Your cart

Your cart is empty

RAW Papers: The Good Old Days vs. Today’s Lineup

Matchboxbros has carried RAW for a long time, going back to when RAW was just starting to show up in retail shops. Back then the choices were simple: Classic and Organic for papers and cones. The staple sizes like 1¼ and king size slim covered most customers, and reorders were easy.

Fast forward and RAW has grown into a full collection with tons of unique items and sizes. It’s not a complaint, it’s honestly fun to see a brand keep building and keep landing the ideas.

One throwback that still stands out is a compact RAW bundle that came in packaging shaped like a pack of smokes. It was an easy grab for customers, something like a Clipper lighter, a pack of 1¼ papers, and a booklet of tips. Simple by today’s standards, but at the time it felt new. It displayed well, it sold fast, and a lot of customers first got into RAW through that little box.

Today: More RAW Options then Ever

Fast-forward to now and the lineup includes:

  • Classic
  • Organic
  • Black Classic
  • Black Organic
  • Ethereal

Plus every size a customer could ask for (and a few they didn’t know existed). Awesome? Yes. Confusing at the shelf? Also yes.

The Question Customers Keep Asking: “Which One Is the Thinnest?”

RAW doesn’t publish a simple thickness chart. So most shops go by the widely accepted “shop lore” ranking: each newer premium line is generally considered thinner and more refined than the last.

Accepted order: Regular → Ultra Thin

  1. RAW Classic
  2. RAW Organic
  3. RAW Black Classic
  4. RAW Black Organic
  5. RAW Ethereal (typically considered the thinnest / the gold standard)

Simple Shelf Talk (So Staff Don’t Freeze Mid-Question)

  • Classic / Organic = Everyday RAW options
  • Black (Classic or Organic) = Premium, thinner, smoother feel
  • Ethereal = Top-tier thin—lightest paper feel in the RAW family

Merch Tip: Reduce Confusion, Increase Sales

Merchandising the section like a mini ladder makes the decision easier:

  • Everyday: Classic + Organic
  • Premium: Black Classic + Black Organic
  • Premium+: Ethereal

Add a small sign that says “Thinnest → Ethereal” and fewer customers will stare at the wall like it’s a wine list.

Ready to stock up? Shop the full RAW Collection at Matchboxbros.com.

Previous post
Next post