Pantone reveals 2026 Color of the Year: Cloud Dancer

The Pantone Color Institute has set the style world abuzz with its 2026 Color of the Year choice, drawing mixed reactions. 

"An ethereal white hue, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer serves as a symbol of calming influence in a frenetic society rediscovering the value of measured consideration and quiet reflection," the Pantone Color Institute wrote in a press release. 

Essentially a versatile shade of white, the color is meant to offer anyone who wears the color or looks at it "a promise of clarity," added the institute.  

Since Cloud Dancer mixes well with any color, the institute says it provides a "clean modern base" for apparel, fashion accessories, footwear, even nails, makeup, and hair. 

In interior design, the Institute says the color brings an airy lightness to spaces. 

Applying the color in multimedia design, the color company says Cloud Dancer "transforms simplicity into visual depth."

Divided reactions

The color choice has inspired mixed reactions online. 

"Parang uniform ng anak ko paguwi galing school," wrote one social media user in reaction to the white hue. 

"Whatever it is, I just see white," added another. 

"Imagine, lahat tayo magsisimba na ganyan ang kulay [ng] suot.. 'nasa langit na ba ako'," a Facebook user commented.

For another Internet user, this year's Pantone color "is giving purity white. It's very peaceful for our society! I love it!" 

"Pristine & peaceful. We need it for the world," another one added.

How is the color of the year picked?

On the Pantone website, Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, shared how—and why—they pick a color that will inevitably influence how the world colors itself for the rest of the year.

According to Pressman, the Pantone Color of the Year was an educational program begun in 1999. It was launched to demonstrate how color influences culture and vice versa.

Today, a global team of experts from the Pantone Color Institute watches the world and its trends year-round to look for new color influences. The inspiration for the next color of the year can come from anywhere—from the entertainment industry and fashion to travel destinations, social media platforms, even socio-economic conditions and sporting events. 

Once they pick a color, the name is also carefully considered. The team chooses one that conjures both "an image and a feeling."

"The emotional aspect of color is also a large aspect of our decision-making. We want to ensure that the colors we select reflect what is taking place in our global culture at a specific moment in time," said Pressman. 

With all the chaos happening throughout the world today, it is no wonder that for 2026, the Pantone Color Institute chose a color that evokes feelings of calmness and serenity.