Which Came First, the Snuggie or the Slanket?

Photo from source, New York Times

Well, neither as it turns out. The strange cult-like world of Snuggies is generally the antithesis of the type of thing that interests me. But the story-behind-the-story can often times be more interesting than what is on the surface. Or wrapped around you like a backwards bathrobe.

This post was prompted by my last one, which featured Bill Maher using the Snuggie as a metaphor for America's apathy and general dimness. And I have to admit--I own a Snuggie. But only because it was a free promotion from a local casino. And once I got one, I immediately knew that I'd have felt ripped off if I had bought it. It's a very cheap, very unpleasant material, too thin for a lap blanket. It's pure "as seen on TV" cheese, just like its commercial.

The earlier (but not earliest!) version seems like the better bet, higher priced (and no free useless booklight), but apparently much nicer fabric. Plus, the whole attitude of the company looks hipper, if that matters to you.

[Excerpt]

Snuggie Rode Silly Ads to Stardom Over Rivals

ONE of the most memorable, and parodied, of current infomercials is for the Snuggie, a blanket with sleeves whose users resemble converts to a cozy cult. Jay Leno mocked the Snuggie in a monologue (“Why don’t you just put your robe on backwards?”), as did Ellen DeGeneres on her syndicated show (“They should throw in a pointed hat so you can look like a wizard.”). . .

Read more at: New York Times