In the wake of the near-Baltic temperatures, we are looking for cosy accessories to keep us swathed in warmth. Cashmere knitwear, gloves and thermal leggings are all credible options, but at home, before bed, nothing does the trick quite like a long hot water bottle.
Hot water bottles have been warming beds since the 16th Century. Early versions contained hot coals to provide a blanket of warmth under the sheets and were typically constructed from metal, ceramics or wood.
It may sound like a blatant fire hazard, and that’s because it was. By 1903, European inventor Slavoljub Eduard Penkala patented the forerunner to the rubber hot water bottle as we know and love it today. The PVC creations are now commonly covered in luxurious fleece fabrics boasting covetable colourways with novelty designs.
End of story, right? Well, not quite.
The evolution of the hot water bottle continued throughout the 21st Century. In recent years, we’ve seen new models of the winter warrior come to light. These include the long hot water bottle, which sometimes come with fabric ribbons to tie the piece around your waistband, meaning you can potter around hands-free with portable warmth. Perfect for working from home when battling the temptation to flick on the heating or soothing pesky period pains.
Plus, hot water bottles are surprisingly cost-effective. According to a 2022 report, John Lewis claimed that sales increased sixfold from the previous year as people looked to save on their heating bills. The cost of living crisis caused consumers to cut soaring household energy bills, with many looking to old-fashioned solutions like hot water bottles to do so.
Brands were quick to capitalise on the return of hot water bottles. For his first collection for Burberry, Daniel Lee sent tartan hot water bottles down the runway, adding commercial value to the cosy collection. Christopher Kane, Pucci and Anya Hindmarch followed suit, reeling out lavish wool renditions to appease luxury lovers.
And now, longline ‘hottie’ silhouette are hitting the mainstream. Not only are they more practical than the traditional style, but they can be rolled up and packed away for travel or stealthy in-office use.
Only a handful of household names are currently championing the elongated design. These include The White Company, Dunelm and Oliver Bonas, who are all helping us get through what Gen Z TikTokkers have dubbed 'rot girl winter.’
Discover the best long hot water bottles to keep you supremely snug this season.
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The White Company Super Soft Faux Fur Long Hot Water Bottle
It doesn't get more luxurious than a White Company hot water bottle. As die-hard fans of the brand’s furry offerings, we’d recommend these longline items for keen hot water bottle hunters.
Buy now £31.50, The White Company
Dunelm Teddy Bear Charcoal Long Hot Water Bottle
When we say long hot water bottles are a game changer, we really mean it. The noodle-shaped heated essential can be wrapped around the stomach, neck or back to soothe aches and pains. Tie-up options are available via Amazon for those times when you need to potter around the house hands-free.
Buy now £14.00, Dunelm
Nooki Design Faux Fur Long Hot Water Bottle
Keep it simple with a cloud-like faux fur hot water bottle to wrap you in warmth. Whether snuggling up in bed or wrapping over your shoulders to relieve neck pain, this cream creation will be welcomed with open arms.
Buy now £55.00, Wolf and Badger
Cancer Research Hare Long Hot Water Bottle
Snuggle down with a delightfully furry friend to keep you warm. This long hot water bottle is a charming companion for teens. Add one to your online shopping basket and donate to Cancer Research in the process.
Buy now £12.99, Cancer Research
Joiful Designs Studio Vintage Floral Hot Water Bottle
Support small businesses and treat yourself or a loved one to a lovingly made hot water bottle. Featuring romantic florals set against a cream backdrop, this design promises to bring comfort for all ages.
Buy now £65.00, Etsy
Purl English Pure Cashmere Long Hot Water Bottle
Cashmere is the cosiest fabric out there, meaning Purl English's colourful item promises comfort of the highest degree. A cream, cornflower blue and cherry red colourway is topped off with a sweet lime green velvet bow.
Buy now £135.00, NOTHS
Boots Long Hot Water Bottle
Boots was one of the first stores to stock hot water bottles. This chic longline version comes complete with a wintery cable kit design to suit fashion-forward shoppers.
Buy now £13.59, Boots
Tiger Bay Gifts Plush Long Hot Water Bottle Soft Toy
You can't go too far wrong with a sweet novelty pick. Ideal for tweens and teens, this furry friend will help to seal in the heat on frosty days.
Buy now £19.99, Etsy
Yuyu Cotton Rose Pink Long Hot Water Bottle
Think pink with Yuyu Cotton’s long hot water bottle. Wrap it and pack it for long-haul flights (a la Emma Watson) or keep it to hand at home.
Buy now £30.00, Oliver Bonas
