First it was the Swell. Then the craze moved to Hydroflasks. And now, Stanley Cups are the bottle to buy. Over the past couple decades, water bottles have become a new fashion trend, with different brands becoming the hottest accessories. The water bottle has evolved from a simple liquid container to a trend that girls race to get on top of. Whether due to the rise in environmentalism, social media, or individualism, water bottles are unarguably a staple of Generation Z.
With a heightened awareness brought to humans’ impact on the environment, and many advocating against wasting resources, the water bottle has become a staple for some to resist plastic waste. By drinking from reusable water bottles, many have hopes to help remove humans’ global footprint a little more each day.
In addition, a rise in self-love, nourishment, and health has prompted many to carry a water bottle with them at all times. Many Gen Zers purchase a water bottle in hopes of living up to aspirational healthy lifestyles portrayed in the media. As Instagram and Tiktok influencers emphasize hydration for a healthier, happier life, young adults are pushed towards the new and expensive brands recommended.
Although the emphasis on healthy hydration is inherently a good idea, the push towards the need for a specific water bottle is unnecessary, and can lead to a culture of exclusion. Parents rush to purchase their 12 year olds a 40 dollar stanley or hydro flask, when the 15 dollar one at Target would work almost just as well. For children whose parents can’t afford these expensive bottles, some become victims to bullying and exclusion for not having the coolest accessory.
Despite the negatives, many Gen Zers have developed an attachment to their trending water bottles, and tend to bring them everywhere they go.
“I can totally see why the attachment to water bottles may seem odd,” junior Charlotte Zender said. “But I get really stressed if I don’t have water at my disposal and so that’s why I hold onto my water bottle so much. It’s one of those things, kinda like a wallet, that you just carry everywhere. You would be sad if you lost your wallet, you know? Especially when you invest in the nice ones, those ones stick around forever and literally go through life with you. No matter how cheesy that sounds, it’s true.”
Influenced by the media and a growing emphasis on self-nourishment, Generation Z has evolved water bottle brands into a popular and necessary fashion trend.
