Pantone’s choice for the 2026 Color of the Year—an off-white shade named “Cloud Dancer”—has sparked significant backlash, particularly among some white women. Many feel this decision is tone-deaf and indicative of a broader issue of “American whitewashing.”
Announced last week, Pantone describes “Cloud Dancer” as a representation of calmness amid a hectic world. However, soon after, a wave of criticism hit social media. Users accused Pantone of neglecting social sensitivities, drawing parallels to the backlash over Sidney Sweeney’s “American Eagle Genes” campaign.
One user on TikTok voiced strong feelings, claiming that whiteness has become a weapon in various sectors, including politics and the media. She emphasized that instead of recognizing the current climate, Pantone has essentially branded “whiteness as a lifestyle.”
Another TikTok commenter expressed that the choice is not just controversial, but deeply symbolic, reflecting who is still shaping the narrative while others are calling for basic humanity.
“I mean, choosing white or cloudy as the Color of the Year is obviously a political comment. Call me woke, but I stand by it,” another user declared in a TikTok video.
Some comments also suggested that this color selection is an attempt at “whitewashing.” One frustrated voice questioned whether Pantone had “forgotten to read the room,” expressing disbelief at the choice.
Another user echoed this sentiment, while yet another simply remarked, “Panton def,” in disbelief.
On a different note, not everyone was angered by the choice. Some criticized the color as unoriginal. “Your selections are as exciting as mayonnaise,” one Instagram user quipped.
Another took a lighter tone, joking that the choice might suggest a recession, stating, “Pantone can’t afford color this year, and neither can the rest of us.”
The Pantone Color Institute has been identifying the Color of the Year since 1999, with a spokesperson noting that the selection process is guided by colors that resonate within design trends and reflect the cultural mood, emphasizing the emotional impact of color.
