You know that feeling when you walk into a room and someone’s scent just hits you like a physical wall? Not in a "too much body spray" kind of way, but in a "who is that and why do they smell like a billionaire's library" kind of way. That’s basically the vibe of More Than Words cologne. It’s part of the Join the Club collection from Xerjoff, and honestly, it’s one of the most polarizing things you can put on your skin.
People talk about it like it’s a secret society. In fact, the whole "Join the Club" gimmick is that Xerjoff doesn't actually release the official note pyramid. They want you to experience it, not read it. But let's be real—we have noses. We know what's in there. It’s a massive, fruity, oud-heavy powerhouse that stays on your clothes until the next presidential election.
If you’re looking for a clean, "just out of the shower" scent, keep moving. This isn't that. This is loud. It’s dramatic. It’s basically the olfactory equivalent of wearing a velvet blazer to a dive bar.
Why More Than Words cologne isn't your average fruity floral
Most people hear "fruity" and think of a cheap mall perfume or a bowl of synthetic strawberries. Xerjoff doesn't do that. When you first spray More Than Words, you get this explosion of dried fruits. Think dates, raisins, and maybe a bit of spiced plum. But it's not sweet like candy. It's dense.
Then the oud kicks in.
Now, if you're new to the fragrance world, "oud" can be scary. Sometimes it smells like a barnyard. Sometimes it smells like medicinal bandaids. Here? It’s polished. It provides this dark, woody backbone that keeps the fruit from feeling too juvenile. Some enthusiasts on forums like Basenotes and Fragrantica argue there’s a heavy dose of Labdanum and Ambergris in the base too. It gives the scent a salty, skin-like warmth as it dries down.
The performance is frankly ridiculous
One spray. Maybe two if you’re feeling dangerous. If you do three, you are officially "that person" in the elevator.
The longevity of More Than Words cologne is borderline legendary. We are talking 12 to 15 hours on skin. If it gets on your wool coat? It’s staying there for weeks. This is a massive "plus" for people who hate having to reapply their scent halfway through the day, but it’s a "minus" if you like to change your fragrance for dinner.
You have to commit to this one. It’s a long-term relationship, not a fling.
The mystery of the Join the Club collection
Xerjoff’s marketing for this line is kind of brilliant and kind of annoying at the same time. They claim each scent represents a specific "club"—for More Than Words, it’s the club of writers and poets.
Does it smell like ink and old paper? Sorta.
There is a certain "inky" quality to the oud they use. It’s sharp and intellectual. But mostly, it just smells expensive. Sergio Momo, the founder of Xerjoff, has always leaned into this Italian luxury aesthetic where more is more. They don't want to tell you the ingredients because they want the "aura" to do the talking. While some find that pretentious, it definitely adds to the allure of the bottle.
Who is this actually for?
Honestly, this is a "boss" scent. It’s for someone who doesn’t mind being noticed. If you’re shy or you work in a tiny, cramped office with people who are sensitive to smells, please, for the love of everything, don't wear this to work.
- The Vibe: Creative, bold, slightly mysterious.
- The Season: Winter and Fall. It's too heavy for a 90-degree summer day.
- The Gender: Totally unisex. Men love the wood and oud; women love the dark fruit and rose-like sweetness.
There is a common misconception that oud fragrances are only for men. That's just wrong. More Than Words has this jammy, dark rose quality (even though rose isn't "officially" listed) that makes it incredibly sexy on anyone. It’s about confidence, not gender.
What most people get wrong about the price
Yes, Xerjoff is expensive. You're looking at a significant investment for a full bottle. But here’s the thing about More Than Words cologne: the cost per wear is actually lower than a lot of "cheaper" scents.
Think about it.
With a standard designer fragrance, you might need 5 or 6 sprays to get through the day. With this, you need one. A 50ml bottle of Xerjoff will likely outlast a 100ml bottle of a diluted EDT. You’re paying for concentration. This is an Eau de Parfum, but it performs like an Extrait.
Don't buy it blind
I cannot stress this enough. Do not buy a full bottle based on a YouTube review.
Because of the way the dried fruits and oud interact, it can smell very different depending on your skin chemistry. On some people, the fruit stays bright and sweet. On others, the oud turns very smoky and "dark."
Go to a high-end department store like Neiman Marcus or Saks, or better yet, order a 2ml sample online. Wear it for a full day. See how you feel at hour eight. If you still love it, then drop the cash.
How to wear it without offending your neighbors
Since this is such a powerhouse, application is an art form.
- The "Under the Shirt" Trick: Spray it on your chest before you put your shirt on. This muffles the projection slightly so you aren't leaving a trail for three blocks, but you'll still catch whiffs of it all day.
- Avoid the Neck: If you spray it right on your neck, you might go "nose blind" because the scent is so strong and so close to your nostrils.
- Timing is Everything: Give it 30 minutes to settle before you walk into a crowded room. The opening is the loudest part; the dry down is where the magic really happens.
Common comparisons: More Than Words vs. The World
A lot of people compare this to Portrait of a Lady by Frederic Malle or Oud Satin Mood by Maison Francis Kurkdjian.
While they share that "dark fruit/rose/oud" DNA, More Than Words is punchier. It’s less "polite" than the MFK. It’s more bohemian. It doesn't have the powdery finish that you find in a lot of other high-end ouds. It stays juicy. That juiciness is what sets it apart from the dry, dusty woods you find in most niche perfumery.
Dealing with the "Synthetic" argument
You’ll occasionally see purists complaining that Xerjoff uses synthetic molecules like Ambroxan or certain aroma chemicals to get that massive projection.
To that I say: so what?
Almost every modern perfume uses synthetics to achieve stability and performance. What matters is the blend. In More Than Words cologne, the blend is seamless. You can't tell where the natural fruit ends and the synthetic booster begins. It just smells like a cohesive, expensive experience.
📖 Related: My Dearest Self with Malice Aforethought: What Most People Get Wrong
Actionable steps for your fragrance journey
If you're ready to dive into the world of high-end niche scents, don't just stop at reading.
- Get a sample first: Visit sites like LuckyScent or DecantX to grab a small vial. It's the only way to test the 12-hour longevity on your own skin.
- Check the batch: While Xerjoff is usually consistent, some collectors swear by older "blue bottle" versions. Don't stress too much about this—the current formulation is still a beast.
- Store it right: Because this has some heavy natural-smelling components, keep it out of your bathroom. The humidity and heat will kill a $300 bottle of perfume faster than anything else. Keep it in a cool, dark drawer.
- Layering (If you're brave): Try layering it with a simple molecule scent like Molecule 01 to give it an even more woody, architectural feel.
Buying a fragrance like this is about more than just smelling good. It's about how it makes you feel when you put it on. More Than Words makes you feel like you’ve got something important to say, even if you don't say a word. It's a statement. Just make sure it's a statement you're ready to make for 12 hours straight.