When did we all get so obsessed with water bottles? It’s a question I ask as brands specialising in refillable drinking vessels continue to make news headlines: good, bad and otherwise.
The term “emotional support water bottle” has gained traction on Tiktok over the past few years, with the hashtag #emotionalsupportwaterbottle clocking more than 339 million views in 2024, and it’s still going strong.
Sustainability, style and status are some of the driving factors for the trend. In the USA, Stanley cups and Owala bottles reign supreme. But Down Under, Frank Green is king of reusable bottles.
“Consumers are at the heart of everything. We’re always listening to what they tell us. Whether that’s direct feedback or listening to social commentary,” Frank Green founder Benjamin Young told Broadsheet over email.
Early in 2023, the brand launched a cupholder adaptor after fans resorted to using plumbing pipe to stop their bottles rolling around the passenger seat in their cars. Later that year, Frank Green released the grip lid for easier carrying, as well as a bumper guard (complete with a spot for an Airtag) to help keep bottles in mint condition. And more recently, the brand has doubled down with a limited edition range of trending colours.
What you want out of a water bottle is personal. Does it need to stay cold for as many hours as possible? Will you only take it if it fits in your bag? Or do you and your pet share the same vessel on walks? These brands are making the bottles (and accessories) worth carrying.
Nine of the best water bottles to shop
Frank Green ceramic reusable bottle
$69.95
A classic for a reason, Frank Green’s one-litre bottle is a consistent bestseller. Triple-walled vacuum insulation keeps liquids cold (or hot) for hours and the ceramic lining means you’re not left with a metal taste in your mouth. The latest iteration of limited edition colours include toffee, bubblegum, peppermint and blue lagoon, but you can mix-and-match the colour of the lid, strap and monogram. Plus, there’s the option to customise your lid (push top, flip straw or grip handle) and add personalisation with mix-and-match colourways and monogramming available. There’s also a 595-millilitre variant if you’re after something a little lighter to carry.Ever Vessel Super Maxi water bottle
$69
Brisbane label Ever Vessel makes performance-minded bottles designed to last. The Super Maxi is its biggest bestseller: a one-litre bottle made from food-grade stainless steel, with a carry handle and leak-proof flip lid that works for everything from office sips to gym-session glugs. It’s double-wall insulated to keep water cold for up to 24 hours and customisable with engraving and 11 muted colours, plus add-ons like shaker lids. Last year, the Super Maxi won an Australian Good Design award for its easy-to-clean (and carry) design.PAM x Nalgene water bottle
$44
Nalgene bottles have long been a staple for hikers, campers and hydration nerds alike. They’re made in the USA, famously tough, leak-proof and dishwasher-safe. And thanks to the brand’s long-running series of collabs, they’ve also become a low-key streetwear accessory. The PAM (Perks and Mini) version comes stamped with one of the Melbourne label’s signature graphic prints. At one litre, the narrow-mouth bottle is sized for everyday use – and light enough to throw in your bag for the day.Hommey x Frank Green water bottle
$69
When a cult homewares label teams up with a fan-favourite bottle brand, you get this limited edition drop. The Hommey x Frank Green ceramic reusable bottle comes in iced chocolate stripes and sherbet stripes – two signature patterns by the Melbourne-based home brand. Functionally, it’s the same triple-walled, ceramic-lined bottle you know (and likely already love), keeping drinks cold or hot for hours, minus the metallic taste. Available in one-litre and 595-millilitre sizes, and dishwasher-safe (lid only), this collab adds just the right amount of dopamine dressing to your daily hydration.Ela & Earth insulated water bottle
$54.95
Practical and functional, Ela & Earth’s water bottles are made from 304-grade stainless steel and are free from BPA. The one-litre design is fitted with a straw lid (which you can buy individually if you need a replacement) and carry handle. The Northern Rivers brand also offers a crossbody bag fitted with an adjustable strap and zipped pockets for stashing your keys, card and small essentials on walks.July drink bottle
$45
You probably know about July’s stylish suitcases. But the luggage brand offers a whole range of accessories to make travel more comfortable, including a sleek matte-finish drink bottle. The stainless steel design comes in 500- and 750-millilitre sizes with a screw-top lid. It claims to be leakproof, shatterproof and will keep liquids cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours – that’s got most flights covered.Fressko Core drink bottle
$64.95
Melbourne brand Fressko delivers a lightweight, insulated stainless steel bottle fitted with a click-back leakproof sports lid. The sippable style comes in a range of colours, including seasonal shades of sage green and canary yellow. The bottle is shaped so it’s slightly smaller around the middle where you hold it – no more awkward fumbling to pick it up in the middle of your gym class.Tokio bottle
$54.95
Dog owners know that true love is sharing a water bottle with your furry friend. Tokio solves the problem of having them lick water out of your hand or awkwardly pouring it into their mouth on walks. The three-in-one design features a water bottle and two removable bowls that can be used for food and water. The Aussie brand also pledges 1 per cent of its profits to support local shelters.Memobottle A5 bottle
$55
A bottle that’s sized like a notebook – and slots just as easily into your bag – is the type of product we wish we’d come up with. But we didn’t. Melbourne brand Memobottle did though, making it almost inexcusable to leave your drink bottle at home thanks to a range of rectangular designs that fit like Tetris into totes, backpacks and crossbody bags. Choose between durable plastic or stainless steel in A5, A6 or A7 sizes. You can customise the lid colour and grab a silicon sleeve for added insulation.Water bottle accessories
Tanchen Sling crossbody
SGD$88
This one is a bonus accessory for your favourite emotional support water bottle. Singapore brand Tanchen is known for its wine bottle bags. But its woven crossbody drink bottle carrier is equally useful. It comes in a range of pared-back colours with braided paracord straps in two lengths.Additional reporting by Simone Richardson.
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