What is sillage in perfume?

Sillage, also known as "trail" or "wake" in French, refers to the lingering scent that a perfume leaves behind in the air when it is worn. It is essentially the "scent cloud" that is created around a person as they move.

Sillage can vary depending on the concentration and quality of the perfume, as well as the individual's body chemistry and how the perfume interacts with their skin. Generally, perfumes with a higher concentration of fragrance oils (such as parfum or extrait de parfum) will have a stronger and longer-lasting sillage compared to eau de toilette or eau de cologne.

A perfume with good sillage will leave a noticeable and pleasant fragrance trail in its wearer's wake, making a lasting impression on those around them. However, some people may prefer perfumes with a more subtle sillage, as a strong scent trail can be overwhelming in certain situations.

When choosing a perfume, it is important to consider not only the scent itself but also the sillage it creates, to ensure that it aligns with your personal preferences and the occasion for which you will be wearing it.