About Hip Flasks

Essentially, a hip flask is a small, thin flask for distilling and containing liquids; usually a type of alcohol, but they can contain anything fluid. They are small and compact, originally designed to fit snugly into the pocket of a pair of trousers, or inside jacket pocket. The slenderness of the container was especially useful so as not to disturb the lines of the suit that a gentleman might be wearing.

If you’re struggling to find a gift for the man or woman who has everything, your office Secret Santa present, or even a treasured leaving gift for a cherished colleague, look no further. The hip flask is an excellent and surprisingly useful gift to span the genres of friends, relatives and acquaintances you might have! And you might think it's only a suitable gift for men. But don't forget, women drink too, so make sure you check our special choice of Ladies Hip Flasks.

Below is our pick of some of the best examples and deals available in UK for all types of hip flasks, hopefully to suit all tastes and budgets.

Some of the most popular Hip Flask styles

Some Background About Hip Flasks

Hip flasks were manufactured as early as the eighteenth century. Before this time, there were many kinds of containers that could hold and transport liquids. But the hip flask took off due to its size and aspect of secrecy. Initially, they were used mainly by the upper classes; the materials used to make the hip flasks tended to be a bit pricey, and were too expensive for the average member of the public.

Obviously, as prohibition hit the United States of America in the 1920's, the popularity of the hip flask exploded and surged. As alcohol was then illicit under the Constitutional Amendment, people began to rebel against the decree. The perfectly designed hip flasks were carried around, containing illegal substances like hooch for careful drinking so the police wouldn’t find out, and could easily be thrown from one pocket to another should a person be searched. Even women started to carry them, their size and shape being perfect to slip into a garter. The hip flask itself has become a cultural symbol for 1920s America.

However, in 1933, prohibition of alcohol was revoked with the twenty-first amendment. Alcohol was once more legal, and drinkers could partake of a tipple anywhere they wanted without facing the previous severe repercussions. But this did not spell out doom for the manufacturers of hip flasks. Due to their already iconic status of rebellion, the hip flask had a place in the hearts of Americans everywhere. They reminded people of a livelier time, a time of banding together against the law, and hip flasks flourished. This was especially the case during the Second World War. Officers would often carry the flasks about their person should they need either a quick drink to calm their nerves, or even a wound disinfectant. To this day, hip flasks are still used by many people for many reasons. They are a great item to take camping or hiking. And they are even still used today despite many laws throughout the country which prohibit drinking in public!

Quite often nowadays, hip flasks are used by people enjoying spending some time outdoors. Many sportsmen such as anglers, sailors and golfers may carry a hip flask with them. And of course, traditionally, as hip flask has come in very handy during long hunting trips, or even just a walk or ramble in the countryside.

Hip Flask Styles and Materials

Traditionally, hip flasks were often made from silver, an incredibly tough material which would not wear out easily. These early models often came with intricate engravings, sometimes dedicated to the owner. Other materials used to produce these handy flasks were pewter or sometimes glass. However, in this day and age, the majority of models are made from stainless steel or pewter, with one side slightly contoured. This is so that the flask fits snugly against the owner’s thigh and is often referred to by makers as "kidney shaped".

There are many types to choose from. Some designs come with a larger lid that doubles up as a cup. This is great for sharing the liquid inside, although hip flasks are traditionally used just to slug back the contents. Some also come with a funnel, to siphon the alcohol from the bottle to the flask. However, if your choice doesn't come with one as standard, they can be bought separately.

Designs range from the simplest flask possible to the incredibly complex and ornate. These high-end designs are great commemorative gift, but they are often fully usable too, and are wonderful to pass down from generation to generation, especially if you find one made from silver. You can usually engrave anything on the side of the flask, but the most common text is a famous quote, the recipient's initials, an important date, or some kind of toast.

A popular choice for a lot of people looking to buy a hip flask, or add to their hip flask collection, is a leather-bound flask. These come in many different varieties. The most common is considered to be the classic design, where the outer layer is covered in leather. This leather can by dyed different colours, but it most often comes in brown, black, blue, red, or pink.

An additional item you might like to purchase along with your hip flask is a carry case for it. If you find it uncomfortable to keep in a pocket, a carry case is a slim, leather design with a long shoulder strap.

Hip flasks are considered by many as one of the most wonderful gifts you can give or receive, so don’t hesitate. Use the links on the right to find the right hip flask for you. Whether it's something in leather, silver, pewter or stainless steel, we have found the very best hip flasks available to buy in UK.