Santa Claus, known for his jolly demeanour and signature red suit, did not always wear the iconic outfit. The red attire traces back to Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century Greek bishop who wore red robes while giving gifts to the poor. This figure inspired Sinterklaas in Dutch tradition and Father Christmas in English folklore, whose green robes gradually turned red over time.
In 1823, Clement Clarke Moore’s poem ’Twas the Night Before Christmas described Santa with “rosy cheeks” and fur-lined clothing. While the poem shaped Santa’s cheerful image, his wardrobe remained inconsistent. Illustrations in the 19th century depicted Santa in various colours, including green and yellow. By 1881, cartoonist Thomas Nast drew Santa in a full red suit, establishing the look more widely.
The red attire became firmly associated with Santa in the early 20th century, thanks in part to Coca-Cola. Starting in 1931, artist Haddon Sundblom created advertisements featuring a red-suited Santa, which ran for over three decades and popularised the image globally.
Though Santa’s appearance has seen slight variations, the red suit remains a symbol of Christmas, blending tradition, folklore, and commercial influence into one enduring icon.
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