Hip flask

Description

Hip flasks were traditionally made of pewter, silver, or even glass, though most modern flasks are made from stainless steel. Some modern flasks are made of plastic so as to avoid detection by metal detectors.

Hip flasks can vary in shape, although they are usually contoured to match the curve of the wearer's hip or thigh for comfort and discretion in a design also known as a kidney flask. Some flasks have a "captive top", which is a small arm that attaches the top to the flask in order to stop it from getting lost when it is taken off.

A hip flask is most commonly purchased empty and then filled by the owner. However, the term "flask" also applies to smallest bottle sizes of alcohol in commercial markets. Some flasks come with small cups to make sharing easier, although generally liquid is consumed directly from the flask.

History

The hip flask began to appear in the form it is recognized today in the 18th century, initially used by members of the gentry.

Antique hip flasks, particularly those made of silver, are now sought-after collector's items.

Legality

Many locations in the United States have laws prohibiting to carrying alcohol in open containers in public, which includes hip flasks, whether carried on one's person or in the passenger cabin or compartment of a vehicle.

In the United Kingdom, carrying or drinking from a hip flask in public places is not illegal in general. Other more specific or local laws & regulations apply regarding drinking in public.

References

References

1. "Hip Flask Shapes".
2. (29 January 2016). "Flasks For Men: A Guide To Enjoying Spirits Anywhere {{!}} Euromentravel.com".
3. [https://www.jacksontrophies.com/blog/flask-history--why-were-drinking-flasks-invented/ ''Flask History: Is carrying a hip flask illegal?''] {{Webarchive. link. (2023-03-09 at Jackson Trophies, 28 May 2019. Accessed 18 May 2021.)
4. [https://www.flasks.com/blog/beaches-to-bridesmaid-top-places-to-enjoy-your-flask/ ''Beaches to Bridesmaids – Top 5 Places to Enjoy Your Flask''] {{Webarchive. link. (2023-03-09 at flasks.com, 19 August 2013, accessed 18 May 2021)
5. [https://www.fieldandstream.com/three-things-to-consider-when-buying-flask/ ''Three Things to Consider When Buying a Flask''] {{Webarchive. link. (2021-07-23 , at ''[[Field & Stream]]'', 20 September 2019, accessed 18 May 2021)