Arlington Cologne vs Assortment Sprays: Which to Choose?
By Chemists and Perfumers since 1790 D R Harris London | Published: 2026-10-24
Category: Buying Guides
Deciding between a full bottle of Arlington Cologne and a set of 2ml spray samples? This guide helps you pick based on your fragrance needs and experience with D R Harris scents.
Quick answer
Choose Arlington Cologne if you already love classic citrus-fern scents and want a full bottle for daily wear. Choose the Assortment of 2ml Sprays if you are new to D R Harris fragrances or want to sample several scents before committing.
Understanding the difference in purpose
Arlington Cologne is a single, established fragrance meant for regular use. It offers light citrus notes with fern, making it suitable for both daytime and evening wear. The Assortment of 2ml Sprays is a discovery set containing six different scents, ideal for exploring the brand's range without buying full bottles.
Your choice depends on whether you already know you like Arlington or want to experiment with multiple fragrances. Both options come from the same heritage house, but they serve very different needs.
When to buy the full bottle first
If you have smelled Arlington Cologne before or know you enjoy light, fresh, fern-based colognes, the full bottle makes more sense. You get the complete fragrance experience without the extra step of sampling. The price per milliliter is also lower than buying multiple sample sprays.
However, if you are completely new to traditional English colognes, jumping straight to a full bottle carries the risk of disliking the scent. In that case, the assortment is a safer starting point.
Diagnosis: Which option fits you?
- Symptom: You are unsure whether to buy a full bottle of Arlington Cologne or a set of sample sprays.
- Likely cause: You may be new to D R Harris fragrances, or you already have a preference but want to confirm before spending more.
- Corrective action: If you have never tried Arlington or any other D R Harris scent, start with the Assortment of 2ml Sprays. If you already know you like citrus-fern colognes or have sampled Arlington before, buy the full bottle. Sampling first avoids waste and helps you discover your true favorite.
- Stop or choose another option: If you are looking for a single, everyday fragrance and have already tested Arlington, stop considering the assortment and buy the cologne. If you want variety or are still exploring, the assortment is the better choice. Your decision should match your current familiarity with the scent and your desire for exploration versus commitment.
Product facts
- Arlington Cologne £42 - D R Harris London: Light citrus notes with fern, suitable for daytime and evening wear and enjoyed by gentlemen the world over. This means Arlington is a versatile, all-occasion scent that works for both work and social events, making it a reliable choice for a signature fragrance.
Arlington Cologne £42 - D R Harris London - Assortment 1- 2ml Sprays X 6 - D R Harris London: Made from lavender blossoms grown in England, giving the true smell of lavender. Combined here with just a trace of musk to make a lasting fragrance. The assortment includes this lavender-based spray, offering a different aromatic profile from Arlington, which helps you compare fragrance families before deciding on a full bottle.
Assortment 1- 2ml Sprays X 6 - D R Harris London
