Kin Bottle Product Philosophy - Why Are Water Bottles Round?

At Kin Bottle, we believe water bottles should serve both form and function. 

When you picture a water bottle in your head, chances are you picture a cylindrical shape, right? Why is it that most water bottles are round? Water bottles have traditionally been designed a certain way for quite a few reasons, all of which no longer make sense for modern women. In fact, many everyday objects whose design we take for granted are based on what's comfortable, useful, and fitting for an average adult male. Things from scissors to refrigerators to camera bags to, you guessed it, water bottles. 

There are three factors that lead to designers continuing to favor cylindrical water bottles. First, the cylindrical shape can hold the most water per surface area, making the shape the most efficient in which to maximize water storage. Second, the cylindrical shape distributes stress more evenly, making it stronger than other shapes with corners. Third, the cylindrical shape is supposed to be the most comfortable to fit in your hand. 

Here's why we don't think these factors take into consideration a modern woman's needs. First, a water bottle doesn't need to be designed to maximize water capacity as though you are about to haul an entire day's worth of water across the desert. Modern women want water bottles that fit both their lifestyles and their bags. We designed the Kinbottle to fit perfectly in women's handbags while maximizing space for all the other essentials we carry to the office, to the gym, to school pickup, to the airport, etc. 

A water bottle doesn't need to be the traditional shape to be strong and durable these days, either. Our water bottles are made of Tritan plastic which is both environmentally friendly and shatterproof. Busy, successful women don't have time to worry about spills in their luxury bags, right?

And as for comfort? The flat shape of our water bottle is actually easier for women's smaller hands to grip, and we added a strong carrying strap to let you carry the bottle as a wristlet. We designed this water bottle so it would be comfortable both in your hands and in your bag. Our water bottle holds 13 oz. of water which is the ideal amount to take with you without weighing you down, whether you're spending the day window shopping or doing a 45 minute HIIT class. After all, women need to drink 1L (34 oz.) of fluid per day less than men - so why would we haul around bigger water bottles that aren't designed for us? 

This is all to say that our mission at Kin Bottle is to help women be healthier and more hydrated through thoughtful design. Thanks for coming to our TED talk!