It’s carnival time in the ‘Marvellous City’ and while revellers are turning the streets into a riot of sound and colour, others are enjoying the hot summer days on the beaches. The sands of Ipanema, Copacabana and Barra are among the most popular playgrounds for cariocas, as Rio’s residents are known. And now there is a new must-have item for the city’s sun-worshippers – the Rio 2016 canga, the colourful lightweight garments that can be used as sarongs or thin beach towels.

Inspired by the colours of Brazil and the Rio 2016 ‘Look of the Games’, the accessories come in two exclusive prints and look set to be a big hit in the hottest season of the year.

“This item reflects Rio’s style and the spirit of Brazil,” says Sylmara Multini, the Rio 2016 Licensing Director. “After all, our coast is more than 7,000km long and our climate means we can go to the beach all year round.”

The cangas have a fixed price of R$50 (Brazilian reals) and are now on sale on Rio’s beaches and also at 33 Rua Santa Clara, stores 301 and 303.

See the two prints created for the Rio 2016 cangas below: