Why does Love Island use metallic glasses? The actual reason and where to buy them
Topics: Love Island
Rosie Floyd
Featured Image Credit: ITVX
Topics: Love Island
This year’s series of Love Island has only just kicked off, but there’s already been more twists than ever.
From a fake dumping and a string of beautiful bombshell arrivals to siblings finding themselves caught up with the same girl, series 13 in the villa has wasted no time serving drama.
While plenty has changed over the years, there are some Love Island traditions that remain exactly the same.
The nightly firepit chats, the morning debriefs, the dramatic recouplings, and of course, the endless glasses being raised for a toast.
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Every evening we see islanders gathered around the kitchen island saying ‘cheers’ before heading off for another night of flirting and grafting. Whether they’re catching up on the daybeds or pulling someone for a chat around the mini firepit, there’s almost always a drink in hand.
But have you ever noticed that we never actually see what’s inside those glasses?
Unlike most reality shows, Love Island contestants don’t drink from clear glasses. Instead, they’re handed those instantly recognisable metallic cups in shimmering silver, hot pink and bright blue shades.
While they look great on camera, there’s actually a very practical reason why producers use them.
Former Love Islander Amy Hart previously revealed in a TikTok that contestants are allowed a maximum of two drinks per night.
"The first drink is sometimes communal prosecco," she explained.
The rules around alcohol are taken very seriously in the villa, and islanders aren’t allowed to share drinks with one another.
Amy also told fans, “They tell you on the first day that if you do get caught giving your drink to anyone that everyone gets banned from drinking for five days.”
That alone is apparently enough to stop anyone from trying their luck.
Despite drinks playing a part in so many iconic Love Island moments, viewers never get to see exactly how much contestants are drinking.
That’s where the metallic glasses come in.
The real reason Love Island uses opaque cups is to help with editing and continuity.
As you can’t see the liquid inside, producers can cut between different camera angles and conversations without viewers noticing changes in drink levels.
It might sound like a small detail, but it makes a huge difference when editors are piecing together storylines from footage filmed over long periods of time.
If an islander’s drink appeared half-full in one shot and completely full in the next, it would be a dead giveaway that scenes had been rearranged or edited together.
The metallic cups help keep everything looking seamless.
They’re also useful during some of the show’s biggest moments.
Think about all the times islanders have gathered around the firepit for a dramatic text announcement, a shock recoupling, or the arrival of a surprise bombshell. Chances are, somebody is clutching one of those shiny cups.
The cups have become so closely associated with the show that they're now almost as iconic as the personalised water bottles.
In fact, plenty of fans want to get their hands on them for summer parties, garden gatherings and watch nights.
The good news is that you can actually buy them yourself.
Official Love Island metallic wine glasses are available on the Love Island Shop in the show's signature silver, pink and blue colourways.
£28
£28
£28
We’ve also found some alternatives to the Love Island glasses that have a similar look:
£18
£21.99
£59.99
£26.99
£28.13
While the metallic glasses might look like a stylish design choice, they're actually one of reality TV's smartest production tricks.
Series 13 may be bringing fresh twists and plenty of drama, but one thing's for certain: those famous metallic glasses aren't going anywhere anytime soon.