Racquets Formula
“Racquets Formula by Penhaligon's is a Chypre fragrance for men”
The Quick Read
Respected, if divisive — a yellow floral, woody composition with a aromatic undertone. Voted best for spring and fall wear, leaning masculine.
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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.
Composition & Character
Main Accords
When to Wear
Who Wears It
How It Wears
Application Tips
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.
Francis Pickthall
Founding perfumer · 2 fragrances
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. He joined CPL in 1985 as a trainee under his uncle Michael Pickthall and Robert Calkin, creating Penhaligon's Racquets, and after Michael's death in 1989 was for a time CPL's only perfumer before becoming the company's Global Marketing Director. He died March 1, 2019, aged 51, after a short battle with cancer.
Designer Penhaligon's
More from Penhaligon's
Edited by Scentsation Editorial
The story behind the bottle.
The tension of a tennis match just before serve — crisp air, focused energy, and the subtle anticipation of movement.
Fig. 01 — Racquets Formula, Penhaligon's
Where to buy.
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