A tea cozy keeps the pot warm longer. If you drink more than a cup or are sharing a cup or two with friends, you steep the tea....and the cozy keeps the hot water ....HOT longer. It works for both loose tea and for tea bags used in a teapot. I have found that the knitted and crochet one work very, very well. The ones featured here, work somewhat well...
Also on my knitted ones...they really hug the tea pot with a stretched type inner knitted stitch...also they might have a custom made hole for the handle and the pour spout. This means you do not have to remove the tight cozy while pouring tea. And this requires the wonderful works of a dear friend to custom make for the favorite teapot of your choice.
And you are not a little off....some of us just learn to enjoy a fine cup of tea, sooner or later....send me a PM with your address and I will be sure to send you some tea!