Dress box
A dress box, or *semi-boîte nature* (SBN) when partially covered, is the standard rectangular cedar box, finished with lithographic paper labels, used to package most regular production Cuban cigars. It is the most common form of presentation in the Habanos catalogue, designed to hold either 10 or 25 cigars. The cigars are traditionally pressed slightly square to fit the format, layered in rows and separated by a cedar spill.
What it means
The dress box dates back to the mid-19th century when Cuban manufacturers began using decorative lithography to distinguish their brands and protect the contents. Today, a fully dressed box is covered almost entirely in branded paper. A *semi-boîte nature* (SBN) box leaves the natural cedar exposed on the sides, using paper labels solely for the hinges, clasps, and branding crests.
Inside, the cigars are arranged in a precise configuration. A protective sheet of cedar sits above the top layer to maintain humidity and protect the wrappers from the *bofetón*, the decorative paper flap that covers the cigars. A ribbon, usually silk and carrying the brand's name, secures the bundle to assist with lifting the first cigar without damaging the wrapper.
Standard — Total Cigars: 25 — Internal Arrangement: Bottom row of 13, top row of 12
Small — Total Cigars: 10 — Internal Arrangement: Single row of 10 or two rows of 5
Why it matters when buying
The exterior of a dress box is a primary canvas for authentication. When evaluating a box, collectors must inspect the precise placement of the Habanos DOP label and the green Cuban warranty seal containing a barcode and hologram. Every authentic dress box will also have a factory code and packing date stamped directly onto the raw cedar base.
For boxes sold in the UK, an EMS stamp should be visible on the outer packaging, verifying its passage through the official regional distributor. Because the cigars are slightly compressed in this format, box-pressed cigars will have a subtly flatter profile compared to those stored in round bundles within a cabinet. Understanding these packaging details is essential when learning how to spot fake Cuban cigars.
Related terms
SLB
Tubos
At MokaCigar
We inspect and verify the factory stamps and regional markings on every dress box that enters our London humidor. To browse our current regular production stock, visit our shop or review our cigar box code guide to understand the dates on your own collection.