The Pantone Color Institute had announced its annual Color of the Year for 2026, and it's what they call PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer. Most of us would call it white. They explain that this shade of white was selected because it "signifies our desire for a fresh start" and "serves as a symbol of calming influence in a frenetic society rediscovering the value of measured consideration and quiet reflection." I might add, it also shows stains easily. The choice is surprising, considering that three paint companies selected different shades of green as their color of the year for 2026. Pantone has helpfully paired Cloud Dancer with other pastels for your decorating inspiration.
The backlash started the moment Pantone made the announcement. There can be all kinds of implications in choosing white, but the most basic is that white is not a color. Some call the choice lazy, while others have coined the term "Pantonedeaf." What do you think of their choice?
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White - one of the hardest colors to wear. Stains stand out the most on white. Just a drop of color draws the eye to it. White is associated with weddings. It shows off dog and cat hair way too well. It shows dirt on hems that you can't hide. White clothing carries a higher stress level from the wearer's concern for stains and blemishes, etc. White coloring is just too much trouble for every day wear.
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