✨ Let’s get into it ✨
💡 TLDR
Okay so like, why is Chanel No. 5 getting called a grandma perfume? I mean, sure, it’s been around since 1921, but that doesn’t mean it’s outdated. My grandma’s got a vibe, and she smells like a 1950s…
Okay so like, why is Chanel No. 5 getting called a grandma perfume? I mean, sure, it’s been around since 1921, but that doesn’t mean it’s outdated. My grandma’s got a vibe, and she smells like a 1950s cocktail party in a mink coat, which is basically the ultimate flex. I’ve been wearing classic fragrances since I was 12, thanks to my cool, slightly mysterious cousin Alyce, who smelled like Estée Lauder Youth Dew and had a personality to match. Now, at 38, my perfume shelf looks like a vintage shop—Chanel No. 5, Shalimar, Prada Amber, and that turquoise Youth Dew bottle I still use for midday refreshes. But lately, TikTok’s been obsessed with “vibes” and “drunk texting your ex at 4 a.m.” scents, and classic fragrances? They’re getting side-eyed as “grandma perfumes,” which is basically a passive-aggressive way of saying “you’re not cool enough to wear this.”
But here’s the thing: these scents are timeless. Chanel No. 5 was revolutionary because it ditched the floral-only formula and made fragrance about confidence, not just flowers. Shalimar, which came out the same year, paved the way for vanilla scents that dominate today’s market. And let’s not forget Youth Dew, which was basically the first affordable luxury perfume for women—before they even had bank accounts without a husband’s signature. These aren’t just old-school; they’re foundational. Yet TikTok’s love for “new” feels like a never-ending loop of trends that fade faster than a sunset. Why is it okay to smell like a unicorn but not like a faded cocktail lounge singer?
The problem isn’t the scents—it’s the narrative. Brands now focus on “vibes” over notes, which is fine, but classic fragrances are ripe for storytelling. Why not smell like a Marilyn Monroe moment or a smoky, glamorous 1950s bar? The issue is we’re chasing the next big thing instead of appreciating what’s already iconic. Classics aren’t “grandma” they’re just… iconic. And if you’re young and loving a vanilla bomb, one day someone younger than you might call it “grandma perfume.” But that’s the point, right? If a scent lasts, it’s not just trendy—it’s timeless.
So what’s your take on “grandma perfumes”? Are they underrated or just misunderstood?
❓ People Also Ask
Are classic perfumes like Chanel No. 5 considered grandma perfumes?
No, classic perfumes like Chanel No. 5 are not called grandma perfumes. They are revered for their timeless appeal and quality, not associated with aging or outdated trends.
Why do some people call classic fragrances “grandma perfumes”?
Some people call classic fragrances “grandma perfumes” due to their long-standing popularity and association with older generations, though this term is often used humorously or pejoratively.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