Manly Candles That Men Will Actually Enjoy
by Kyle Doherty
A few months back I got on a serious candle kick. I’ve always liked candles but my real motivation for buying them was to help my small Brooklyn apartment smell like something other than my rescue Pit Bull Molly.
I started with a couple wood scented (mass produced) candles from Target and quickly became sick of them. I then turned to google and found the concept of “man candles” sometimes called “mandles” (PLEASE never use this word) which is nothing new. There are many brands out there making candles for men, the problem is, the majority are rubbish.
Most of what you’ll find on the web when searching for “manly candles” fall into one of three categories:
- Consumer Brands – these candles are very popular but their attempts to appeal to men fall way short in my opinion. When guys look at these candles, the words tough, rugged, masculine, etc. are the last things that come to mind.
- Gimmicky Candles – I have no idea who buys these candles, I’m hoping it’s only as gag gifts but something tells me that’s not the case. If you search for “manly candles” you’ll quickly come across fart, bacon, and beach babe scented candles…facepalm.
- Expensive High End Brands – finally you have your high end candles for men from brands like Baxter of California and Diptyque Paris. Don’t get me wrong… these are very nice candles but they don’t look that masculine in my opinion and they’ll burn a hole in your wallet. Many often selling for over $50 a piece.
After days of searching online I finally found candles that look and smell rugged and don’t break the bank. To save you the headache I went through – here is a list of 10 great candles for men that I’ve found.
10 Man Candles That Are Actually Manly
Campfire from Hawk & Hatchet
This candle doesn’t just smell like a campfire it makes you feel like you sitting around one. Plus with a rugged name like Hawk & Hatchet, and the cool label to match – it’s a great candle for a guy, or anyone who wants a change from the Pumpkin Spice Yankee candles.
Outlaw from Wild Well Supply
This candle is as manly as it gets. Black wax, woodwick that burns like a road flare, rugged & complex smell, and a rusted metal container.
Sea Salt & Agave from Woodfire Candle Co
Another woodwick candle that comes in a whiskey glass – and it smells great.
Sea Salt & Agave from Woodfire Candle Co.
Walden Woods from Hearth & Hammer
For book lovers, Hearth & Hammer creates great small batch candles with unique labels, clever names, and great scents.
Walden Woods from Hearth & Hammer
Balsam & Citrus from Craft + Foster
This San Diego candle company is just getting started and make some fantastic scents. Balsam & Citrus is my favorite.
Balsam & Citrus from Craft + Foster
Whiskey from Wax & Wick
Another wood wick candle in a burly looking container. Definately go with the black container instead of the white if you’re buying this candle for a man.
Firewood. Tobacco, and Spruce candle set
from Brooklyn Candle Studio
Brooklyn Candle studio makes some fantastic candles and their “Man Candle” set is one of their best in my opinion.
Firewood. Tobacco, and Spruce candle set from Brooklyn Candle Studio
Wooden No. 1 from Great Bear Wax Co.
This candle makes you feel like you’re actually in the woods and it’s clean, retro label makes it look great as well.
Wooden No. 1 from Great Bear Wax Co.
One Night Stand from Italic
Italic’s candles are unique because they come in paint cans and have creative names.
And last but not least we have….
Woods Candle from Brand & Iron
The handmade leather wrap on these candles is what I love about them but they smell good too, especially their woods scent.
Woods Candle from Brand & Iron
There you go. Ten masculine, small batch candles in a wide variety of scents and looks. Hopefully this saves you some of the headache I went through when trying to find candles.
Happy candle hunting!
~ Kyle
I purchased a candle two years ago from Ross. It was in a tin, it had green and brown in a very erratic color scheme, had a cool name (clearly appealing to men), and smelled like a combination of a woody forest, but with a tinge of sweetness. Based on this description, might anyone know what candle company this might be? I’ve been going nuts trying to find it.
Hi Aldo,
I have no idea. I’m sorry. lol!! That really isn’t enough info with thousands of candle companies out there. But, if you purchased it at Ross, it will likely be a bigger manufacturer. I would ask them. They would definitely know more than we would. Sorry.
A Gentleman’s Wick candles are cool. Have them scattered on random shelves and in my man cave. Link below.
https://agentlemanswick.com/
My favorite is the http://www.waxandwick.co candles, they are by far the best on the list.
I am trying to find a realistic “campfire” scent for my picky nephew! He doesn’t want an Earthy scent from Yankee candle and I don’t t want to spend like $50 either… Anyone vouch for something realistic??
Thanks
Deb 🙂
I wish you would check out Kringle Candle, we have incredible fragrances for men!