Beer koozie

Three examples of beer koozies. from left to right: a neoprene bottle holder, a foam can holder, and a wool 40 oz bottle holder

A beer koozie is a fabric or foam device that is designed to insulate a beverage can or bottle.

Overview

The beer koozie(koō-zie), coastie, cozy, coosie, coolie, hugger, or huggie, is a misnomer since it is not always used for an alcoholic beverage. Other names are can cooler, "beer sleeve", stubby holder. The original pronunciation was "cozy" [koh-zee], but through a result of marketing names and misinformation "Koozie" [koo-zee] has become a common mispronunciation. It began as a marketing tool. The primary use of a beer koozie is to keep one's hand warm while keeping the beer cold. A secondary use of a beer koozie is to easily identify one's beverage from another. Many different companies have used the koozie as a promotional giveaway because it is not only inexpensive to manufacture, but its frequent use is more likely to bring the company's name to a household presence. Originally this logo or image was screen-printed on a round foam cylinder with a foam base (generally a hole is provided in the base to alleviate creation of a vacuum). A koozie can be made from many materials like neoprene, polyester or open cell foam. The original Australian Stubby holder was invented by a Mr. Shane Walsh who incorporated several design modifications that suited the Australian climate.

Materials and styles

The beer koozie has evolved in both material and style. The materials of which the beer koozie has been made include plain foam, neoprene and a foam variant of neoprene that replaces it with a cheaper and lighter weight closed cell foam. Some companies create koozies for 40 oz. bottles. The material used to construct the koozie is designed to insulate the warmth of the holding hand from the cool of the beverage.

See also

• Beermat
• Cup holder
• Tea cosy