By Ashley Gilbert

Stanley tumblers, infamous for their aesthetic pastel coloring and trustworthy material, rose to fame through TikTok in 2022. According to Consumer News and Business Channel (CNBC), Stanley tumblers gained a revenue of $750 million in the year 2023 alone. The cup was first popularized by eco-friendly, health-conscious, often teenage TikTokers who frequently used the platform’s “#watertok” community. As a result, this tumbler later became one staple in the “clean girl aesthetic,” just one of the many micro-trends popularized in social media. Various consumers spent up to $70 on this basic, though insulated, water bottle.

The price of a Stanley tumbler is an absurd amount of money to spend on such a common necessity. However, in today’s consumerist culture, people completely disregard prioritizing essential needs and in doing so, spend hard-earned money on non-fundamental materials. 

Brands, such as Simple Modern and Embark, sell more affordable duplicates of the tumbler, in which there are little differences in quality. However, it is the brand name that is important, rather than the quality because the others do not fit into the “aesthetic” category. 

Moreover, social media users are easily influenced by celebrities and their endorsements on social media. For instance, if a popular celebrity promotes a product or service on TikTok, their fans are more likely to purchase or support it based solely on their influence. Celebrities such as Adele and Olivia Rodrigo have been spotted with the famous Stanley tumblers on social media. 

However, with a price point of $35-$55, it is important to remember that trends like these have a short lifespan, inducing individuals to purchase many viral products. Sure, they offer consumers the validation that their style is relevant, but for how long? The current Stanley tumbler fad is reminiscent of the Hydroflask trend that arose in 2019. Hydroflasks are an accurate representation of how quickly things go out of style. 

Not everyone can afford to keep up with meaningless trends that constantly change. Following micro trends often requires purchasing new items or constantly updating one’s belongings. This can become a financial burden for those who have limited discretionary income. It is unfair to pressure them to conform to trends that may strain their finances or at least to judge them for buying cheaper alternatives. 

The extravagant Stanley tumbler became popularized on TikTok and other social media platforms, which caused many to make unnecessary purchases to keep up with current trends. Though various companies have presented audiences with more affordable alternatives, many have shied away due to the lack of the prestigious brand name Stanley. So the next time you go to drink water yourself, think about whether the name on your cup makes you feel any more hydrated.