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, genderneutral, 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-ontone dressing. “Think soft textures, clean silhouettes and pieces that don’t shout but still make a statement,” she says. 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 lightcolored 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.” 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. “Cloud Dancer is an adaptive neutral that elevates every category. It offers the perfect canvas for embroidery, patches, metallics and minimalist branding.” — CHRISTINA MARCANTELLI, S&S ACTIVEWEAR PPAI • JANUARY 2026 • 19 In Style | Essentials
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