A new year presents the perfect opportunity to start fresh. This is exactly what the team at Pantone took into account. Pantone has made its annual colour reveal, and 2026 belongs to ‘Cloud Dancer’. 

The shade is a soft, billowy white that feels like a breath of fresh air. On Thursday, the Pantone Color Institute officially announced this neutral tone as the defining colour for the year ahead.

Cloud Dancer is not just any white. It is described as a lofty neutral with an aerated presence. The institute calls it a whisper of calm and peace in a noisy world. In times where screens dominate every moment, this shade represents a step back. It symbolises quiet reflection and measured consideration.

A Colour for Modern Times

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, explained the choice. She said Cloud Dancer acts as a calming influence in a frenetic society. The colour invites true relaxation and focus. It allows the mind to wander freely and creativity to breathe naturally.

Transformative Teal

Last month another agency namely WGSN and Coloro have named Transformative Teal as the Colour of the Year, a shade that blends deep blue with aquatic green. The organisations say the colour captures the current focus on resilience, renewal, and a growing push toward environmentally responsible choices.