Penhaligon's 1989 EDP

M ££ Statement

Racquets Formula

by Francis Pickthall

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Penhaligon's Racquets Formula is an Eau de Parfum launched in 1989, created by Francis Pickthall. Racquets Formula opens with Lavender, settles into a heart of Cedar, Rose, Ylang-Ylang, and Clove, and dries down to a base of Musk, Amber, Vetiver, and Oakmoss. Penhaligon's's Racquets Formula carries a Statement verdict, a green-led wear.

A tragically discontinued Penhaligon's classic, Racquets Formula is hailed by many as barbershop heaven. It's a fresh, elegant, and timeless scent, lamented by its devotees who can't believe it was ever pulled from production. If you can find a bottle, snap it up.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Classic
  • Elegant
  • Fresh
  • Clean
  • Sophisticated
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Racquets Formula Eau de Parfum bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

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Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Moderate (4-6h)
Projection
Strong
Intensity
Strong

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Spring Summer Winter

Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Office Casual Formal Sport
Also Works:
Date

Its fresh, clean, and classic cologne feel makes it highly versatile, suitable for casual wear or even light sporting activities like its namesake implies. While elegant enough for formal settings, its decent sillage and longevity might make it slightly too pronounced for a very conservative office environment, though it is still appropriate.

Ingredients and allergens

We don't have this fragrance's ingredient list yet.

About

Racquets Formula opens with a bright burst of lavender, underpinned by a fresh, clean, and slightly green linden blossom. The heart unfolds into a sophisticated blend of creamy ylang-ylang and delicate rose, warmed by a touch of clove and sturdy cedar. As it settles, a classic chypre base emerges, with earthy vetiver and oakmoss, softened by amber and a whisper of mystic incense, rounding out a truly elegant scent.

Similar

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Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once: the blends worth trying, how each one scores and where to spray See what layers well

Complement

Two people, two scents: what sits well beside it when you each wear your own See what pairs well

Where to buy

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Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.