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The current “it” cup—and its long line of predecessors
Stanley cups are currently wreaking havoc. Perhaps you even witnessed a physical altercation at your local Target over a limited-edition shimmery pink stein. (Fun fact: NC clocks the fifth highest demand for them in the country). … Point is, they’re everywhere—but the current “it” water bottle isn’t exactly the first to have a moment. And these acclaimed H2O vessels show shorter trend cycles than most other everyday objects, with a select set peaking in recent years (we see you, Hydro Flask!). But none of these storied predecessors have fostered the frenzy of the Stanley cup—and no one really knows why.
Amid the hydration hysteria, it leaves one to wonder: Why do these trends ebb and flow so frequently? Reusable bottles initially became popular among the “crunchy” (read: granola) eco crowd to slow the use and production of single-use bottles in the ’70s (see: Nalgene). Yet, by the late 2000s, they became rooted in our culture.
The rise of social media soon followed. Ever heard of the emotional support water bottle wave? … Not just a vessel for health and fitness, but a trendy and aesthetic lifestyle token, these bottles became a beacon of social standing—something you carry with you at all times, much like a purse. And who wants to be seen carrying an outdated bag?
So, whether you fought tooth and nail for a sparkly Stanley cup this winter or you’re all in on your OG bottle of choice, here’s what your go-to vessel says about you. Drink up!
| CUPS | ERA | Price | Culture | Pros & Cons | Celeb Doppelganger |
| Stanley Quencher | In right *now,* but sure to soon be overrated | $45–$250 | Marketed to doomscrollers dreaming to be microinfluencers who spend their free time at Target | Beyond astronomical cost and risk of lead poisoning, doubles as a defense weapon | Kim Kardashian—always en vogue with no trace of personal style |
| Owala FreeSip | Early 2023–tbd; destined to be your next emotional support cup | $24.99–$37.99 | Ahead of the curve, found at the gym or caving to an under-the-radar TikTok addiction | Fits in a cup holder and free to tumble—with a straw and wide opening | Reneé Rapp—sassy, hip and on the comeup |
| Hydro Flask Mesa | 2017–19, often accompanied by scrunchies and pastel fits | $29.95–$124.95 | The hypothetical big sis of the Stanley—but she peaked in high school | Extremely durable; boasts a rainbow of colors and sizes | Jessica Alba—clean- girl aesthetic; knows a good investment when she sees one |
Yeti Tumbler | Never really in, never really out—just hanging around | $20–$40 | The one-size-fits-all of water bottles—from corporate workers and athletes to company merch | Keeps your bev hot, but buyer beware— she often leaks. | Owen Wilson—likable and well-known, in a lowkey way |
| Nalgene | Born in the ’70s, with a ~2015 resurgence | $19.99 and below | It’s giving granola— NTM athlete and poolside staple | Durable and decoratable… but keep an eye out for condensation. | Stevie Nicks—crunchy, cool and likely to own a Subaru |
| Starbucks Cup | Became a sipsation during the late aughts and early ’10s | From $19.99 | Did you own Bailey Button UGGs in 2013? This cup’s for you. | Niche collectible—but like your fave oversharing friend, she spills. | JLo—confident and ageless |
| Red Solo Cup | The ’70s throwaway spiked 2011–16 | ~13 cents each | For frat boys and soccer moms alike (perf for casual shindigs with questionable bevs) | Cost-effective, but neither cute nor classy | Toby Keith (RIP)—an American who knew how to party |
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