Is it permissible for a Muslim woman to wear perfume in public or is it a sin?

The religion of Islam urges all Muslims to observe good personal hygiene through using all available, lawful means. Scented soaps, perfumes, body-care products and the like are recommended for meeting this purpose.

Wearing perfume is among the commendable things in Islam since having a pleasant fragrance is praised. It is permissible for a Muslim woman to wear whatever kinds of pleasant perfumes she wishes whether in public, at home for personal adornment or to please her husband. However, it is prohibited for a woman to wear strong fragrances on purpose when she goes out to public places. Strong perfume is mentioned in the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): "… people smell her perfume." This means purposefully wearing strong perfume with an unlawful intention, i.e. to attract men.

The ruling
Based on this, a woman should refrain from wearing strong perfumes when she goes out and mixes with non-mahram men (i.e. men allowed to marry her).