Sales of the now-iconic Welsh bucket hat donned by thousands of footy mad Wales fans over the weekend have increased by a whopping 1300% after the national team qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 64 years.

Amid jubilant scenes at the Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday as Wales defeated Ukraine to reach Qatar, fans watching on TV couldn’t help but notice scores of joyous supporters wearing striking yellow and red bucket hats on their heads.

The unusual item of apparel, which has become the unofficial insignia of The Dragons in recent years, was even sported by former national team stars Ashley Williams and Danny Gabbidon in the Sky Sports studio at the end of the game.

The hats are so popular that sales over the past week have increased by a staggering 1300%, according to online marketplace OnBuy, with the item selling out completely in many places.

Shroopa Patel, Sports and Outdoor Category Manager at OnBuy, said: “These unusual red and yellow Wales bucket hats have been flying off the shelves over the past few days – we’ve witnessed a truly incredible surge.

“Their immense popularity has undoubtedly resulted from the national team’s brilliant performances in World Cup qualification. We saw massive sales ahead of the game on Sunday – and that has continued ever since.

“We’ve sold so many that we have now sold out entirely, we don’t have a single one left. But with the World Cup coming later this year, we are working to ensure that our sellers restock in time for the tournament.

“We expect another enormous surge in November, so we’d better start preparing now!”

The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the first-ever winter tournament, begins on November 21. Following victory over Ukraine, Wales find themselves in a group with England, the USA and Iran.