What do you imagine Santa wears under his big red coat? Does he wear a vest? Does he wear overalls? Does he wear a puffy renaissance shirt with fun suspenders? Does Santa wear pants, or does he wear breeches with funny, striped socks?

All of us have an image of Santa formed in our minds. Our influences can include art, storybooks, TV, films, and even the wardrobes of our Santa mentors. I’ll talk a little about my own influences. Maybe you’ll find them interesting.

I’m especially influenced by artwork from the classic Santa illustrators: J.C. Leyendecker, Norman Rockwell, and (especially) Mr. Haddon Sundblom. Each of these men has influenced my Santa wardrobe in untold ways. Related to them, of course, would be the classic look of Santa Claus from roughly 1945-1959, part of the “Golden Age” of Santa portrayal.

My look is basically a Coca-Cola suit, green gloves (I have quite a few sets of green gloves in different materials), and brown leather goods (belt and boots). That’s just what I happen to like. Follow your heart, and the children will see Santa through your eyes.

What’s under my suit? It depends. If I’m doing a house visit, then just body padding and a cool vest (so the family doesn’t accidentally slow cook Santa).

Yet, I also have (and recommend) a variety of colorful Santa vests, patterned and printed Santa shirts, quirky suspenders (both clamp and button varieties), and, of course, a number of pairs of striped socks (bought from a clown supply business).

You can swap out a traditional coat for a continental coat or even a full parade robe, wearing a vest and shirt underneath as a way to stay cool. Simply remove the coat after you enter and put it back on before you leave. “Oh, it’s cold outside! I better button up!”

Speaking of accessories, you can find suspenders, for example, on eBay for a very good price. You can reach out to ClausNet’s own @Eileen Strom for assistance with questions on fabric, fur, and design. If you’re interested in custom vests, shirts, and other accessories, then please consider getting a spot on Eileen’s sewing list. You won’t regret it!

Having said all of this, you don’t need to go out and buy such clothing and accessories out of the gate. I’ve been doing this for close to fifteen years, with (Lord willing) many more wonderful years to come. Just start slow and build your Santa wardrobe up over time with what you like.

Nevertheless, the reason I recommend slowly growing your Santa wardrobe is twofold. First is that Santa wouldn’t wear the same thing every day, so feel free to vary your appearance through having different wardrobe options. Your clients will appreciate a good-looking Sant. The second is that if you can cycle through different suits, vests, shirts, and so forth, it really helps with the daily wear and tear on your clothing as you portray Santa.

Before I end this blog post, let me circle back around to what I’ve said before: being Santa begins and ends with the heart. Start there and all will be well.