The hip flask finds its place among the classic accessories still as appreciated as one hundred years ago. Nice or hid away within a coat for a formal event, or held in readiness for a more relaxed out and about day, the hip flask is seen as a mark of a low key elegance, practicality and personal touch. This article seeks to delve into the history of the hip flask, its uses, how it is used appropriately, and how it is used today.
History of the Hip Flask
The idea of storing liquids into small-sized and portable containers originated quite in the antiquity. The earliest forms of carrying alcohol can be traced back to the fifth or sixth century when people were moving from one place to another. Their hip was probably a pouch made out of leather to glutton their beverage in it. These primitive forms underwent transitions, however, by the 18th century British aristocrats had gone for glass and pewter flasks for their liquor. These flasks were also stylish and very often jeweled, to show off one’s riches.
The modern flask, a long mostly cylindrical shaped bottle with one end smaller than the flat base which is easily fitted into a pocket has been witnessed from the 18th and 19th centuries. The flask was especially in vogue during the dry law in the United States (1920-1933) when no alcoholic beverage could be sold or consumed. The hip flask also offered the freedom to women to have liquor on vacations without carrying in pack bags as it was perceived to be quite embarrassing. The only drawback to this is that the drink would still get hot, thus enhancing the curve on the body, which made it easier to conceal the alcohol from sight, making it effective for anyone against alcohol prohibition.
Nevertheless, the hip flask represented more than simply defiance. It also represented refinement. During Victorian England and the early twentieth century, a gentleman would keep a flask ready as part of the preparation for social gatherings, hunting endeavors, or outings and picnics particularly where it could be used to serve an amiable toast.
Design and Materials
One notable feature of a hip flask is the robust physical design it possesses. The standard flask is thin and rounded, made for hugging body contours, mostly within a jacket or trouser pocket. The common materials used in the making of hip flasks are stainless steel, an alloy that does not rust and is strong, making it appropriate to hold fluids who those inclusive of alcoholic drinks. But historically, flasks were made of all sorts of materials such as brass and pewter, silver, leather, glass and even divinity gold spices.
The screw-on cap, which is several distinct characteristics of a hip flask, is often screw on is to fast bulk sprays and bulk lotion and other liquids excessive spills. About the caps, a lot of these modern flasks have hinges – caps are mounted on the flasks when they are produced. Many models are further fitted with a small funnel used in pouring out the contents without wasting any, a useful item that has been incorporated with most set of flasks.
In the modern world, it has become a trend of carrying this flask as it fulfills the needs of the persons who drink alcohol and also as a fashion. They can be adorned with inscriptions or personal emblems or they can be made in various sizes and shapes. Therefore, some of the flasks need to reserve more than a few ounces of liquid whereas some flasks are able to approximately contain eight to ten ounces.
Proper Etiquette for Using a Hip Flask
The hip flask must also be respected, as there is an unwritten unwritten rule that interacts with reminiscence when it is being used socially. For most, asking someone to take a flask’s sip with a smile is a reasonable sentiment, but underneath the cover, there are some basic guidelines to observe:
- Practice Subtlety: This is how the hip flask is defined, it is all about the discreet treatment of all content therein. It is not to be consumed outright in public places or used instead of a bottle. Rather, it is designed for taking quick drinks from it as and when necessary and at appropriate times basically during outdoor events, weddings, camping, and even some sporting events.
- Pass around with Other People: The practice of carrying a hip flask also has its own fashionable social type it is required. If it’s a party, it is polite to pass the flask and let those sober take a sip before everyone else.
- Be Aware of the Time and Place: While it is acceptable to carry a flask on some occasions, others may be better suited for it If not entirely inappropriate or even against the law. It is important to understand the local customs and policies of the places one visits regard the use of one’s flask.
- Filling the Flask: As you know, most times, people manage to store liquor in a flask, a liquid that is mostly either whiskey, bourbon or vodka. But mind you, the flask is not especially made for having a lot of liquor servings provided to one for binge drinking. This is meant for having only a little amount of a good quality liquor over a long period.
- Cleaning It: Your intoxication possesses an ineffective resource that you must deactivate every now and then – keep on cleaning the space in which the flask and the alcoholic beverage that you wish to consume is in – the flask. Clean the flask with warm water and mild soap right after it has been used in order to get rid of worsened water-affluent residue which would affect the succeeding drinks particularly now.
Uses of the Hip Flask
The menstruum is popularly linked with alcohol in “hip flask,” while in actual use it performs various other functions as well. It is small, portable and in some cases well suited for several types of beverages making it acceptable for carrying even non-alcoholic drinks. Some of these include:
- Outdoor Activities: Weather permitting, many persons engage in recreational activities such as hunting, hiking, or camping, and they usually have some flasks with them containing small amounts of liquor while on these adventures. Its small volume means that it is easy to tuck away in one’s coat or back pack.
- Celebrations and Events: Weddings, parties, and other special events are perfect situations for an occasion where a hip flask will be used. Groomsmen are generally presented with personalized flasks, which they all use to share a drink with the groom during the speeches. During sleeping, toasting certain moments, the flask could be poured over and passed round.
- A Symbol of Style: Flasks that are used frequently may not even be used often but are carried by many people for style purposes rather than usage. A well-made flask can become a fashion statement piece; more often carried because of the style it represents and the era it draws inspiration from.
- Medicinal Use: Traditionally, flasks have also been used for medical purposes. During periods when alcohol was viewed as a cure for a host of diseases, it was common practice for people to keep a shot or two in their flasks for enforcing their health purposes. While this is not normal at this present, it shows how useful the flask was in those days.
The Modern Appeal of Hip Flasks
There has been a revival of late in the use of hip flasks as a stylish accessory since it was neglected for a while. People have started re-embracing vintage designs and they appreciate the fact that a flask is both useful and appealing. As more and more personalized and handcrafted products are available on the market, many brands now provide flasks that can be made to order with additional options such as engraving, different materials and multiple finishes.
Young people have also gravitated towards flasks as part of the larger retro and vintage cultures which have been catching on with the youth. To many people, the mere act of carrying a flask allows a reminiscence of the old days where one is able to bring a historical piece into today’s setting.
The same attention to increasing awareness has led to the emergence of hip flasks which have become an eco-friendly solution compared to single use plastics or glass bottles. Water bottles are flasks that can be filled with one’s drink and emptied out and used again and thus, aids in reducing waste.
Conclusion
A hip flask is not merely an alcoholic beverage holder, rather, it is an embodiment of history, class and functionality. Shielded or unconcealed, used as a fashion accessory or enjoyed on a picnic or presented as a gift – the flask manages the graceful limbering of various degrees of the past and the present without any effort. Its unpretentiousness, deep origins and modern usefulness make it a fashion item that is appealing to both the conservative and progressive sectors of the society.
The hip flask beautification, however, is far from reaching the end. For there remains a dash of appreciation and modern benefits to that many commoners are proud of when the hip flask is wielded. Personal or communal, the hip flask appropriately lends itself as a bottle of exquisite aesthetic and functional class.
