Women and Cigars in America: A Love Affair
Cigars have long been associated with masculinity, wealth, and power, often featured in images of men celebrating achievements or indulging in leisure. However, throughout history, women have also had a relationship with cigars, both as smokers and as subjects of cigar marketing. Over time, the role of women in the cigar culture has evolved, reflecting broader societal shifts regarding gender, identity, and consumerism.
Women and Cigars in the Past
The history of women and cigars dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries, but their involvement in cigar smoking was often marginalized. During the colonial era, cigars were primarily associated with men, particularly in Europe and the Americas. As tobacco use spread across the globe, smoking was culturally linked to masculine roles—whether as an assertion of power or as part of the aristocratic rituals.
In the 19th century, cigar smoking was seen as a symbol of sophistication, status, and virility. The image of the wealthy, cigar-smoking gentleman dominated public consciousness, often relegating women to the role of passive observers. Women who did smoke cigars were often viewed as defying societal norms, challenging the expectations of femininity that were rooted in ideals of modesty and propriety. Smoking cigars was considered socially unacceptable for women in many circles, as it contradicted the standards of femininity that prevailed at the time.
Yet, there were exceptions. Some women in the upper echelons of society, particularly in places like France and Cuba, were seen as occasionally indulging in cigars.
Marketing and Cigar Culture: Shaping Gender Roles
In the early 20th century, cigar companies began to explore new ways to market their products, particularly as mass production and new forms of advertising gained prominence. The advertising campaigns of this era often reinforced the gendered image of cigars as a symbol of male dominance. However, by the mid-1900s, women began to emerge as an important target demographic for marketers, albeit in more subtle ways.
The rise of the "lady smoker" as a concept can be traced to the 1920s, when women in Western societies were beginning to experience greater freedoms in terms of fashion, employment, and public life. Smoking, in general, became a form of rebellion against societal expectations, and women started to push against the traditional constraints that had previously bound them. Cigarette companies such as Lucky Strike ran ad campaigns targeting women by equating smoking with women's liberation and independence.
While cigar companies did not initially adopt similar strategies, they began to target women in the post-World War II era, capitalizing on changing social norms. However, the image of the woman with a cigar remained an anomaly for much of the 20th century.
One of the most iconic images that emerged was the "diva with a cigar," which was particularly noticeable in Hollywood films and popular culture. Stars like Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, and later, Catherine Zeta-Jones, often used cigars as part of their public personas, representing women who were confident, mysterious, and powerful. These portrayals were less about the act of smoking itself and more about the idea of women who refused to conform to traditional gender norms.
Women and Cigars Today
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the cigar market began to experience a significant shift. As attitudes toward smoking changed, especially due to growing health concerns, women became more visible in the cigar industry—not only as consumers but also as producers and entrepreneurs. This shift can be attributed to several factors, including the increasing number of women in the workforce, the rise of female empowerment movements, and changes in the marketing strategies of tobacco companies.
Today, women smoke cigars for a variety of reasons, ranging from enjoyment of the flavor and craftsmanship of premium cigars to the social and ritualistic aspects of smoking. The rise of female cigar enthusiasts and the growth of women-focused cigar lounges and events such as cigar and whiskey tastings reflect the diversification of the cigar market. Women have also increasingly taken on roles in the cigar industry, whether as cigar makers, marketers, or owners of cigar brands.
Social media has played a significant role in shaping contemporary cigar culture. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube have allowed women to carve out spaces where they can share their love of cigars, often showcasing their personal journeys and perspectives. Influencers and bloggers such as The Cigar Lady and Cigars and Sweets have built dedicated followings by combining cigar culture with lifestyle, fashion, and personal storytelling. In these spaces, cigars are no longer seen as just a masculine pursuit but as a part of a broader cultural tapestry that includes a diverse group of enthusiasts, including women.
Gender and Cigars in the Modern Era
The relationship between women and cigars has undergone a remarkable transformation over the centuries. From being a taboo and masculine activity to becoming a more inclusive and multifaceted part of popular culture, cigars are now enjoyed by a growing number of women worldwide.
Today, the act of smoking has become an expression of personal choice and enjoyment, a symbol of leisure and indulgence, and a way for women to carve out their own space.