Sillage

Sillage (pronounced see-yahzh) refers to the lingering scent or trace of perfume, cologne, or other fragrant substance that remains in the air or on a person's clothing after the initial application. It's the olfactory 'footprint' left behind, indicating the projection and longevity of a fragrance. The strength and character of sillage vary greatly, depending on the fragrance's concentration, ingredients, application method, and environmental factors like temperature and humidity. A good sillage subtly announces presence without being overpowering, while a weak sillage fades quickly, and a strong sillage can be overwhelming. It's often used to assess the perceived 'trail' a fragrance creates.

Sillage meaning with examples

• She walked into the room, leaving a captivating sillage of jasmine and vanilla that lingered long after she was gone, making everyone ask what scent she was wearing. The captivating scent was a great sign of great perfume.
• He spritzed on his new cologne before leaving for work, hoping the subtle sillage would attract positive attention. He wanted a great impression as he entered his meeting. He did not want the perfume too strong but noticeable.
• The perfume's disappointing sillage meant it faded within an hour, despite its beautiful top notes; this was not the result they wanted. They hoped it would last the entire evening, and leave an alluring scent as they danced.
• A common criticism of the fragrance was its poor sillage; it simply didn't last, offering a quick burst of scent that disappeared into the background in just minutes after the initial application. A scent that does not last is not considered favorable.
• Luxury brands invest heavily in developing perfumes with desirable sillage, understanding its crucial role in customer satisfaction and how the perceived quality of the perfumes play a major role in sales and consumer experience.