Coozies are the stylish way to keep your sips at the right temperature without getting your hands wet and sticky. But not all coozies are created equal. When it comes to choosing between neoprene coozies vs. foam, you might be surprised at how different these two seemingly similar materials are. 

How comfortable and effective a coozie is depends on its material. You can also enjoy better branding with the right type of coozie. 

As an event planner, brand marketer, gift-giver, or everyday user of comfy coozies, you need to know the 411 on neoprene and foam coozies. Here’s what to keep in mind before purchasing. 

What Are Foam Coozies?

Foam coozies are usually made out of one of two materials: ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam or polyurethane. Both types of foam are cheaper than some other materials. They’re also lightweight and easy to customize. Because of this, many coozie companies opt for foam products. 

Pros of Foam Coozies

Foam is the budget-friendly option for bulk orders and short-term use. Think giveaways, corporate events, and quick branding solutions. They get the job done quickly. 

Cons of Foam Coozies

Unfortunately, foam coozies can be less durable over time than other materials. They can tear or lose their shape after extended use. Compared to neoprene, foam coozies don’t provide as much insulation to maintain drink temperatures. 

What Are Neoprene Coozies?

Neoprene is a wetsuit-type material. On a chemical level, it mimics rubber after being polymerized from its original form, chloroprene. 

Neoprene coozies offer a more premium feel and superior performance than foam coozies. You can find this type of coozie in higher-end promotional items and retail branding products. 

Pros of Neoprene Coozies

One of the biggest differences between neoprene coozies vs. foam is that neoprene offers far more effective insulation. This means it keeps drinks colder for longer periods. Neoprene is also much more durable and tear-resistant than foam. 

Neoprene coozies typically have a tighter fit for a wider range of bevvy sizes as well. This allows you to maintain a comfortable grip on your sips without fear of slippage. These coozies also offer a more polished appearance to give your drink a more luxurious look and feel. 

Cons of Neoprene Coozies

Neoprene is a more expensive material than foam, so it can call for more space in the budget, depending on the size of your purchase. It’s also a slightly heavier material, and some people prefer to use lightweight coozies. 

Comparing Neoprene vs. Foam Coozies

Not sure which type of coozie to buy? Take a closer look at the key differences between these materials.

Insulation

When it comes to insulation, neoprene wins the war. Neoprene coozies offer superior insulation properties, keeping drinks colder for longer. 

Foam’s insulation is considered moderate, meaning it may keep a drink cold for a short time, but it won’t ensure drink longevity or prolong the perfect sipping experience. 

Durability

Neoprene is more durable and holds up against more wear and tear than foam coozies do. This makes it the ideal coozie material for heavy users who enjoy cold sips frequently or those with a strong focus on sustainability and reusability. 

Foam is only durable sometimes and is a lot less reliable. It works best for fleeting-use coozies, not for long-term drink holders. 

Feel

Neoprene feels smooth and flexible in the drink holder’s hands. It’s a strong material that offers solidity without being rigid or inflexible. Because of this, neoprene is great for achieving just the right bevvy fit to help prevent spills and slippage. 

Foam, on the other hand, is soft and spongy. It has a more airy feel, which can feel less durable and strong. The pro to this is that it’s lightweight, making it easier to juggle your drink with other items. 

Print Quality

Printing on neoprene coozies vs. foam results in crisper, higher-quality images. You get better resolution thanks to the chemical properties of neoprene. 

Foam’s print quality is acceptable, but the printing can fade over time because of the nature of this material. That’s why these coozies are ultimately best suited for short-term distribution and use. 

Fit

Neoprene fits snugly to the bevvy size of your choice. Foam has a looser and less personalized fit, which can cause drink slippage and fit frustration. When comparing neoprene coozies vs. foam, consider how important your coozie fit is to you in your daily life. 

Cost

Neoprene is more expensive than foam, but it offers more quality for the price you pay. Foam is cheap and may be easier to buy in bulk, but it won’t hold up over time. Think about the longevity you need out of your coozies before purchasing. 

Best Uses

It’s best to buy neoprene coozies if you expect long-term use out of them for yourself or your customers. For example, retail stores should opt for neoprene to reinforce their products’ quality in the minds of customers. Gift-givers can send a positive message by choosing neoprene coozies vs. foam, allowing the receiver to enjoy their gift for longer. 

Foam coozies work well for promotional events, branded giveaways, corporate parties, and similar occasions. They get your branding and messaging across without requiring too much purchasing power. 

Which Coozie Material Should You Choose?

So which coozie type is right for your needs? You’ll want to go with foam if any of the following are true for you:

• You’re ordering in bulk for a one-time event

• Your budget is your top priority

• The coozies are only for temporary or disposable use

Overall, foam coozies offer a budget-friendly, disposable option that works well for bulk orders.

On the other hand, you should choose neoprene if:

• You want a higher-quality product

• You value a premium feel in the hand

• You care about superior insulation 

• You need durability to resist stretching, wear, and tears

• You’re creating custom gifts or branded merchandise

Whether you’re buying for a brand or event, if your coozies need to last and impress the recipients, choose neoprene for better quality and more longevity. 

Upgrade Your Bevvy Game With Sok-It

With high-quality, bold prints to choose from and a snug fit that lasts for every sip size, it’s easy to see why SokHeads love to up their bevvy game with Sok-It premium drink sleeves. We even offer custom orders to make your message and branding come to life. Browse our wide selection of neoprene coozies today!