Santa Claus’s red and white suit has become his iconic look, but the history and cultural evolution behind this color scheme are fascinating. The inspiration for the red and white attire can be traced back to Saint Nicholas, a historical figure known for his generosity and charity, who wore a red bishop’s robe.
In the 19th century, Santa Claus’s image began to evolve. Illustrators, especially Thomas Nast in the United States, depicted him as a kind old man and gave him the red-and-white appearance. However, this image became globally recognized thanks to Coca-Cola advertisements in the 20th century. In the 1930s, Coca-Cola commissioned illustrator Haddon Sundblom to create a depiction of Santa Claus. His version featured Santa wearing a bright red coat with white trim, perfectly matching the brand’s red-and-white color scheme, which made this portrayal unforgettable.
The Plastics as Santa's helpers in “Mean Girls.”Moviestore/Shutterstock
Additionally, red symbolizes joy, warmth, and love in Western culture, while white conveys purity and the imagery of snow, perfectly aligning with the festive spirit of Christmas. From tradition to commercial influence, Santa’s red-and-white suit has become a global symbol, representing generosity, joy, and holiday cheer.
