The history behind Santa Claus's iconic red suit

Santa Claus is known for his red and white suit, a look that evolved over time. Originally based on Saint Nicholas, early depictions showed him in various outfits, including bishop's robes and fur. In the 1860s, cartoonist Thomas Nast popularized the red suit, though the reason for the color remains unclear. Some suggest it connects to Saint Nicholas, while others believe it was simply an artistic choice. Coca-Cola further solidified Santa's red image in the 1930s with illustrations by Haddon Sundblom. Despite common belief, Santa's red suit was established before Coca-Cola's campaign. Today, Santa's appearance remains largely unchanged since then.