Pantone names color of the year for 2021

Pantone® has named Pantone 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and Pantone 13-0647 Illuminating as the 2021 color of the year. This is only the second time Pantone has named two colors for its annual color of the year. The first time was in 2016.

According to the Pantone website the colors were chosen for the following reasons:

Pantone 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and Pantone 13-0647 Illuminating, two independent colors that highlight how different elements come together to support one another, best express the mood for Pantone Color of the Year 2021. Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, the union of Pantone 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and Pantone 13-0647 Illuminating is one of strength and positivity. It is a story of color that encapsulates deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the promise of something sunny and friendly.

A message of happiness supported by fortitude, the combination of Pantone 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and Pantone 13-0647 Illuminating is aspirational and gives us hope. We need to feel that everything is going to get brighter — this is essential to the human spirit.

As people look for ways to fortify themselves with energy, clarity and hope to overcome the continuing uncertainty, spirited and emboldening shades satisfy our quest for vitality. Pantone 13-0647 Illuminating is a bright and cheerful yellow sparkling with vivacity, a warming yellow shade imbued with solar power. Pantone 17-5104 Ultimate Gray is emblematic of solid and dependable elements which are everlasting and provide a firm foundation. The colors of pebbles on the beach and natural elements whose weathered appearance highlights an ability to stand the test of time, Ultimate Gray quietly assures, encouraging feelings of composure, steadiness and resilience.

Learn more about the color of the year.