The Stanley Cup has dominated the water bottle scene over the past year, proving its worth by surviving car fires and even inciting fights in Targets over limited edition colors. The rise of “it” water bottles over the past decade has coincided with a cultural shift away from plastics and towards metal, fueled by social media. This continues the commitment to using reusable bottles instead of single use, plastic bottles.
In the 2010s, the Nalgene bottle was a must-have for serious hikers, thanks to its durable high-density polyethylene and polycarbonate materials. Plus, it has markings to show how much you have drank throughout the day..
Around 2015, the Gatorade bottle was a staple. You could not attend a sports practice without seeing at least a couple. It was perfect for the waterfall method of drinking and squeezing for football players needing a quick sip.
The S’well bottle laid the groundwork for today’s “it” water bottles. It was metal, made a loud bang when knocked over, and came in every color and design imaginable. “I used a S’well during middle school because it was quick, easy to get out of my bag, and they had nice designs,” senior Emily Tran stated. However, it did have its quirks, like a metallic taste and difficulty fitting ice cubes.
The Hydro Flask, or the VSCO girl water bottle, hit mainstream popularity during summer 2019 and started a trend that lasted for years. It continues the metal trend, but offers a different look with two lid options: a straw or a traditional twist-off. Decorating your Hydro Flask with stickers was a must.
The latest “it” cup, the Stanley, originally targeted construction workers. But its savvy marketing team saw an opportunity to target young women and seized it. Paired with the Clean Girl aesthetic trend, the Stanley fits in a car cup holder, has a large handle, and comes in a range of solid colors. Senior Makenzie Milburn commented, “I chose to buy a Stanley because of its practicality and its long straw, which will help me drink more water throughout the day,”
