How Long Does Perfume Last On Clothes?

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We all know that spraying perfume on pulse points can make its projection much more noticeable. However, if it’s longevity you’re going for, spraying perfume on your clothes is a great way to achieve this. But once it’s there, how long does perfume last on clothes? Let’s investigate!

Spraying Perfume On Clothes

One of the joys of perfume is that it is such a diverse product that can be used in so many ways. If you want to make it last that little bit longer, then spraying it on your clothes will help. However, there are times that this isn’t the best idea since some types of perfumes leave marks on your garments. Eau de parfum being a particular culprit of this.

You will find that the better quality a perfume is, the longer it will last on your clothing. There are some fragrances that will persist even after you have put the item of clothing through the washing machine, while others will dissipate hours after spraying. 

The issue is that owing to the higher oil concentration of eau de parfum, the scent will last much longer. This is great if you are looking for a longer-lasting scent but if you want to be more subtle, using an eau de toilette will be better.

How Long Does Perfume Last On Clothes?

People will often choose their cologne based on its longevity when applied either directly to the skin or onto clothing. However, you should keep in mind that the quality of the perfume will determine how long it will last. 

With some stronger fragrances, you can feel confident that your perfume will last throughout the day. In some cases, perfumes will remain on clothes in excess of a week. If you are using a less expensive perfume with a lower fragrance oil content, you will expect this to last anywhere between a few hours and a day. 

Should I Apply Perfume On Clothes Or On My Skin?

Perfume is primarily designed to be worn on the skin as it is your body heat that will activate the scent. Depending on where you apply the perfume, you can expect different levels of projection. For example, applying perfume on your pulse points will deliver a much more fragrant and intense sillage than if you were to apply it elsewhere. 

Moreover, there is a risk that perfume can stain your clothing. This isn’t always the case but those fragrances that are made with high levels of perfume oil certainly pose this risk. You’ll find that these stains resemble an oily patch and this is difficult to remove. In some cases, these stains are worse because of the presence of dye in the perfume.

What’s more, applying perfume on your skin allows it to work with your natural body chemistry. One of the greatest things about experimenting with fragrance is that each scent smells slightly different depending on the wearer. Of course, the notes don’t change but how the composition reacts with your unique chemistry does. This is not something you can achieve when spraying fragrance on materials like clothing. 

You should also think about how the perfume will interact with other scented products that may be on your clothing. For example, if you spray cologne onto a cardigan that has been washed with highly-fragranced washing powder and fabric softener, this is going to blend with your perfume. 

You might not think that this would be much of an issue but this will interfere with how the perfume smells. To get the right, and most beautiful smelling result every time, you should apply the perfume to your skin and then dress. 

How Can I Make My Perfume Last Longer?

A lot of people douse their favorite sweater or dress in perfume with the hope that this will cause the fragrance to last longer. While it will remain on the clothes, you won’t get the same level of projection that you would when applying it to the skin. 

But don’t worry; there are plenty of things you can do to make your perfume last longer and avoid ruining your best garments with oily marks. 

We have already discussed proper application of the perfume to the pulse points and this should be one of your go-to methods. However, you can also spray your perfume on directly after moisturizing the skin. Fragrances take hold better on oily skin and have greater longevity, particularly for certain fruity or nutty notes. 

You should also consider opting for an eau de parfum, which as we have learned, has a greater concentration of perfume oils. This means that the scent will last longer compared to things like eau fraiche or eau de toilette. 

Scents That Make Perfume Last Longer

It’s more common to head to your local beauty store and pick out a favorite perfume, but more and more people are jumping on the fragrance bandwagon and making their own scents. This gives you the chance to create a composition that is utterly unique to you but choosing the right ingredients will make the fragrance go further. 

When you look at the fragrance notes in some of the most successful perfumes, you will notice that many of them at the base are similar. Things like sandalwood, cedar, vetiver, musk, and patchouli offer longevity that cannot be beaten by lighter citrus or floral notes. To make your perfume last much longer, always include these notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to make perfume last longer on clothes?

If you are eager to spray some of your favorite perfume onto your clothing then the best way to make it last as long as possible is to layer the scent. This is a trick that is usually done on the skin, applying scented body lotion before your spray. However, it can also be applied to clothing by spraying a layer, leaving it to diffuse and then adding another layer.
Another great way to keep the smell of perfume on your clothing is to store them in airtight bags when you aren’t wearing them. The scent will have nowhere to go so next time you come to wear that dress, it’ll be pre-scented in the perfume of your choice.

How to remove the smell of perfume from clothes?

If you are fortunate enough to have found a fragrance that clings to your clothing then there will come a time that you want to get it out. While cheaper fragrances will come out with a normal wash cycle, more stubborn ones will need to be removed using baking soda. This can be added to a bucket of warm water. Once dissolved, you can pop the offending item in and leave it to soak overnight. For an even more intense treatment, put another half a cupful of baking soda into the washing machine when you clean the garment.

How to apply perfume on clothes?

You can spray perfume directly onto your clothing but this won’t last very long unless it is a strong, more high-end perfume. In the case of your everyday fragrance, spritzing a piece of tissue paper and keeping it in your drawer or closet, with the clothes, will allow it to dissipate while they are being stored.

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