As the thirst for innovation in the water bottle industry continues to grow in recent years, different trends and opinions have emerged over the best water bottle. From 2015 to 2019, the original S’well bottles dominated, available in a sleek design with over 20 solid and patterned colors. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, during the summer of 2020, the Hydroflask was born. Coined as the “VSCO girl water bottle,” Hydroflasks were covered in sleeves of stickers and vibrant scrunchies. In the past few months, however, the S’wells and Hydroflasks have been ditched for one particular tumbler that has captured everyone’s attention: the Stanley Quencher.
The Stanley Quencher has surged in popularity across TikTok and Instagram and has become a viral sensation due to its exceptional design and functionality. What sets it apart from previously trending tumblers is its innovative features tailored to meet the demands of modern lifestyles. Its durable stainless steel construction ensures longevity, making it a reliable companion for outdoor adventures, daily commutes, or quick errands. An ABC7 article reported an unbelievable incident from November of 2023, where a “woman’s car was destroyed in a fire, and the only item that survived was her Stanley Tumbler!” Thanks to the durability of the Stanley, her video garnered more than 60 million views and Stanley graciously decided to send her more Stanleys and replace her car. Other features that have contributed to the Stanley’s popularity include the vacuum insulation that maintains beverage temperatures both hot and cold, the sleek tapered bottom designed to fit into car cup holders, and the vibrant colors.
The blend of functionality, style, and sustainability has made it a top choice for people seeking a high-quality, eco-conscious tumbler. Some Stanley-enthusiasts have collected many to showcase their appreciation for the brand’s innovation, while others struggle to obtain just one. According to the New York Times, they are “released every few months in batches that vary in quantity, the tumbler has been listed for as much as $100 on the resale site Poshmark.” They sell out within minutes of being restocked online and in-store, with buyers frantically scrambling to grab one and join the Stanley madness. But, many say the hype isn’t worth it. When filled, the tumbler is prone to tipping over and spilling because of the non-leak-proof lid. Additionally, the 40-ounce Adventure Quencher is over 12 inches in height, which is bulky and difficult to fit into the side pockets of a backpack.
Despite these minor drawbacks, its durable construction, excellent insulation, versatility in maintaining beverage temperatures, vibrant colors, and sleek design make it more than just a hydration vessel. The obsession surrounding the Stanley Quencher embodies a lifestyle choice for many teenage girls and millennial women that serves as a practical, stylish, and eco-conscious hydrating solution. According to Black Tiktoker Mikhaela Jennings’ psychology, “the girls that get it, get and the girls that don’t, don’t.” Her insight proves that the Stanley is a symbol of identity and belonging within a community; it’s this sense of appreciation that fuels the fervor surrounding the Quencer, elevating it from a simple accessory to a cultural phenomenon.
