“Remember how free clouds are. They just play around in the sky, all day long.”

If you’ve ever watched Bob Ross paint, you’ve probably heard him say something like this—usually while swirling white paint onto a canvas, magically creating beautiful fluffy clouds against a background full of color.

This was literally the first thing that came to mind when I heard the choice for the Pantone Color of the Year for 2026.

“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.”
The Pantone Color Institute

Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, likens the hue to a blank canvas. “Cloud Dancer signifies our desire for a fresh start,” Pressman says. “It opens up space for creativity, allowing our imagination to drift so that new insights and bold ideas can emerge and take shape.”

Cloud Dancer is an intentionally foundational choice, a slight off-white providing structure and versatility, and allowing the full color spectrum to shine. It’s a shade that can “adapt, harmonize and create contrast, bringing a feeling of airy lightness to all product applications.”

When you’re looking to evoke these ideas for your customers, try combining them with pastels and neutral tones for a visual crowd pleaser. Working with Cloud Dancer gives you plenty of options at SanMar.

Basic Off-Whites

The simple white tee is back in style…was it ever not?

• District Perfect Weight Tee
• Sport-Tek Women’s Halftime Notch Neck Tee
• BELLA+CANVAS Unisex 7.5-Ounce Heavyweight Tee

Lightly Layered

Add some brightness to any ensemble with fluffy white sweatshirts and fleece.

• District V.I.T. Fleece Hoodie
• Allmade Unisex Organic CVC Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt
• OGIO Women’s Luuma 1/2-Zip

Elemental Protection

Lofty layers of warmth, for when the weather outside looks frightful.

• Port Authority Camp Fleece Snap Pullover
• Mercer+Mettle Women’s Quilted Liner Jacket
• The North Face Women’s Down Hybrid Jacket

Serene Headspace

The finishing touch that adds a calming influence in a complete outfit.

• Port Authority Twill Classic Bucket Hat
• New Era Faux Fur Pom Beanie
• The North Face Ultimate Trucker Cap

And these are just for starters. There are dozens of choices to consider when planning how you can incorporate Pantone’s Color of the Year in 2026.

These aren’t just shirts and jackets and hats—they’re a blank canvas waiting for you to bring “a whisper of tranquility and peace” to your customers, by adding Cloud Dancer into your offerings.

We can’t wait to see what you do with it next.

Do you already have a few ideas of how you’re going to bring Cloud Dancer to life? Join the conversation and share your thoughts on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.