What color was Santa's suit originally?

Researchers at the BBC insist that the red and white of Santa's suit has been around for quite some time. Some people have stated that Santa's original suit was a more subdued hue similar to tan.

It is a common claim that the red and white of Santa's robes and beard are eerily reminiscent of Coca-Cola's trademark colors, a marketing ploy slyly disguised as Papa Noel. However, according to the BBC, this is merely a coincidence. In fact, the BBC holds that the colors are instead an homage to the Bishop of Myra of the fourth century, long before any influence of an American soft drink empire.