Hugo Boss In Motion Review: Does It Still Smell Great in 2026?
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Back in 2002, Hugo Boss launched In Motion — a cologne that quickly became iconic, partly thanks to its spherical silver and orange bottle. I bought it almost immediately at launch, and it became one of my favourite fragrances of the 2000s. My wife loved it too. It was probably her favourite.
Then, somehow, In Motion disappeared from the radar. In 2022, Boss relaunched it with a safer, more grown-up bottle. I didn't buy it then. I only picked it up a week ago, here in 2026. I wanted to know whether, in a world of reformulations, the new In Motion still had its magic — or whether my memory of it was better than the reality.
Time to find out.
Quick Verdict
The good news: In Motion still smells as great as the original — maybe even a little better and more refined. The orange is still there, the bergamot, the basil, and all the notes that made it special. It's fresh, dynamic, and has that creamy orange scent that remains surprisingly unique.
Longevity is around 4 hours on my skin — not a beast, but the original wasn't either. It's affordable, especially in the UK, and still a huge compliment magnet. If you loved it in the 2000s, you won't be disappointed. If you've never tried it, it's one of the best summer fragrances you'll find for the money.
Hugo Boss In Motion — Notes
| Top | Bergamot, Violet Leaves, Pink Pepper, Basil |
| Heart | Cardamom, Cinnamon, Nutmeg |
| Base | Sandalwood, Musk, Vetiver, Woody Notes |
The Bottle: Bye Bye Spherical, Hello Square
I don't know what to think about the new bottle.
Yes, the original spherical design was unique — that silver and orange ball was instantly recognisable on any bathroom shelf. But it also wasn't the easiest shape to spray. The new bottle is way safer: a square design with a metallic lid. Less iconic, absolutely. But more practical.
I really like the new black font they've used. It looks premium, and the bottle feels more grown-up. It's easier to hold, easier to spray, and sits more neatly on a shelf. Do I miss the sphere? A little. But I think the trade-off was worth it.
The Scent: Does It Still Have the Magic?
Yes. And maybe it's even a little better.
The orange is still there — perhaps a touch less prominent than the original, but still very much present. The bergamot, basil, and all the other notes from the 2002 version come through clearly. It's probably been reformulated, and yes, it doesn't last quite as long as it used to. But the original In Motion was never a powerhouse on longevity anyway.
Personally, I spray a lot of this fragrance because I love the smell, especially in summer. It lasts around 4 hours on my skin and clothes. However, yesterday I sprayed it early in the morning, and late in the afternoon my wife gave me a compliment because she could still smell it. So it's definitely not a two-hour performer on my skin.
That creamy orange scent is what makes In Motion special. It's fresh without being sharp, warm without being heavy, and dynamic without trying too hard. It's masculine, approachable, and has a character that most modern summer fragrances lack.
Bye Bye Spherical design, hello square bottle!
How It Compares to Boss Bottled
I used to love Boss Bottled, but the most recent reformulation made it last only 1–2 hours on my skin — while the price stayed high. In Motion, by contrast, is quite affordable here in the UK. You can get a great bottle on Amazon UK for a very good price. In the US, it's a little more expensive but still incredible value for what you get.
For me, In Motion is now the better buy. Better scent. Better price. Better memories.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- •Still smells as great as the original — maybe even more refined
- •Unique creamy orange scent — nothing else quite like it
- •Fresh, dynamic, and perfect for summer
- •Huge compliment magnet — my wife still loves it
- •Very affordable, especially in the UK
- •Great value compared to other designer fragrances
Cons
- •Longevity is around 4 hours — not a beast
- •New bottle is less iconic than the original sphere
- •Likely reformulated from the 2002 version
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy It?
If you used In Motion in the past, go for it — you won't be disappointed. It smells as great as it used to. If you've never tested it, go for it — because for summer, it's a fragrance like no other. It smells great, it's masculine, and it's a huge compliment magnet.
Well done, Hugo Boss.
Jerome.
About the Author
Jerome bought Hugo Boss In Motion when it first launched in 2002 — and again in 2026. He's been reviewing men's fragrances, skincare, and grooming products since 2013 on Dapper & Groomed. His reviews are never approved or previewed by brands. He paid for this bottle himself.