Eau de Cologne1979
Chaps
Josephine CatapanoThe nose · 4 fragrances · also made Zen Original (1964)Portrait →

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Ralph Lauren  ·  Sold as masculine

Chaps

The quiet strength of an office desk adorned with leather-bound books and polished wooden furniture, where a subtle aroma of fresh herbs and warm spices creates a sense of grounding.

4.02261 ratingsWell loved by wearers
Scent fingerprintAll 10 accords ↓
woodyaromaticwarm spicyearthyleathercitrus
ChapsMid-range · $40–100

How it wears

From community votes · bars are each option's share
LongevityLong lasting58% say long lasting or eternal
Very weak6%
Weak6%
Moderate30%
Long lasting38%
Eternal20%
SillageStrong63% say strong or enormous
Intimate5%
Moderate32%
Strong49%
Enormous14%
Scent Profile

Composition & Character

When to Wear

🌸
Spring
☀️
Summer
🍂
Fall
❄️
Winter
🌤️
Day
🌙
Night

Who Wears It

♂
Masculine96%
⚥
Unisex4%
♀
Feminine0%
04 · DossierEdited by Scentsation Editorial

The story behind the bottle.

Scentsation editorial

Launched in 1979 by Ralph Lauren, Chaps is a Woody Chypre fragrance crafted by perfumer Josephine Catapano. The composition opens with a bright citrus-aromatic blend of lavender, lime, and bergamot, before transitioning into a heart of jasmine, clary sage, and anise. This vibrant top and middle are anchored by a rich base of sandalwood, patchouli, vetiver, moss, amber, vanilla, musk, and benzoin, creating a complex interplay between freshness and warmth. Chaps is neither overtly masculine nor feminine, making it a quintessential unisex scent that captures the essence of lasting elegance.

How to wear it

Chaps has strong sillage and long-lasting qualities, so one or two sprays are sufficient. It's best applied in the morning for a scent that evolves throughout the day without overpowering. The fragrance blooms fully after an hour, allowing its rich base notes to emerge.

Fig. 01 — Chaps, Ralph Lauren

05 · Acquire

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Josephine Catapano portrait
03 · The nose

Josephine Catapano

The nose behind Youth Dew

Joséphine Catapano was an American perfumer, born in 1918 and educated at Hunter High School and Hunter College, who built her career as an executive at International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF).

4fragrances
1918born
Americannationality

The Chaps line

4 fragrances, compared side by side

Designer Ralph Lauren

More from the house · United States

ChapsTuxedo
Try it layered

With Ralph Lauren Tuxedo

Adds amber, white floral and yellow floral; shares bergamot and jasmine and 5 more notes.

Suggested from accords and notes · not yet tried by wearers

06 · The Room

What people
are saying.

4.02/ 5 · 261 ratings

Well loved by wearers: loved by 38%, disliked or hated by 16%.

Love38%
Like44%
OK3%
Dislike15%
Hate1%
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