Pantone, the global authority on color, has been announcing its “Color of the Year” since 2000, a color selection that has a significant influence on trends across various industries, including fashion, interior design, product development, and more. The Color of the Year is selected by Pantone’s color experts, who analyze a wide range of cultural, societal, and environmental factors to determine a color that resonates with the mood of the times. Each year’s color represents the mood and direction of the global culture, helping to shape visual trends and consumer behavior for the year ahead.
However, Pantone has not yet released its official Color of the Year for 2025. Since the announcement usually occurs in December of the preceding year, this means we will likely have to wait until late 2024 to see what Pantone’s color experts choose for 2025. That said, I can provide insights into how Pantone typically selects its Color of the Year, the process behind the decision, and what we might expect based on current color trends and cultural influences.
The Pantone Color of the Year Process
Pantone’s Color of the Year is not chosen arbitrarily. It is the result of months, or even years, of research into global trends. Pantone’s color experts examine various elements of life, from entertainment, art, fashion, and design to social and political movements, economic shifts, and technological advances. They observe how colors are being used across various industries, and most importantly, they look for a color that is reflective of the current global mood.
The Pantone Color of the Year is not just a color that’s trending in a particular season or year. It is a reflection of the cultural and emotional landscape, an embodiment of the collective mood of society. The chosen color often sparks innovation in industries as companies use it to connect with consumers emotionally, symbolizing hope, change, or reflection.
Past Pantone Colors of the Year
Looking at past Color of the Year selections gives us insight into how Pantone’s choices often correspond to societal trends. For instance, in 2020, Pantone chose Classic Blue (Pantone 19-4052), a color that symbolized tranquility, stability, and calm in a time of global uncertainty. The year 2020 was, of course, marked by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Classic Blue provided a sense of reassurance and dependability during this tumultuous period.
The following year, 2021, Pantone selected two colors: Ultimate Gray (Pantone 17-5104) and Illuminating (Pantone 13-0647), a bright yellow. These colors were chosen to convey hope and optimism after the harshness of the previous year, blending strength and positivity to symbolize resilience in the face of adversity.
In contrast, Very Peri (Pantone 17-3938), chosen as the 2022 Color of the Year, represented a new beginning and fresh perspective. This periwinkle hue, with its violet-blue undertones, encapsulated the spirit of transition and innovation as the world began to emerge from the pandemic. Very Peri was a color of reinvention and creativity, signaling a shift toward bold new possibilities.
In 2023, Pantone’s Color of the Year was Viva Magenta (Pantone 18-1750), a rich, vibrant red that radiated energy, vitality, and confidence. It represented strength and the embracing of life, tapping into a post-pandemic optimism and a desire for joy and exuberance. This choice reflected the growing global momentum toward expressing individuality and embracing the richness of life in the aftermath of challenging years.
What to Expect for Pantone’s Color of the Year 2025?
While it’s impossible to know for sure which color Pantone will select for 2025, we can make an educated guess based on current color trends and global influences. The trends that influence Pantone’s decisions are often a reflection of society’s mood, and recent years have seen significant cultural and technological changes. Let’s explore some factors that might influence Pantone’s decision in 2025.
1. Technological Advancements
Technology has been rapidly evolving, and this trend is likely to continue. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) is changing how we experience the world, and this could influence color choices. In particular, shades of neon and digital-inspired hues could become more prominent. A color that embodies the digital age, with bold, energetic tones, might be selected to symbolize the growing intersection of technology and daily life.
Furthermore, the increasing prominence of the metaverse might also influence color trends. Colors associated with the digital world — electric blues, vivid purples, and bright, saturated hues — might reflect a shift toward virtual spaces, as well as our growing reliance on digital environments for socializing, entertainment, and work.
2. Environmental and Sustainability Concerns
As global conversations around climate change and environmental sustainability continue to grow, Pantone may choose a color that reflects these themes. For instance, we might see earthy tones, such as mossy greens, deep browns, or calming blues, as a nod to nature and the urgency of environmental protection. Sustainability is a key concern for many industries, and a color that aligns with the ongoing movement to protect the planet could gain prominence.
In recent years, we’ve also seen an emphasis on eco-friendly design and sustainable fashion, and a color that connects to natural resources or evokes a sense of calm and restoration might resonate with the public. Soft, muted greens, gentle yellows, and neutral earth tones are becoming increasingly popular as people look for ways to connect with the environment in a meaningful way.
3. Cultural Shifts
Social and cultural shifts often influence color selection, and the period leading up to 2025 is likely to see ongoing discussions around diversity, inclusion, and global solidarity. Pantone could select a color that reflects a sense of unity and collective strength, perhaps choosing a color that symbolizes empowerment, balance, and inclusivity.
Additionally, given the increasing cultural awareness and interest in mental health, a color that represents wellness or peace might resonate. Colors like soft blues or greens, which are known for their calming effects, could be a reflection of the global push for mental and emotional well-being.
4. Fashion and Art Trends
Fashion plays a major role in color trends, and the fashion industry has increasingly embraced bold and expressive colors in recent years. Shades of pinks, purples, and reds have been trending, with designers frequently opting for vibrant, statement-making hues. Given this, it’s possible that a striking color that embodies confidence, passion, and individuality might be Pantone’s pick for 2025.
At the same time, we may see colors influenced by the resurgence of retro styles, with palettes inspired by the 80s, 90s, or even earlier periods. These throwback tones could evoke nostalgia and connect people to past eras while giving them a modern twist.
5. Post-Pandemic Optimism
The world has been through unprecedented times, and as we emerge from the global challenges of the past few years, the desire for renewal and optimism will likely continue to shape color trends. Bright, optimistic colors that signify hope, energy, and joy are likely to remain important. Vibrant pinks, sunny yellows, and fiery reds could dominate in 2025, reflecting the optimism and resilience of a world that is gradually healing and recovering.
Conclusion
While Pantone has not yet announced its official Color of the Year for 2025, we can anticipate a selection that encapsulates the mood and cultural shifts of the time. Whether inspired by technological innovations, environmental concerns, or global cultural movements, the chosen color will likely resonate with people around the world and influence trends across industries. Until the official announcement is made, we can only speculate about the color that will define 2025, but one thing is for sure: Pantone’s choice will be a reflection of the hopes, challenges, and aspirations of society in the years to come.
