Your Cart is Empty
It keeps your beer cold. It keeps your hand dry. And it somehow vanishes at every tailgate. Whether you call it a koozie, a can cooler, a beer cozy, or something completely made up, this little foam (or neoprene) sleeve is the unsung hero of any self-respecting drinking event.
But what do we really call it? And more importantly, what should we call it?
Let’s break it down.
Back in the 1980s, the term KOOZIE™ was born from a Texas company called Radio Cap Corporation. The idea was simple: wrap a beer in something soft and insulating so it stays cold longer. America said “yes please,” and the KOOZIE™ took off like a rocket-powered beer pong ball.
But plot twist—“koozie” is trademarked. That means brands and businesses have to use the generic name: can cooler. Not quite as fun, but it keeps the lawyers quiet.
We pulled Google Trends data from 2004 to now, and here’s what we found:
“Koozie” owned the early 2000s, clearly the popular kid at the cooler party.
“Can cooler” has been climbing, especially in the last decade. Maybe people are getting more proper. Maybe it’s just risk aversion.
Terms like “beer cozy”, “beer jacket”, and “beer sleeve” are fringe players—but they exist, and we kind of love them for it.
Different regions have different names for the same thing—and trust us, people have opinions:
Nebraska, Iowa, Louisiana, and South Carolina are still flying the “koozie” flag proudly.
Can cooler is becoming the default term across much of the U.S., especially in states that don’t want a cease-and-desist with their IPA.
“Beer jacket” has a small cult following in the Upper Midwest (because of course it does).
“Beer cozy” has found a snug little home in the Pacific Northwest and Canada, where everything from their sweaters to their speech patterns is just a little more relaxed.
“Beer hugger” and “beer sleeve”? Mostly used by people who definitely own novelty socks.
Moral of the story? We’re a divided nation… but united in cold beer.
Look—we love the word “koozie.” We grew up with it. We partied with it. We spilled beer on it. But trademarks are real, and legal fees are expensive.
So here at BrewSwag, we proudly roll with can cooler. It's neutral, it's safe, and it still makes your beer look amazing.
Let’s face it—“can cooler” is about as exciting as unsalted pretzels. So we brainstormed some names that should definitely exist. Some of these may make it onto products. Others should probably stay in the group chat.
Brew Jacket – Outerwear for your inner peace.
Can Sweater – Because your beer deserves hygge too.
Frosty’s Sidekick – Every superhero needs one.
Beer Mittens – Warm hands, cold beer, no shame.
Sip Suit – Because beverages deserve business attire.
Chug Snug – Tight like your favorite flannel.
Foam Home – There’s no place like foam.
Coolie McCoolface – You knew it was coming.
The Bev Blanket – For emotionally sensitive seltzers.
Cold Shoulder – Keeps drinks cold and exes distant.
Booze Cozy – Comfort you can drink with.
The Can Hammock – Let your drink swing low.
Cup Hugger – No weirdness. Just affection.
Sip Slip – Fun to say. Impossible to explain.
The Chill Pill – The prescription is beer.
Keg Glove Jr. – Baby keg energy.
The Party Sock – Your can just got weird.
Ale Armor – Protection against heat and bad vibes.
The Booze Burrito – Stuffed and slightly unstable.
Can Yeti – Built for mythically cold sipping.
Happy Holder – Boosts morale by 12%.
The Brewsie – Like a onesie for functioning adults.
Beer Hugger – Works in all 50 states. Mostly.
Suds Snuggie – For nap-prone stouts.
Buzz Sleeve – Dress sharp. Drink sharp.
You don’t have to settle for boring. Whether you’re calling it a koozie, a can cooler, or giving it a new name entirely, just don’t be the person holding a bare can like an animal.
Wrap that brew in something awesome. 👉 Shop Our Funniest Can Coolers
Comments will be approved before showing up.