LavenderOpens with
Ylang-YlangHeart
OakmossDries down to
Francis PickthallThe nose · 2 fragrancesPortrait →Will you like it? Mark a few fragrances you own or love and we'll tell you.
Penhaligon's · Sold as masculine
Racquets Formula
The tension of a tennis match just before serve — crisp air, focused energy, and the subtle anticipation of movement.
Full bottle: Premium tier, typically $100–250. Links open each seller's own page. We may earn a commission; it never changes the order.
Racquets FormulaPremium · $100–250
55%Similar accords, often for lessEau de Calandre · RabanneMid-range tier, $40–100 · shares 6 of its 14 notes8 matches →How it wears
From community votes · bars are each option's shareComposition & Character
Main Accords
When to Wear
Who Wears It
The story behind the bottle.
Launched in 1989 by Penhaligon's and crafted by Francis Pickthall, Racquets Formula is a chypre fragrance that embodies the essence of refined athleticism. The composition opens with citrus-aromatic freshness from lime blossom, lemon, and bergamot, creating a vibrant yet crisp aura. As it evolves, ylang-ylang and rose add a touch of sweetness, while cloves and incense introduce warm spiciness. A woody base anchored by cedar, oakmoss, vetiver, and musk rounds out the scent with earthy depth.
Apply Racquets Formula with two sprays to ensure the citrus opening notes blend well with the heart and base. The fragrance's warmth makes it ideal for cooler weather but can also be worn year-round due to its balanced composition.
Fig. 01 — Racquets Formula, Penhaligon's
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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Francis Pickthall
Francis Pickthall came from a fragrance family — his grandfather and great-grandfather were creative perfumers, and his father Terry and uncle Michael founded Contemporary Perfumers (later CPL Aromas) in 1971.
The Racquets line
2 fragrances, compared side by side
Designer Penhaligon's
More from the house · founded 1869 · United Kingdom
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Chosen from what wearers say it smells like, what its fans also love, and its notes
Love it, not the $100–250 price?
Matched by accords and notes. Sample first, then decide.
The originalRacquets FormulaPenhaligon's · Premium · $100–250Rabanne · 1969Eau de CalandreShares 6 of its 14 notes$40–100★ 4.18 (194)
With Amouage Love Hibiscus
Adds floral, powdery and tropical; shares bergamot.
Suggested from accords and notes · not yet tried by wearers
What people
are saying.
Respected, if divisive: loved by 37%, disliked or hated by 18%.