Om by Gap is one of my old favorite scents. It has unfortunately been discontinued (as were most of Gap's fragrances) but I have a tiny bit left over for those special occasions. You know, the ones where I want to smell rich and warm and wonderful.

One of the things I always liked about Om was that it was inexpensive. I could get a bottle for like $20 and it would last forever. I could also buy other items like shower gel and lotion. It was introduced in 1996 and discontinued less than eight years later. It was/is a thick and simple musk. There are no real flourishes with Om. I would describe it as a spicy, woody eau de toilette that is perfect for winter days and any evening. I think Om is sexy.

While I see some people referring to Om as a unisex fragrance, it is not and it has never been. It was popular though stores only carried it for a short time before it was shoved off to outlets (where I discovered its glory). Om won a 1997 FiFi Fragrance Award for best perfume in a private label store. The fact that it has nearly disappeared from even the internet is a shame. The spicy, Asian, and woody scent is classic and masculine. I feel strong and confident wearing Gap Om.

Writing about Om is like reuniting with an old friend. Om came on the heels of an addiction to Calvin Klein Obsession and just prior to my real journeys into the wonderful world of perfume. The price was right when I found it as a poor college student and I would be willing to spend twice as much today if only Gap would once again sell this successful scent. Of course I realize that Om may not be the most popular style right now. It was perfect in the late 1990s when musks seemed to be more trendy. Now I say the word musk and some people recoil in horror. Oh well, it is still among my favorite notes (in addition to sandalwood, citrus, berry, and rose).

Om came in both a 3.4 and 4.0 oz size in addition to as a lotion and shower gel. I'm sure there were other formulas, but these were the only ones I tried. The bottle was large and basic. It was a simple cylinder of frosted glass with orange lettering announcing the fragrance name. It just goes to show a fancy bottle doesn't signify a better fragrance. I don't think Om lasts as long as other, more expensive scents. However in combination with shower gel I always got whiffs all day long.

I miss Gap Om. It was wonderful and it was lovely. It was also classic and organic. It was everything an excellent musk should be. My only wish for Om is that Gap hasn't completely given up on their former star.

Recommended: Yes