If you are an Australian adult comparing cigarette cartons online, you will see size words in product names: “KS”, “king size”, “super slim” and “box”. This guide explains the difference between king size and super slim cigarettes in plain English and shows the live Vaqlino catalogue examples, so you know what the format on a carton listing actually means before you order.
Adults 18+ only. Tobacco contains nicotine, which is addictive, and smoking causes serious health harm. This article explains cigarette size formats; it is not health advice, a reduced-risk claim, or a recommendation to smoke.
What “king size” (KS) means
King size is the standard full-length cigarette format used by most international brands. “KS” on a listing stands for king size. A king size cigarette is roughly 84 mm long and about 7.5–8 mm in diameter, although the exact dimensions vary slightly between brands and markets because format names are shorthand rather than one fixed global standard.
Vaqlino’s Marlboro Vista Tropical Splash KS Box carton (SKU SS-330) is an example: the “KS” in the name tells you the sticks are king size, and “Box” tells you they come in a rigid flip-top hard pack rather than a soft pack.
Most of the Vaqlino range is king size — brands such as Marlboro, MEVIUS, Dunhill, Manchester and Kent list regular full-size cigarettes in hard packs.
What “super slim” means
A super slim cigarette is noticeably thinner than a king size stick. Super slim formats are typically around 4.5–5.4 mm in diameter — roughly two-thirds of the width of a standard cigarette — and are often slightly longer, at around 100 mm. The word “slim” refers only to the physical size and shape of the stick; it does not tell you the strength of the tobacco inside.
ESSE is a well-known super slim brand. Vaqlino lists ESSE cartons such as ESSE Lights Super Slim (SKU SS-303) and ESSE Menthol (Mechanical Green) Super Slim (SKU SS-325), both sold as cartons of 10 packs.
Key differences at a glance
- Thickness: king size is roughly 7.5–8 mm in diameter; super slim is roughly 4.5–5.4 mm in diameter.
- Length: king size is roughly 84 mm; super slim is often around 100 mm, though lengths vary by brand.
- Pack style: both formats can come in hard packs or soft packs; the pack type is named separately on the listing.
- Strength: not determined by format — tar and nicotine figures, where published, are listed separately on each product record.
- What to check: read the full product name and SKU so the format, pack type and variant match what you intend to order.
How to choose between king size and super slim
Format choice is a matter of physical size and pack preference, not a health decision. Consider:
- If you want a standard full-size cigarette in a familiar format, a king size carton such as Marlboro Red or Mild MEVIUS 10mg Hard Pack is the mainstream choice.
- If you prefer a thinner, longer stick, an ESSE super slim carton is the format to look for.
- Format and strength are separate: check the strength figures on the product listing rather than assuming a thin cigarette is lighter.
Every Vaqlino carton listing states the exact product name, SKU, current price and live stock status, so you can confirm the format before checkout. Browse the full range on the shop page or filter by brand category such as ESSE to compare super slim options.
Buying tips for Australian adults
When you order a carton online, the listing tells you the format inside the name: “KS” or “Box” for king size hard packs, “Super Slim” for the thinner format, and “Soft” for soft packs. If you are deciding between pack formats, see our guide to soft packs vs hard packs. If the size words on a listing are unclear, check the product’s SKU and compare it against the brand category before you pay.
Bottom line
“KS” means king size — the standard full-length cigarette — and “super slim” means a much thinner stick. The format is about physical size and pack shape only; it says nothing about strength or risk. Compare the product name, SKU and pack type on each Vaqlino listing to get the format you intend to order.