was very overwhelming and of course people cracked jokes saying I smelled like an old man....and compared to the crap they were wearing marketed to youth, Yes, it did smell more mature. They were wearing crap from AE, Abercrombie, Lacoste....you know, all the Atypical "young and modern" fragrances.
So I gave it up for about 4 years. Nearly forgot about it until a couple days ago when I found it in my medicine cabinet...separate from the rest of the fragrance collection. I tried it on, and it smelled different to me. I suppose now that I've become a fragrance collector and have tried many, many fragrances, I have a greater appreciation for this one now.
I no longer see it as an "old man's" fragrance. It is a very manly fragrance and when I wore it yesterday, I felt as if I had masculinity dripping from my pores. Many men's fragrances today have lots of fruit (citrus) and floral ingredients that take the edge off of the stronger, sharper components. Polo does too, but other stronger notes overpower them. It starts very strong with coniferous scents and actually has a very slow dry down. The change between notes takes much longer than more modern fragrances. The woody, coniferous notes never go away; they are there for the life of the fragrance. But the other notes you take in subtly change to floral then to the base of patchouli, leather, musk and oakmoss. The floral notes are there, but hidden behind the woody notes, so the fragrance stays very masculine.
I wouldn't where this fragrance everyday, but on days I really feel like projecting my masculinity, I wear Polo.
My wife likes the fragrance, which actually surprises me a little bit because she likes my more floral and citrusy fragrances, but doesn't really care for my other stronger fragrances like Obsession night. She says this one makes me seems to frame my maturity a little better than my other fragrances do. So I have no complaints here.

Anyways, I'd say this is must have for any fragrance collector's collection. Use sparingly and honestly you don't have to get the big bottle. A 1 or 2oz bottle will last quite a while since you only need 1 or 2 sprays max per application.

My father is using Polo RL like 20 years...I asociate Polo with my dad inmidiatly. This green fragance reminds me a lot of great moments. Good feelings here.
He is a succesful man (65 years old), he likes good things, but humble as well. This fragance is like him, great , but discret.
One day, when my father will not with me, I will have a bottle of Polo for to remember him.
This fragance is a must in your wardrobe.
Not for Aqua di Gio or Cool Water people. People like my dad, of course.

Even though I don't have a bottle at the current time. This is a favorite of mine like tvlampboy said "We all knew someone that reeked of polo".This was popular when I was in High School. This one guy showered in it. (Now Deceased). This stuff will be on my to buy again list.

There's not much I can add by way of describing this classic other than to say this... Of all of my many fragrances, Polo brings more compliments from women than any other. Whether its from my receptionist, the college intern, department store clerks, etc., I always get positive feedback. This is a very masculine scent without being horribly overpowering the way others from its era can be (ie Korous and Azzaro ph).

I suggest going easy on application to enjoy. I usually use the after shave and don't need the EdT. The discontinued Polo Crest is basically a lighter version of the original Polo, and I'd suggest seeking out a bottle if you enjoy Polo but find it too strong.

If there is a time when you don't give a damn how you smell to other people, then Polo is my favorite for that category. Would be great for a potpourri in a Nobel laureate's study, a cabin in Alaska, something 007 would wear while skiing...that kind of thing. Maybe Ralph Lauren felt like that when he was making it. I think it's synonymous with the attainment of the American dream, whatever that is to you. The emerald green of the bottle matches the color of the piney tree juice therein. If emeralds had a smell, that's what they would smell like. Just for the brashness, I give it a thumb's up.