For 2026, Pantone’s choice for Color of the Year is a dramatic departure from a prior range of expressive colors. Enter Cloud Dancer, a simple white.
“Pantone tends to choose bolder shades,” says Liz Tracy, senior product designer at PCNA, PPAI 100’s No. 5 supplier. “Despite initial pushback on social media, I see this being a popular choice with strong adoption, because it’s calming, uplifting and extremely versatile.”
While the choice of white surprised many, others say it makes sense for this moment.
“Cloud Dancer is the equivalent of taking a deep breath,” says Amy Leighton, vice president, supply chain at Charles River Apparel, PPAI 100’s No. 39 supplier. “It’s a white that’s not icy or intimidating. It has a softness to it. It feels calm, balanced and reassuring. People feel overwhelmed by noise, technology and constant connection, so Cloud Dancer reflects a real desire for serenity and a fresh start.”
Liz Tracy
Sr. Product Designer, PCNA
Building on that idea, Cloud Dancer, an airy white that’s both warm and cool, encourages a shift toward relaxation, reflection and creative openness. Pantone calls it “a balance between our digital future and our primal need for human connection,” reflecting a transition where people are looking for truth and a more grounded way of living.
“In a world growing louder and more technologically overwhelming, this white is a reset as a soft, balanced and deeply restorative hue,” says Christina Marcantelli, sales enablement manager at S&S Activewear, PPAI 100’s No. 2 supplier.
Neutral & Natural
Following on the heels of 2025’s Mocha Mousse, PANTONE 11-4201 is a natural evolution. “Cloud Dancer carries forward themes of calm, grounding and human connection while offering an even more expansive sense of serenity,” Marcantelli says.
That sentiment is shared by other industry pros. “Cloud Dancer is easy to layer, gender-neutral, flattering on a wide range of skin tones and instantly elevates a look with soft yet crisp accents,” says Chloe Ward, marketing manager at Storm Creek, PPAI 100’s No. 33 supplier. “While the shade is understated, it offers a timeless, classic foundation for any wardrobe.”
Leighton expects Cloud Dancer to spark a shift toward elevated basics and tone-on-tone dressing. “Think soft textures, clean silhouettes and pieces that don’t shout but still make a statement,” she says.
Amy Leighton
VP of Supply Chain, Charles River Apparel
This hue will also serve as an anchor point for the growing demand for seasonless neutrals that work for everyone. “Its versatility across basics, premium lifestyle apparel, and corporate merch positions it to become a true core palette essential rather than a passing trend,” Marcantelli says.
Pantone envisions this hue as communicating a “billowy softness” that comes through in soft, puffy silhouettes, oversized padding and rounded shapes. “Cloud Dancer will shine in categories where layering, textural contrast and versatility matter: outerwear, basics, athleisure and accessories,” Ward says.
Trend Forecast
Expect to see Cloud Dancer show up most strongly in fleece, knits, headwear and accessories. “In fleece especially, nothing beats a soft white or light-colored hoodie, perfect for today’s emphasis on wellness and the desire to unplug from technology,” says AJ Dickson, senior category director at PCNA. “Accessories will also be important, offering a way to add brightness or contrast for those not ready to commit to a fully light-colored garment.”
For decoration, Leighton notes that Cloud Dancer works well with tonal embroidery, clean logo treatments and minimalist accents.
“Cloud Dancer is an adaptive neutral that elevates every category,” Marcantelli says. ”It offers the perfect canvas for embroidery, patches, metallics and minimalist branding. It’s a decorator’s dream because it elevates everything placed on it.”
Christina Marcantelli
Sales Enablement Manager, S&S Activewear
Dickson forecasts more full-color logos, which pop on lighter backgrounds. “Full-color digital printing and techniques like HXD are excellent options,” he says.
Distributors can present Cloud Dancer as a clean, calming neutral that brings ease to everyday wear. “Our imagery will focus on light, intentional styling reinforcing the simplicity and clarity this color represents,” Leighton says. “This hue is an easy way to update a women’s assortment without shifting a full palette.”
