What Kind Of Candles Do Men Like?

Candles have become increasingly popular among men in recent years. Where they were once seen as a feminine product, more and more men are embracing candles for their aesthetic and functional benefits. The use of candles and fire for light and warmth dates back thousands of years, but their popularity today is driven by men looking to create ambiance and relax. Burning a candle can help men unwind after a long day, create a comforting feeling at home, or make a powerful impression when used to set the mood for a romantic evening. The warm glow and inviting scents of candles appeal to men’s senses and allow them to decorate with subtle sophistication. As men continue to take interest in self-care, home decor, and expanding their emotional intelligence, candles offer an accessible way to enhance their lifestyle.

Scent

When it comes to scents, research has shown that men often prefer candles with more masculine, woodsy and spicy scents compared to women. Some scents that regularly top the list for men include:

• Cedarwood – Reminiscent of the great outdoors, cedarwood has an earthy, woody aroma that many men find pleasant.
• Sandalwood – Another woodsy scent, sandalwood is warm and rich with a subtle sweetness.
• Bergamot – With a bright, citrusy aroma, bergamot adds an invigorating yet sophisticated scent.
• Peppermint – The cooling minty scent is refreshing and helps promote focus.
• Coffee – What’s manlier than the aromas of fresh brewed coffee and espresso? Coffee-scented candles are a popular choice.
• Whiskey and tobacco – For a more rugged, masculine vibe, candles that capture the smell of fine whiskey or tobacco often appeal.

On the other hand, men tend to shy away from excessively floral, fruity or sugary sweet scents, which they often view as too feminine. Scents like lavender, rose, peach, vanilla and sugar cookie may not be the best choice when selecting a candle for a masculine gift.

Vessel

When it comes to candle vessels, men often prefer minimalist and functional options. Tin and glass vessels tend to be the most popular choices.

Tin: Tin vessels have a clean, industrial look that appeals to many men. They come in various shapes like cylinders and rectangles. The metal conducts heat well to fully melt the wax. Tin containers are durable and inexpensive.

Glass: Glass also has a sleek, modern aesthetic. Clear glass allows the candle color to shine through. Glass is heat resistant and lets men see the candle wax melting. However, it can get hot to the touch and is prone to breaking if dropped.

Ceramic: Ceramic vessels are less common for men. Though attractive, they sometimes come across as decorated or fragile. The material insulates heat, slowing wax pool creation. Ceramic candle holders with a lid or masculine color/pattern can work for some men.

Ultimately, men gravitate towards functional candle vessels that fit within their decor. Minimalist tin and glass containers tend to be preferred over more ornate ceramic ones.

Size

When it comes to candle sizes, men often prefer larger, longer-lasting candles compared to smaller votives. Some typical candle sizes that men gravitate towards include the following:

Pillar candles – These tall, cylindrical candles are a popular choice. Pillar candles are available in varying diameters like 3″, 4″, 6″ etc. Their long shape allows them to burn evenly for up to 80 hours.

Jar candles – Jar candles contain wax in an attractive glass container. They come in sizes ranging from 8 oz. to 22 oz. and burn for 60-100 hours. The transparent jar lets men see how much candle remains.

Travel tin candles – For men who travel frequently, portable tin candles around 4-6 oz. are convenient. They provide ambience and last up to 18 hours.

While most men prefer the longer burn times and bold presence of larger candles, small votive candles or tealight candles can also be suitable as accent pieces or for traveling. But in general, bigger pillar, jar and tin candles tend to be male favorites.

Color

When it comes to color preferences for candles among men, there are a few trends that stand out. Many men lean towards neutral or natural colors like black, white, tan, brown, gray or navy blue. Candles in these darker shades are seen as more masculine. However, don’t be afraid to experiment with bolder colors too. Men may also appreciate rich colors like burgundy, forest green or deep purple, which create an elegant ambiance.

There are some gender perceptions around color that are important to consider. Bright, pastel or neon colors are sometimes seen as more feminine. However, gender norms around color are becoming more flexible. The scent and style of a candle may be more important to men than the color itself. It’s best not to make too many assumptions. Asking for input and providing a range of color options is the best approach.

The color of the candle container also factors in. Many men prefer candles in a single, neutral color palette from wick to wax to vessel. Contrasting colors or patterns may come across as overly decorative. Ultimately, men have diverse tastes and benefit from having lots of color choices for candles tailored to different moods and spaces.

