Nantucket Red: How the Grey Island Got It’s Salmon Hue

Spoiler alert, although containing a seemly perfect scene to be a Salmon haven – the Atlantic and an island with fisherman galore, this famous color has absolutely nothing to do with the popular fish.

The now coined phrase, “Nantucket Red” refers to a hue of perfectly faded red that comes from living the good life, well the coastal good life. Pants, skirts, and other closet staples that find themselves lucky enough to be chosen for sailing days, downtown strolls, and dinner parties that continue well into the night often don this iconic shade of red. These lived in garments eventually fade over time with sun and salty air exposure, wear, and washing that the essential Nantucket way of life brings into the perfect salmon pink hue that we’ve come to know today as “Nantucket Red.”

According to NewEngland.com, this famous shade of red came to life thanks to long time Nantucket shop owner, Philip C. Murray, of Murray’s Toggery Shop. Murray, who introduced sailcloth pants in which faded into this famous hue, notes that that were inspired by the flags that lined the coasts of Brittany, France. Later reports attribute the color being linked to the Yacht club uniforms of New York. Murray’s Toggery Shop would go on to be the only company who is legally authorized to sell garments in the official “Nantucket Red” hue.

Much like the International Code of Signals (INTERCO), or alphabet flags for you non sailor regulars, these salmon colored pants were a code of their own to those who could speak the language. Before hitting the mainstream, this shade signaled that its wearers more likely than not summered in the same place and filled their daily agendas with the finer things. However, once acknowledged (hey, see what I did there) by a book that took Americans by storm, The Official Preppy Handbook, this secret code was transcribed for the masses. The OPH, dubbed Nantucket Reds as the “de rigueur at country and yacht club affairs with a blazer and club tie.” In Chapter 4, the handbook also goes on the rank reds in their trouser section 5 out of 10. I have included a snippet of the OG, Official Preppy Handbook that shows the full list of their rankings. OPH has reds sitting pretty at No. 5, with White just ahead in the No. 4 spot, and Seersucker falling behind in the No. 6 spot.

Chapter 4 excerpt scan courtesy of JD Bee

What do we think, is this a fair rating? Or do we think the OPH is being a little harsh? Personally, I find reds, including Nantucket Reds, to be a great summer color and even transitioning well into the fall, but I would love to hear your take on the famous hue.

Can’t find time to make it to the island before summer’s close? Don’t worry, you can still get your hands on some official Nantucket Reds from Murray’s via their online shop. These would be a perfect gift for the upcoming holiday season for the sailor, islander at heart, or even history buff in your family. I’ve picked out some of my favorites for you and linked them below, but Murray’s has a vast selection ranging from clothes to home décor in the iconic shade. If you aren’t ready to make the plunge on some ACK red threads, perhaps you could ease into it with a needlepoint key fob donning the island. This one is from Harding Lane and is in the color “Rust Red” because remember, if it isn’t from Murray’s its not true Nantucket Red! Don’t sweat it though, it’s sure to still help you locate your keys in style.

I would love to know your thoughts on Nantucket Reds and if you own any of your own. If you were on the fence about joining the club, take this as your sign to get initiated. Until next time, Fair winds and following seas my friends.

X

PB

Sources:

Guzzetta, M. (2023, April 4). What is Nantucket red?. New England. https://newengland.com/living/design/fashion-summer-nantucket-red/

Murray’s Toggery Shop. (n.d.). Our history. https://www.nantucketreds.com/pages/our-history