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Shopping: Nantucket Reds
by Marli Guzzetta
Submitted by Larry Tocci
Gray belongs to the island of Nantucket -- to its Quaker-shingle houses and its fog. But Nantucket red, which fades to pink with time, is the color that represents your love for the island. Philip C. Murray introduced the hue via brick-red sailcloth pants in the 1950s, when he took over The Toggery Shop, at the top of Nantucket's cobblestone Main Street, from his father.
Influenced by New York Yacht Club uniforms, Nantucket Reds began as insider shorthand for the well-heeled, but casual, Nantucket summer life. As is its nature, the color lost its pristine luster with washing, and clothiers now make shirts, caps, sweatshirts, and any wearable thing in the worn-red hue. Much to the chagrin of stores like J.Crew, which tried to market its own line of similar clothing a few years ago, Murray's Toggery is legally the only company that can sell official "Nantucket Reds" -- which it does now in everything from skirts to shirts to pants.
Today, you're just as likely to see a titan of industry wearing a pair of proper Nantucket Reds in Palm Beach as you are to see a Boston-area college student sporting a faded red cap on campus as a souvenir of those perfect summer days on The Faraway Island.
Murray's Toggery Shop, 62 Main St., Nantucket, MA. 800-368-2134, 508-228-0437; nantucketreds.com
READ MORE: Antiques: Nantucket Lightship Baskets
Reader Comments
Comment from Susan Cole on July 26, 2008
OMG...brings back so many great memories of our three visits to Nantucket on our 54 foot motor yacht. I can almost close my eyes and be back having lunch in the Den of Thieves..!! Going to wear my Nantucket red shorts today and (day)dream of Nantucket..!!
Susan
Comment from Alan Brown on July 29, 2008
Just put Nantucket on my must-visit list.
Comment from on August 11, 2009
Very nice...awesome staff @ Murray's!
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