Cigars have evolved from rustically shaped clumps of tobacco into beautifully crafted instruments of tactile delight.  

Parejos are the traditional premium cigar shape of a perfect cylinder with an open Foot and a rounded and capped Head.  

In the United States, the length of a cigar is measured in inches.  The diameter or Ring Gauge of the cigar is measured in 64ths of an inch (Cuba uses the metric system). 

Shaped cigars, or Figurados are measured similarly, but the Ring Gauge refers to the thickest part to the cigar.  The specific tapering of a Figurado is unique to its Vitola: which is the name given to a cigar of a particular size and shape (see Vitola chart in a couple of pages).

Figurados may also have a tapered Head and/or Foot, which involves a different rolling and wrapping technique than Parejos.   Only the most expert Torcedores are able to roll Figurado cigars.  Due to the exceptional skills required to make Figurados, these cigars are some of the most rare and exquisite works of craftsmanship in the world.