I don't know if this is any help, as it's been years since I've sniffed it, but I believe Metal is the less overtly femme of the two. I owned it a zillion years ago and it was too astringent or something for me at that time. Calandre was a signature for my mom for a while, it was very feminine and lovely on her. On me, it is powdery - aldehydes I guess. Do you think a man could wear White Linen? If so, maybe Calandre would work, too?