Western perfumery has only recently, and somewhat reluctantly, embraced unisex marketing. Arabic perfumery arguably never had the same rigid divide to begin with — oud, amber and musk have been worn across genders in the Gulf and wider Middle East for generations.
Why Oud and Amber Read as Unisex
Both are deep, resinous, skin-close notes without an inherently “masculine” or “feminine” register. See our amber vs oud guide for more on these two signature notes.
What UK Shoppers Are Searching For
Searches for “unisex”, “gender-neutral” and “his and hers” framing have shifted noticeably over the last few years, genuinely reflecting a wider fragrance-industry shift.
How to Choose a Unisex Scent
Oud, amber, sandalwood and musk-forward blends are the safest unisex bets — try Lattafa Khamrah or Reef 33 as genuinely shared-wardrobe options.
A Note on “His” and “Hers” Labelling
Where products are labelled for a specific gender, that is largely a marketing convention from the brand rather than a reflection of who should wear it — there is no reason not to try Lady Reef if you are shopping as a man, or vice versa.
FAQ
Is Arabic perfume unisex?
Much of it is, or can be worn that way — oud, amber and musk-forward blends in particular do not carry a strong gendered register.
Can women wear “for him” oud perfumes?
Yes — gender labelling on Arabic perfumes is largely a marketing convention rather than a rule about who can wear a scent.
What are the most unisex fragrance notes?
Oud, amber, sandalwood and musk are generally considered the safest unisex note families.
Find a scent that suits you, not just your gender.