Not long ago, banana in a fragrance felt like a risky proposition. Too sweet, too literal, too much like a smoothie. But something has shifted.

Banana is now one of the most talked-about fruit notes gaining momentum this season — and the way perfumers are using it has become surprisingly sophisticated. Green banana peel, ripe banana accord, banana flower — each brings a completely different character to a composition, from creamy and skin-close to fresh and tropical to almost vegetal and unexpected.

It brings a playful tropical sweetness that feels elevated when blended with notes like rum, orange, jasmine or vanilla — and that is exactly what makes banana perfumes interesting right now. It is a note that can go in many directions, and the best versions don't smell like fruit at all.

Here are seven banana perfumes to try, from the approachable to the genuinely surprising.