Pantone's 2026 Color of the Year is 'Cloud Dancer' white
What's the story
Pantone, the global authority on color, has announced its Color of the Year for 2026: Cloud Dancer (PANTONE 11-4201). The company describes it as "a lofty white that serves as a symbol of calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection." This is the first time Pantone has chosen a shade of white as its Color of the Year.
Trend prediction
Pantone's Color of the Year: A cultural forecast
Since 1999, Pantone has been selecting a color that it believes will define the upcoming year. The chosen shade becomes an integral part of Pantone's brand identity for that year, appearing in commercials, merchandise, and collaborations with other brands and artists. In 2026, Cloud Dancer will feature on products ranging from Motorola smartphones to Post-it Notes and Joybird furniture.
Market reflection
Cloud Dancer reflects consumer preferences
Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, says Cloud Dancer "reflects what people are looking for." The color not only predicts consumer behavior but also hints at existing trends in fashion, design, and lifestyle. Similar shades to Cloud Dancer are already seen in the celebrity aesthetic of quiet luxury—a trend of expensive yet understated neutrals.
New beginnings
Cloud Dancer symbolizes fresh beginnings
Pressman describes Cloud Dancer as a symbol of new beginnings. "Similar to a blank canvas, Cloud Dancer signifies our desire for a fresh start," she wrote on the company's launch page. "An airy white hue, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer opens up space for creativity, allowing our imagination to drift so that new insights and bold ideas can emerge and take shape."
Public response
Mixed reactions to Pantone's Cloud Dancer choice
The announcement of Cloud Dancer as Pantone's Color of the Year has drawn mixed reactions on social media. Some users have expressed their interest in the choice, while others have shown outrage. The official David's Bridal account commented on the decision, saying "It looks like Pantone is in their bridal era."