Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2026: Cloud Dancer

January 05, 2026

Written by Fiona Ingham

Cloud Dancer, a soft white is the Pantone Colour of 2026.

This achromatic choice has surprised many.

Neutrals in Pantone’s Colour History

Only three neutrals have been chosen since Pantone began Colour of the Year in 2000. The others being Ultimate Grey and 2025’s Mocha Mousse. The latter has done wonders for attitudes towards dressing in brown and has been brilliant for those who have been colour analysed as Autumns, Springs and Summers, as a huge variety of browns has flooded the shops.

Why a Soft White and Why Now?

Laurie Pressman, Vice President of Pantone explains that, as in previous years, soundings have been taken around the world to capture the ‘subliminal global mood.’ It’s felt that this soft white, gives ‘whispers of calm and peace in a noisy world’ and helps at a time when we crave respite from noise and stimulation. The choice is promoted as imbued with serenity, and having a calming influence on a frenetic society. As ever a huge ask for a colour. And what a contrast to the vibrant Greenery of 2017, or 2023’s vivid Viva Magenta!

From Global Mood to Global Influence

Pantone’s colour choices influence interiors, technology, branding and of course, fashion. Collaborations already set up for 2026 include Motorola, Mandarin Oriental, Post it and yes, Play-Doh! You can also be bang on trend by purchasing a Pantone white mug, notebook or keychain.

Choosing the Right White for Your Colour Season

Cloud Dancer is a perfect soft white for Summers. Winters can opt for a more extreme optic white, while the warmer equivalents suiting Autumns and Springs, are oyster or cream. These distinctions are of course particularly relevant for brides in their choice of a flattering white for a wedding dress. Colour analysis discovers the perfect one.

To find which neutrals and colours suit you best, read Fiona’s blog on colour analysis by season.

How to Wear Cloud Dancer in Your Wardrobe

These whites will go with everything in the wardrobe, ‘allowing all colours to shine’,
contrasting with brights and darks or blending with soft pastel shades. You will no doubt find a variant of Cloud Dancer already in your closet. As an Autumn I was delighted to be rediscover a cream woollen dress which I’ve recently ignored. I’ll enjoy adding colour in accessories. And a good lipstick will complete the look.

Fabric, Fit and Personal Style Considerations

The fabric affects how good this pale shade will look and this differs for each of us. Do you excel in texture or smoothness? Is a shiny fabric with drape good for you? Will a stiff fabric work for your body lines and personality, or perhaps a relaxed linen look is better?

Practicalities: Lifestyle and Maintenance

If you are considering splashing out on a major item in the Cloud Dancer family, do consider maintenance. The fabulous white trouser suit looks stunning in the promotional image but consider your lifestyle and also the dry-cleaning bills!

Looking Beyond Pantone: An Alternative Colour for 2026

If you hoped that something colourful would be announced, check out trend forecasters WGSN and Coloro’s Colour for 2026. It is Transformative Teal. A mix of blue and green. A lovely ‘safe’ colour which, unlike many, doesn’t look bad on any skin tones. I’ve also observed, over many years, that it’s a colour that most people respond well to. So, if you have to dress bridesmaids or choose a colour that everyone in a company will wear, it is a great choice for both looking good and most importantly, feeling good. As an accessory it will work well with most colours.

Perfectly paired with Pantone's Colour of the Year, our teal and blue bagletts bring colour and contrast to winter whites.