Many premium cigars today are sold wrapped in cellophane – a clear, protective sleeve designed to prevent damage and slow the drying process. Cellophane was first created in 1912 and is made from cellulose, a natural plant-based substance. In cigar factories, tubes of cellophane are machine-made, and each cigar is carefully slipped into its sleeve by hand.
The use of cellophane has become more common as cigars are increasingly sold individually rather than by the box. It protects cigars from excessive handling in shops and provides a layer of safety during transport. But what happens once you bring those cigars home and place them in your humidor?
Humidor Storage: Remove or Leave Cellophane?
This is one of the most common questions asked by cigar enthusiasts. The general rule is:
- Remove cellophane for long-term storage or ageing
Cellophane acts as a barrier to humidity. While it slows down the drying process, it also prevents your cigars from fully absorbing and responding to your humidor’s environment. For proper ageing and consistent humidity, unwrapping is best. - Remove cigar tubes too
Glass and aluminium tubes seal cigars completely, blocking any humidity exchange. Cigars left in tubes won’t benefit from proper humidification.
When to Keep Cellophane On
There are situations where keeping the sleeve is practical:
- Transport & travel – If you’re slipping a cigar into your jacket pocket, travel case, or bag, the cellophane offers protection from knocks, scuffs, or cross-aromas from other cigars.
- Mixing brands in a humidor – Cellophane can help reduce “marrying” of aromas when storing different types of cigars together.
Best Practice
For optimal results, most cigar experts recommend:
- Unwrapping cigars in your humidor if you plan to store or age them.
- Keeping some wrapped for travel and convenience.
This balance allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds – perfect humidification at home, and safe transport on the go.