Cloud Dancer will resonate with wellness, travel, lifestyle brands, tech companies seeking to soften their aesthetic, athleisure and activewear, outdoor and travel brands, and sustainable labels. “This shade communicates honesty, transparency and a desire to slow down,” Leighton says. “Many industries want to send that message in 2026.”
Industries with indoor or creative work environments are also natural fits. “Hospitals, schools and traditional offices can embrace this trend easily for uniforms,” Dickson says. “Resorts and gift shops are another strong match, since decoration stands out on lighter palettes. Younger buyers will gravitate toward Cloud Dancer, as many want to disconnect from tech and prioritize mental and physical well-being.”
The timeless luxury and heritage style aesthetic has pushed fashion and wholesale toward cleaner lines, elevated basics and high-quality neutrals. “Customers want pieces that look refined, last longer and fit into any wardrobe, driving wholesalers to focus on timeless luxury through premium fabrics, classic silhouettes and versatile colors that deliver a polished, understated vibe,” Marcantelli says.
The Artisan Insulated Shirt Jacket (in sand) is a windproof, water-resistant workwear-inspired shacket that keeps you cozy while looking polished. Made with 95% recycled materials and 25 GRS-certified post-consumer plastic bottles, this jacket features on-trend geometric quilting and a curved hem.
Storm Creek / PPAI 438091, Gold / stormcreek.com
From brunch to the trail, the Outdoer Super Stretch Performance Pullover (in sand) goes the distance with its windproof and water-resistant features, a boxy fit and room to layer. It’s also made with sustainable materials.
Storm Creek / PPAI 438091, Gold / stormcreek.com
The Columbia Women’s Benton Springs Fleece Full-Zip Jacket (in chalk) is made from warm 100% poly filament fleece and features zippered pockets and elastic cuffs. “Chalk delivers Cloud Dancer’s crisp, modern neutrality in a performance-ready jacket that works for outdoor or corporate programs,” Marcantelli says.
S&S Activewear / PPAI 256121, Platinum / ssactivewear.com
With a contrast-colored bill/dart detail, the casual LEGACY Heritage Twill Cap (in stone/brown) is a structured, five-panel cap made from 100% cotton twill. “This hat brings Cloud Dancer’s soft neutral trending two-tone appeal into a versatile everyday cap that fits across work, retail and outdoor markets,” Marcantelli says.
S&S Activewear / PPAI 256121, Platinum / ssactivewear.com
Made from a brushed fleece blend, this Independent Trading Co. Lux Heavyweight Modal Hooded Sweatshirt (in ivory) has a boxy oversized fit with premium ribbed cuffs and hem. “Ivory brings Cloud Dancer’s soft, serene energy to a luxe hoodie that feels elevated and endlessly wearable,” Marcantelli says.
S&S Activewear / PPAI 256121, Platinum / ssactivewear.com
Lightweight and warm, with a relaxed, easy-layering fit, this Pioneer Puffer Vest (in winter white) is made from GRS-certified sustainable fabrics and trims. “Winter white brings fresh clarity to the Pioneer Puffer Vest, making it the perfect layer for a polished look,” Leighton says.
Charles River Apparel / PPAI 111644, Gold / charlesriverapparel.com
Waterproof and breathable, the Odyssey Waterproof Parka (in winter white) has a fleece-lined interior with tricot-lined pockets for warmth, plus a zip-off hood and two-way zipper. “In winter white, this style feels crisp and refined, turning a functional parka into an everyday statement,” Leighton says.
Charles River Apparel / PPAI 111644, Gold / charlesriverapparel.com
This Women’s TATRA Eco Knit Long Sleeve Button Up Shirt (in white) is made with a recycled polyester blend and offers easy- care properties, UV protection and resistance to fading, snagging and pilling.
PCNA / PPAI 113079, Platinum / pcna.com
The soft, insulating Recycled Knit Beanie (in vintage white) is a unisex, cold-weather essential made from recycled polyester fibers. A portion of each sale supports environmental nonprofits.
PCNA / PPAI 113079, Platinum / pcna.com
Nicole Rollender is an award-winning writer and heads up the copywriting and content-creation firm STRANDWritingServices.com.
