The color of the year is……white?
2026’s Pantone Color of the Year is here and folks were not ready for what the company had for us. Next year’s featured hue is “Cloud Dancer,” which might have you wondering, what kind of color is that?
Well, in short, it’s a milky sort of white. Obviously, people are unsure what to do with this kind of information. Usually, the reveal of whatever Pantone Color of the Year is comes with some fun commentary from different corners of social media.
This time, there was true confusion on the Internet. You see, Pantone has never chosen a white hue for this particular honor. So, when Pantone 11-4201 rolled across Everyone’s timeline, there was bound to be a lot of discussion. Let’s face it folks, people have been in the doldrums for a little while here. 2025 has been the latest in a series of “unprecedented times” that we have had to wade through like others in history did before us. But, there’s always been little distractions to make the road easier.
In 2026, it doesn’t even feel like we’re getting that. Here’s how the company explained the shade. “Introducing Pantone Color of the Year 2026, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer, a lofty white that serves as a symbol of calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection. A billowy white imbued with serenity, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer encourages true relaxation and focus, allowing the mind to wander and creativity to breathe, making room for innovation.”
2026’s Pantone’s Color of the Year is Cloud Dancer
With that explanation riding out in front of all this, it’s a little clearer where the designers were coming from. The artists in charge of this initiative are going for some sort of Tabula Rasa effect. A clean white canvas to imagine new futures and different ideas. But, In a time of rising instability and social turmoil, The intended effect didn’t land for a lot of people online. It’s easy to talk of big game surrounding creativity and thoughtfulness devoid of context that this historical moment inspires.
At its best, the choice to go with any creamy neutral white in the year 2026 could be looked at as optimistic, maybe? Arguing against the hopefulness of a blank slate to write a new future for the United States, and the world larger writ, Is aspirational at its core. But, with so much work left to do to achieve a better future for Earth and its peoples, dreaming of “Cloud Dancer” seems like grasping at straws.
A common critique of the Pantone Color of the Year stems from naming these swatches. However, the company’s announcement hit the nail on the head this time. We’re all really dreaming if anyone believes that mere wishes without forceful action behind them are going to carry the day. As 2025 gets ready to come to a close, that has been the biggest lesson most Americans have learned over the last twelve months. Good intentions aren’t good for very much, you have to put in the work. Handing in a blank sheet won’t get you the grades you’re looking for.
(Photo Credit: Pantone, Marvel Studios)
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