Brands For Men’s Candles

Some top candle brands marketed specifically toward men include Boy Smells, Homesick, and Minamalism Artisan Aromatherapy. These brands offer candles with masculine scents, minimalist packaging, and branding targeted at male consumers.

Boy Smells is a popular candle brand known for its cheeky, progressive messaging and sleek, modern packaging. Scents like Kush, Cannabis Rose, and Beer appeal to male sensibilities. The black and white packaging features clean typography and imagery.

Homesick candles tap into nostalgia with masculine scents like Game Day, Man Cave, and Gentleman’s Study. The apothecary-style jars offer a vintage vibe.

Minamalism candles feature woodsy, spicy, and tobacco-inspired scents presented in simple, black packaging. With names like Mountain Trail, Whiskey, and Coffee House, the candles clearly target male preferences.

These brands show how marketing and packaging can make candles feel masculine, while offering scents and styles men appreciate. They make great gift ideas for the men in your life.

Occasions for Men’s Candles

Candles can make for great gifts for men on special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and more. However, they also make great additions for everyday home use.

For gifts, candles are perfect for birthdays, as you can find fun “manly” scents like tobacco, whiskey, pine and more that align with his hobbies and personality. Engraved or customized candles also make for meaningful gifts with a personal touch.

For holidays like Christmas, Father’s Day and Valentine’s Day, a scented candle gift set makes a cozy and thoughtful present. Sets allow you to sample different scents so you can discover new favorites.

For anniversaries, consider an elegant soy candle in a color that fits the traditional anniversary gifts, like blue for the 5th anniversary. Or choose his wedding fragrance scent for an extra sentimental gift.

Men also appreciate candles for unwinding after work or creating an inviting atmosphere at home day-to-day. Look for clean, fresh scents like eucalyptus, cedarwood and sage that promote relaxation in the evenings.

Personalization

Personalization is a great way to make a candle gift more meaningful and special for the recipient. Many candle companies offer custom labeling, vessels, and scented options to create a one-of-a-kind candle.

Custom labels allow you to add a name, date, message, or photo to the candle label for a personalized touch. This makes the candle feel more unique and shows you put thought into the gift selection.

You can also select a custom vessel like a tin, mason jar, or ceramic container and decorate it with paint, decals, or etching. Adding personal elements to the candle vessel transforms it into a keepsake object.

Personalized scents also let you create a custom fragrance profile based on the recipient’s preferences. Many candle makers can blend special scent combinations to match the tastes of the individual you’re gifting it to.

Opting for meaningful personalization adds purpose and significance to a candle gift. It shows the recipient they are special and makes the present much more memorable.

Pricing: What Men Are Willing To Pay

When buying candles as a gift for themselves or others, most men tend to stick to a modest budget. However, there are some price points that may make sense depending on the purpose of the candle.

For everyday candles that will be burned regularly, most men will spend around $10-25. Well-known brands like Yankee Candle, WoodWick, and Bath & Body Works have options in this range. The focus here is more on the scent and burn time than extra features.

If buying a special occasion or gift candle, spending $25-50 is reasonable. At this tier, there are more premium options from brand names, gift sets with multiple candles, or hand-poured artisanal brands. The vessels also tend to be higher quality at this price.

At the luxury end, there are artisanal soy candles, custom engraved vessels, or other high-end options priced $50-100. Most men would only splurge on this for a meaningful gift, special occasion, or major purchase for the home. The focus is on an exceptional scent, vessel, or personalization.

No matter the budget, focus on quality over quantity. One beautifully crafted candle means more than a generic bulk pack. Check reviews and shop for candles that deliver an excellent scent, clean burn, and aesthetic appeal.

Conclusion

When choosing candles as a gift for the men in your life, it’s important to consider their individual preferences. However, there are some general tips that can help guide your selection. Focus on earthy, woodsy, or musky scents that will appeal to most men. Choose a sturdy metal or glass vessel in darker colors like black, brown, or grey. Opt for pillar candles in standard sizes like 8oz or 10oz. You may want to include their hobbies or interests in the candle design. Brands like Homesick, WoodWick, and Paddywax have options made especially for men. Give candles tied to events like birthdays, Father’s Day, anniversaries, promotions, or the holidays. Add a personalized touch with custom labels, engraving, or creative packaging. Quality candles can range from $10-$50, but the sentiment is what matters most. With an understanding of masculine tastes, you can find the perfect candle he’ll appreciate and enjoy.