Pantone has officially declared its Color of the Year for 2026. The colour authority has declared a white hue titled Cloud Dancer, a.k.a. Pantone 17-1230, as its 2026 colour, describing it as a “symbol of calming influence in a frenetic society”. This marks the first time since the tradition began in 1999 that the brand has opted for a shade of white. Last year, the company declared Mocha Mouse as its color choice for 2025, sparking widespread debate online. This year's color choice has followed suit, with many flocking to X to slam the announcement. Here's how one fan reacted, for instance: "They really looked at the entire color spectrum and chose "blank canvas." Go girl, give us absolutely nothing! This is the most low-effort slay of the century." The comments didn't end there: "white? really? bold choice to call nothing something," one user remarked. "You just know 2026 is going to be a good year," someone else quipped. "In this political & social climate that’s interesting timing," another claimed. "that’s not a colour," a fourth user chimed in. See how the rest of X is reacting: "That's white, what the hell is cloud dancer," one user questioned. "I see Pantone found out what rage baiting is," another quipped. "That’s a color? Sounds like someone describing their first experience with gummies," someone else jokingly suggested. "Well, bless their hearts. After years of screaming red and that awful mocha whatever-it-was, Pantone finally picked something clean and peaceful. About time!" a fan exclaimed. Read Pantone's statement about its Color of the Year 2026 below: In a statement, the company said of its decision to name Cloud Dancer as its Color of the Year 2026: “Similar to a blank canvas, Cloud Dancer signifies our desire for a fresh start. Peeling away layers of outmoded thinking, we open the door to new approaches. Cloud Dancer quiets the mind, encouraging true relaxation and focus that allows the mind to wander and creativity to breathe, making room for innovation.” The company said that its color selection was “not an arbitrary decision”, and that choosing it “entails thoughtful consideration and trend analysis”. In a webinar revealing the color on December 4, Pantone said that people are increasingly seeking “respite and relief from emotional and physical stimulation” amid a “cacophony of noise and conflicting messages." It said that its choice for the “lofty” white, “reads like a breath of fresh air” and as “a symbol of calming influence in a frenetic society." Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, said: “At this time of transformation, when we are reimagining our future and our place in the world, Cloud Dancer is a discrete white hue offering a promise of clarity." Stay tuned to SoapCentral for more.