This is how the color of the year is chosen

The globally recognized US color institute Pantone has been choosing a color of the year since 2000. At that time, it chose “Cerulean Blue,” a cheerful hue for the new millennium. Since then, shades of pink, red, orange, green, purple, blue, yellow, gray and brown have been selected. This year, for the first time, the choice fell on a shade of white: “Cloud Dancer”.

What began as an educational program to engage the design community and color enthusiasts worldwide in a conversation about color has evolved into an annual trend forecasting event. Socioeconomic conditions, lifestyle and political influences are taken into account. Fashion, entertainment and travel destinations also play a role.

For 2026, Pantone has chosen an ethereal hue: “Cloud Dancer.” It is intended to serve as a symbol of calm “in a hectic society that is rediscovering the value of thoughtful consideration and quiet reflection.” The sound provides a “blank canvas” to inspire a new beginning. At the same time, it calms the mind and promotes “true relaxation”.

“In a world where color has become synonymous with personal expression, ‘Cloud Dancer’ is a tone that can adapt, harmonize and create contrast,” adds Pantone. “It gives all product applications and environments a feeling of airy lightness, be it as a stand-alone statement or in combination with other colors.”

To find out more about how Pantone chooses the color of the year, how ‘Cloud Dancer’ differs from last year’s warm brown ‘Mocha Mousse’ and the importance of color, FashionUnited spoke to Jane Boddy. She is the creative director of the Pantone Color Institute.

How does Pantone choose the color of the year?

Choosing the Pantone Color of the Year is never a spontaneous decision. It’s based on months of trend monitoring and cultural research that our global team at the Pantone Color Institute conducts throughout the year. The same thinking that leads us to that one color also shapes the palettes we develop for our trend forecasting tools.

We are constantly observing what is happening around us. This ranges from films in development and big moments in entertainment to traveling exhibitions and emerging artists. We also analyze what we see in fashion and design. We look at changes in lifestyle and leisure time, the places people dream about, and the general social and economic mood. We even follow new technologies, materials, textures, digital conversations and major global sporting events that capture everyone’s attention.

All of this helps us understand where the world is going and what color feels right for the moment.

How would you describe this year’s Cloud Dancer color?

Pantone 11-4201 Cloud Dancer is a soft, airy white with a slight warmth that softens its appearance. It appears light and open, like a breathable clarity. It avoids the harshness or glare of a cooler, more clinical shade of white.

Instead, it has a natural, human softness that is soothing and pleasing to the eye. Its surface appears softly luminous rather than bright, exuding a subtle brilliance that appears serene and effortless.

‘Cloud Dancer’ creates the impression of space and silence, like a blank page in diffused daylight. It gives objects and environments a feeling of purity, comfort and understated sophistication.

The color of the year 2025, “Mocha Mousse,” was a warm brown tone: How does “Cloud Dancer” compare?

Although the two colors seem quite different, they have a surprising amount in common. Both are grounding, calming and extremely versatile. They can be easily used in all design areas. Equally important, they reflect the cultural desire for pause, reflection and a gentler, more conscious way of living.

Pantone 17-1320 Mocha Mousse exudes calm confidence and simple elegance. Its simplicity appears sophisticated and its gentle, sensual warmth offers calm in our fast-paced, digitally influenced lives. The sound subtly refines everyday moments. It bridges technology and human emotions, making even routine interactions seem more thoughtful and higher quality.

Pantone 11-4201 Cloud Dancer also embodies these values. Its airy openness creates clarity and space, almost like a visual exhalation. Like ‘Mocha Mousse’, it promotes balance, gentleness and a return to basics. Together they express a shared longing for grounding comfort and a more mindful pace, with each note contributing its own dimension to this emotional landscape.

Which colors harmonize well with “Cloud Dancer”?

What really makes this color special is its versatility. ‘Cloud Dancer’ can confidently stand on its own as a clear, unique statement. A modern white, it fits today’s softer approach to minimalism. It creates a mood that is calm, sensual and gently grounding. However, it also works wonderfully as a supporting frame for other colors.

Combined with bright tones, it gives a clear freshness that sharpens and raises their energy, making vibrant colors appear even more dynamic. With muted tones, pastels and calm neutrals, Cloud Dancer effortlessly blends into the background. This gives subtle colors the space to breathe.

Depending on the moment, it can ground, strengthen, sharpen or weaken. This ability to adapt while maintaining its gentle warmth makes ‘Cloud Dancer’ particularly relevant for the year ahead. It is a color that changes consciously and always supports the surrounding atmosphere.

How do you think brands and retailers can use this year’s color?

One of the central ideas behind the Pantone Color of the Year 2026 is its role as a blank canvas. It is a color that creates space for imagination and creativity. Brands can capitalize on this by incorporating both the color and its story into their products, experiences and environments.

The story behind the shade is just as important as the tone itself. It provides a strong framework that can spark new ideas, refresh existing lines or shape the atmosphere of a room. In this way, Cloud Dancer becomes more than just a color. It becomes a tool for storytelling, a catalyst for possibility and creative direction.

How does Pantone stay ahead in a fast-paced creative landscape?

We are fortunate to have such a large and diverse global team. It consists of people with different backgrounds and deep experience in the design industries. This diversity means everyone brings a new perspective. As a team, we are united by our curiosity about the world, culture and innovation. It’s something that comes naturally to us and keeps us constantly updated on what’s happening around us.

With this mindset we can identify changes early and get a feel for what’s coming next.

Why is color so important for brands?

Color is at the heart of every design decision. We react emotionally to a product or an image before we even notice it. This reaction is almost always determined by the color. It can define the entire attitude or personality of a brand. Each shade carries its own story, which is deeply connected to color psychology.

In my years in design I have seen this become more and more important. Right now, color is one of the most influential aspects of any design-driven decision. It shapes how we feel, how we connect, and how we understand the world around us.

How did you get into color forecasting?

I originally started as a fashion designer. I have worked with well-known brands and developed the stories and palettes for their collections. That was the part of the work that excited me the most. I realized that color could be a career in its own right. So I decided to steer my path in that direction.

I eventually became Head of Color at British trend agency WGSN, one of the world’s leading forecasting agencies. The natural next step for me was to move to the most famous paint company in the world. What I love about Pantone is its reach. The Pantone Color of the Year is something everyone can get involved with, not just the design industry. People are really excited about it and it’s creating a real hype. It includes everyone. It’s inclusive, engaging and instantly recognizable. I meet very few people who don’t know Pantone.

What does color mean to you?

Well, it’s an obsession. It always was. I love color. She makes me feel good and every time I work on a project I get so much energy from it. It’s my natural place.

Which of the colors of the year so far has been your favorite and why?

I find it difficult to choose a favorite from previous years because I always fall in love with the new one. Especially this year’s because it really reflects how people are feeling. For me, the story behind a color is just as important as the color itself.

I liked Peach Fuzz because it felt so warm and friendly. Likewise, ‘Mocha Mousse’ was a lovely shade of brown with a subtle hint of pink.