Smellmaxxing
Smellmaxxing is a term describing a phenomenon where pre-adolescent and adolescent males use fragrances to enhance their body odor.[1][2] This trend occurred in 2024 and was fueled by social media, specifically TikTok.[1][3] Designer fragrances are often used to achieve this, frequently at a high cost.[1][3]
Background
As adolescent males progress through puberty, body odor is a frequent occurrence; a stereotype that has persisted in the United States is teenage males using Axe body spray as their primary fragrance.[1][4] With the ubiquity of social media, the trend of smellmaxxing became prominent.[5] As lower-end brands like Old Spice lost favor amongst Gen Z, more premium brands enjoyed a higher degree of popularity.[5][6] Due to peer pressure in social arenas such as school, teenage boys conform to the trend.[5]
Description and aspects
TikTok influencers often recommend using different scents for different occasions.[1][3] Other aspects include where on the body to apply the fragrances, where to store the fragrances, and how to make the smell last longer, for instance by first applying a moisturizer.[3] The language used to describe the smells is not unlike that of sommeliers.[1]
Motivation
Motivations for smellmaxxing may include seduction,[3] self-expression,[3] achieving popularity,[5] appearing more mature,[1] or as a way to relate to older role models.[1]
Impact
A survey by Piper Sandler Companies, an investment bank, demonstrated that since the spring of 2023, the annual spending on fragrance amongst teenage males rose by 26%.[1][3] Dior, Chanel, and Tom Ford were particularly popular brands.[3] Teenage males often obtain these high-end items by saving their personal money and/or requesting them as gifts for birthdays or Christmas.[1][3] Some classrooms have banned applying fragrances, and broken glass bottles of fragrance in backpacks became a regular occurrence.[1]
The trend has been pervasive in Western markets, but it also has gained traction in China.[7] However, cultural factors such as price sensitivity, fragrance preferences, and consumption patterns affect the Chinese market differently.[7] Nevertheless, the personal fragrance market demonstrated marked growth in China and is projected to grow.[7]
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 Holtermann, Callie (2024-05-19). "Smellmaxxing, Explained". The New York Times. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
- ↑ Press-Reynolds, Kieran (2024-01-04). "What is 'smellmaxxing'? A new fad involves mostly men trying to maximize or improve their body scent". Business Insider. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 "Why your dude is Smellmaxxing, explained". ISTITUTOMARANGONI. 2024-07-31. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
- ↑ Weir, Darren (2024-07-19). "We Were 'Smellmaxxing' Before It Was a Thing". Medium. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Willets, Melissa (2024-05-23). "Do You Know What Smellmaxxing Is? Why Tween and Teen Boys Are Spending Big Bucks On This Trend". Parents. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
- ↑ Holtermann, Callie (2024-05-19). "Need a New Cologne or Fragrance? Ask a Teen Boy". The New York Times. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Booker, Avery (2024-05-23). "Will 'smellmaxxing' take off in China?". Jing Daily. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
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