Pantone Announces 2026 Color Of The Year — Cloud Dancer White

On December 4, 2025, Beijing time, Pantone announced its 2026 Color of the Year: PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer. Pantone described this ethereal white as exuding a sense of tranquility, symbolizing a quiet strength that guides people to rediscover the value of thoughtful reflection and serene introspection in a bustling society.

"In this period of transformation, as we reimagine the future and our place in the world, PANTONE 11-4201 'Cloud Dancer White,' a subtle white shade, signals clarity and brightness. The surrounding clamor has become overwhelming, making it difficult for us to hear our innermost thoughts. Characterized by simplicity, Cloud Dancer White can enhance our focus and help us distance ourselves from external distractions," said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute.

Pantone points out that Cloud Dancer White is like a blank canvas, symbolizing our desire for a fresh start. By shedding old thought patterns, we can embrace new approaches. Cloud Dancer White can soothe the mind, encourage genuine relaxation and focus, allowing thoughts to wander, enabling creativity to breathe, and creating space for innovation.

Application of the Color of the Year: Cross-Boundary Multi-Field Expression

Pantone states that 'Cloud Dancer' is a key structural color, whose versatility provides a framework for the color spectrum, allowing all colors to shine. In a world where color has become synonymous with personal expression, this hue can adapt to its surroundings, blend harmoniously, and create contrast. Whether presented on its own or paired with other tones, it brings a light and transparent feeling to various product applications and environments.

1. Apparel and Accessories

As a core structural color, 'Cloud Dance White' becomes a versatile base across the full color spectrum, bringing delicacy and elegance to various styles while adding a sense of relaxed serenity. Whether it is down leather or chiffon knits, it can be perfectly matched, remaining always pleasing to the eye throughout the changing seasons.

2. Beauty and Hair

Yunshang Wu Bai adapts to a wide range of styles, from bold and eye-catching to minimalist and pure. Whether used alone or paired with contrasting colors, it can express a distinct fashion attitude. Especially when it aligns with personal style, it can further enhance the unique charm of an outfit, making every detail a focal point.

3. Home and Interior Decoration

Easily create a living space that combines both functionality and atmosphere. It can cultivate an open and serene relaxing environment, becoming a sanctuary for the soul. Whether it's the textured feel of the furniture or the decorative details that adorn the space, it can infuse daily life with a light sense of healing, awakening a full sense of happiness.

4. Design Field

PANTONE 11-4201 is a minimalist statement with a high-end modern feel, expressing a refined and streamlined aesthetic that places product and brand quality at the forefront. As a versatile hue that creates perfect contrast, PANTONE 11-4201 allows all other colors to shine and stand out, whether in digital environments or on store shelves. As the ultimate opposite of black, the two represent extreme yin and yang extremes. The combination of black and PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud White conveys sophistication and luxury. As a natural white free of artificial components, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud White offers environmentally conscious consumers a more sustainable choice and can communicate a commitment to broader sustainability goals through the use of materials like recycled paper or molded fibers.

Pantone Colors of the Year in Previous Years

PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse (2025)

PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz (2024)

PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta (2023)

PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri (2022)

PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating (2021)

PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue (2020)

PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral (2019)

PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet (2018)

PANTONE 15-0343 Greenery (2017)

PANTONE 15-3919 Serenity and PANTONE 13-1520 Rose Quartz (2016)

PANTONE 18-1438 Marsala (2015)

PANTONE 18-3224 Radiant Orchid (2014)

PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald (2013)

PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango (2012)

PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle (2011)

PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise (2010)

PANTONE 14-0848 Mimosa (2009)

PANTONE 18-3943 Blue Iris (2008)

PANTONE 19-1557 Chili Pepper (2007)

PANTONE 13-1106 Sand Dollar (2006)

PANTONE 15-5217 Blue Turquoise (2005)

PANTONE 17-1456 Tigerlily (2004)

PANTONE 14-4811 Aqua Sky (2003)

PANTONE 19-1664 True Red (2002)

PANTONE 17-2031 Fuchsia Rose (2001)

PANTONE 15-4020 Cerulean (2000)