Le Male, Le Parfum or Elixir: the Gaultier line explained

Jean Paul Gaultier's Le Male has been in production since 1995 and remains one of the most recognisable masculine fragrances in the world. The problem for buyers is that there are now several versions on the shelf, all in a similar bottle, at very different prices.

Le Male (Eau de Toilette)

The original. Lavender and mint at the top, then a soft, powdery vanilla with a barbershop feel. It is sweet but clean, and it is the version most people picture when they think of Le Male. The 200ml bottle is the value option if this is your signature.

Le Male Le Parfum

Richer and darker. The lavender is still there, but cardamom and a deep vanilla-woods base make it warmer, longer-lasting and better suited to evening and cold weather. The Intense edition pushes this further again. If you find the original too light after a few hours, this is the upgrade.

Le Male Elixir

The sweetest and most concentrated route: honey and tonka over the familiar lavender-vanilla frame. It is a statement rather than an everyday scent, and a little goes a long way — two sprays is usually enough.

How to choose

Buy the eau de toilette for daily and warm-weather wear, Le Parfum for evenings and winter, and Elixir if you want maximum warmth and sweetness. All three share enough DNA that people who like one usually recognise the others.

Compare live retailer prices for Le Male Eau de Toilette 200ml, Le Male Le Parfum Intense 200ml and Le Male Elixir 125ml.

A note on price

Gaultier fragrances discount heavily and unpredictably across retailers, especially on the large bottles. The difference between the cheapest and dearest listing for the same 200ml bottle is often substantial, so always check the comparison table before buying.