The London Underground does not, yet, extend to the seaside but the colours that adorn the Tube’s benches are popping up on beaches in an unlikely swimwear trend.
Australian swimwear brand Budgy Smuggler has partnered with Transport for London to create Speedo-style shorts with the classic design. Having already been seen on scarves, T-shirts and even Arsenal football tops, the patterns are now providing an unlikely last line of defence against nudity.
Adam Linforth, of Budgy Smuggler, said that the company has sought out styles within the British zeitgeist since coming over from Australia.
“Coming across from the shores of Sydney, Australia, we first set up Budgy Smuggler UK back in 2016,” he said.
“[We] have been embraced by a number of different UK communities since then, which we’re very thankful for!
“And now we’re so excited to link up with an iconic part of the London lifestyle and culture in TfL.”
The male briefs come in a range of sizes and cost £39.99 from the website.
Three body confident models can be seen posing in the garments while on the Tube.
The deal between Budgy Smuggler and TfL was facilitated by global licensing agency IMG.
Lines represented are the Northern, District and Victoria.
Luckily, however, the swimwear is waterproof and not made of the heavy moquette pile upholstery of the actual Tube seating.
Mr Lindforth added: “We all get the Tube to work every day, so we jumped at the chance to join the brands and create something special for the UK Summer that is both iconically Australian and also iconically British; the TfL x Budgy Smuggler Collection!”
The designs have been getting some traction on social media, with one commenting: “I’m going to resist making a Cockfosters joke…”
