NutmegOpens with
LavenderHeart
SandalwoodDries down toWill you like it? Mark a few fragrances you own or love and we'll tell you.
Dolce&Gabbana · Sold as masculine
By
The moment you step into a high-end atelier, where bold designs meet artisanal craftsmanship and the air is filled with the scent of fresh materials.
Full bottle: Mid-range tier, typically $40–100. Links open each seller's own page. We may earn a commission; it never changes the order.
ByMid-range · $40–100
47%Similar accords, often for lessZara W/END till 8:00 PM · ZaraBudget tier, under $40 · shares 4 of its 5 notes8 matches →How it wears
From community votes · bars are each option's shareComposition & Character
Notes Pyramid
BaseFoundation
Main Accords
When to Wear
Who Wears It
The story behind the bottle.
Launched in 1997, By By Dolce&Gabbana is a unisex fragrance that embodies the bold and provocative spirit of its designers. The composition opens with fresh spicy notes of nutmeg and pepper, giving way to lavender and artemisia for an aromatic heart. This contrast is further enhanced By woody undertones like sandalwood and guaiac wood, grounded By the smoky warmth of tobacco and leather. Amber and powdery accords provide a comforting finish that lingers throughout the day.
By stands as a proof of Dolce&Gabbana's signature style — luxurious yet daring, with an edge that is unmistakably Italian.
For best results, apply By to pulse points in moderation. The spicy top notes are bright but fleeting, so they need the woody base to carry them through the day. It's better suited for cooler weather or indoor settings where the warmth of tobacco and leather can shine without being overpowered By outdoor elements.
Fig. 01 — By, Dolce&Gabbana
Where to buy.
Wear it for a week first
A decant costs a fraction of a bottle and tells you how it lasts on your skin.
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The By line
3 fragrances, compared side by side
Designer Dolce&Gabbana
More from the house · founded 1985 · Italy
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Chosen from what wearers say it smells like, what its fans also love, and its notes
Love it, not the price?
Matched by accords and notes. Sample first, then decide.
The originalByDolce&Gabbana · Mid-range · $40–100Zara · 2016Zara W/END till 8:00 PMShares 4 of its 5 notesunder $40★ 3.95 (363)51%Match
Swiss Arabian · 2019Orient OudShares 5 of its 9 notesunder $40★ 4.27 (11)48%Match
Zara · 2015Z - 1975 Blue SpiritShares 5 of its 7 notesunder $40★ 4.29 (14)45%Match
Ajmal · 2024Amber LeatherShares 4 of its 8 notesunder $40★ 4.20 (20)
With Tom Ford Black Orchid Eau de Toilette
Adds earthy, floral and sweet; shares sandalwood.
Suggested from accords and notes · not yet tried by wearers
What people
are saying.
A community favourite: loved by 66%, disliked or hated by 6%.