Thanks to the often sweltering conditions in Australia in December, ugly Christmas jumpers are something best left to those in colder climes and Mark Darcy from Bridget Jones.
But you needn’t feel left out Down Under this Yule. For Australia’s answer to the trend – the Ugly Xmas Rashie – is back this year for the second time, and there’s even a version for cyclists this time round.
The new, true-blue cockatoo design is sure to prove a hit on a beach near you in December – so will you wear one this summer?
The Ugly Xmas Rashie (pictured) is back for Christmas 2017 – the rashies have been designed to give an Australian twist to the Ugly Christmas Jumper trend
The new design features cockatoos (pictured) – all proceed are donated to Cancer Council Queensland in the fight against cancer
The Ugly Xmas Rashie first launched in 2015, when the collaboration between swimwear designers and Cancer Council saw all proceeds be donated to Cancer Council Queensland in the fight against cancer.
After all of the rashies – which originally featured kangaroos and Christmas trees instead of reindeer and snowflakes – sold out within 48 hours, the creations were quickly dubbed ‘cult’ items:
‘It’s too hot for us to don ugly Christmas sweaters in summer in Australia,’ Cancer Council Queensland CEO, Ms Chris McMillan, said of this year’s release.
In 2015, when they first launched, all of the rashies sold out within 48 hours – the new ones are available to pre order now
‘What better way to incorporate sun safety into your Christmas get-up and stay festive all summer long?’
‘But the Ugly Xmas Rashie ensures Aussies can stay on trend and sun safe while supporting a great cause.
‘What better way to incorporate sun safety into your Christmas get-up and stay festive all summer long?’.
Each rashie, which has this year been created by Scody Australia, is UPF 50+.
‘With two in three Australian diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime, we are always looking for ways to make sure Australians can safely have fun in the sun,’ Cancer Council said
The new cockatoo design and the original Ugly Xmas Rashie kangaroo design are all available to pre-order in a range of unisex adults and children’s sizes from today (Thursday) – before they go on general release in October.
‘Get your orders in today to get your hands on a limited addition rashie or cycling jersey before they sell out,’ Ms McMillan said.
‘With two in three Australian diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime, we are always looking for ways to make sure Australians can safely have fun in the sun – and this product does just that.’
You can share snaps of the Ugly Xmas Rashie on social media with the hashtag #uglyxmasrashie and visit @uglyxmasrashie on Facebook or Instagram to raise awareness.