Summer is coming here in the southern hemisphere and cariocas, as residents of Rio de Janeiro are known, are getting ready to hit the beach in style. If you’re planning a visit to the Cidade Maravilha for a bit of end-of-year sun – perhaps to join the legendary New Year’s Eve celebrations on Copacabana beach, or indulge in some Carnival fun in February – you’ll want to blend in with the locals rather than be a stereotypical ‘gringo’.

To help you look the part, here are five Rio 2016 style items that will make you more carioca…

Havaianas

You’ve just arrived at Rio International Airport after a long flight. You’re desperate to kick off your sweaty shoes and socks and head to the beach. The first step is easy – just pop into the official Rio 2016 shop at the airport and grab a pair of Havaianas flip-flops. Quintessentially carioca – colourful, easy-going, cool – with these on your feet you’re on your way.

Cangas

Another staple of the Brazilian beach scene, ‘cangas’ are colourful lightweight beach towels that double up as sarongs and scarfs, should you go from the beach straight to a restaurant or bar, as cariocas like to do. Cangas are bright, expressive and plentiful along Rio’s beaches, and now you can show your passion for the Olympic and Paralympic Games on the sands of Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon with these Rio 2016-branded designs.

Bikinis

The Brazilian bikini is as iconic as the country’s football, samba and caipirinhas. And they now come emblazoned with the ‘Look’ of the Rio 2016 Games – colourful and sensual, the designs reflect the shapes and sites of one of the most naturally beautiful cities in the world. They are also practical and sustainable, as the material contains UV protection and is biodegradable.

Caps

“Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun,” sang Noel Coward, and if you have to, make sure you’re protected. Everyone has seen those foreign visitors in tropical climes with painful-looking red shoulders and faces. Don’t be one of them – get yourself one of these stylish Rio 2016 caps.

Bags

So you’ve got all your gear and you’re ready to go, but how are you going to carry it all? Forget your scruffy old sports holdall and don’t even think about a plastic bag. Why would you, when Rio 2016 has produced this vibrant line of bags and rucksacks, with joyful designs based on sports and the landscape of the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games host city.

Where can you find these items?

These Rio 2016 products are available in five official shops in Brazilian airports (details below) as well as various outlets around the city,  while the online shop will be open to overseas customers from February 2016. But remember, if you want to be a carioca these products are a just small part of the story… it’s more important to have a smile on your face, a swing in your step and an open heart…

• Rio International Airport (Galeão), Terminal 1
• Rio Domestic Airport (Santos Dumont), second floor, near departures area
• São Paulo International Airport (Guarulhos), Terminal 3
• São Paulo Domestic Airport (Congonhas), two shops: one in corridor close to check-in, one in departures area