In 2025, Pantone’s Colour of the Year was 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, a warm, chocolatey brown that exudes comfort and understated elegance. It’s a hue that evokes the richness of coffee and cocoa, offering a sense of grounding during uncertain times.
Personally, I’m not entirely sold on it. Perhaps it’s the nostalgic flashbacks to my second (possibly third-hand) Brownie uniform from the late ’80s. So, naturally, I’m already casting my gaze forward to what 2026 has in store and keeping my fingers crossed that it’s a tone that doesn’t evoke past fashion disasters.
Enter Transformative Teal
According to WGSN, the global trend forecasting authority, 2026 will be the year of Transformative Teal. Described as “a fluid fusion between dependable dark blue and aquatic green,” this shade symbolises a period of change and redirection. WGSN notes that this colour reflects the growing consumer demand for greater ecological responsibility and represents a shift towards challenging old ideas and embracing new ways of thinking about society, industry, and the environment.
Transformative Teal is a rich blend of blue and green, reminiscent of deep ocean waters and lush forests. It embodies a sense of freshness, calm, and restoration, making it a versatile choice for various sectors and organisations. Unlike Mocha Mousse, which, in my opinion, often leans towards high-end beauty and fashion, Transformative Teal feels more adaptable and inclusive, suitable for a broader range of applications.
Anticipating Pantone’s 2026 Pick
While WGSN has already unveiled their 2026 Colour of the Year, we’ll have to wait until later this year to see which hue Pantone selects. Typically, Pantone announces its Colour of the Year in December. Their choice is always a reflection of the world, where we are going, and how we feel about it. With half the year still to go, who knows where we might be come December! 2025 has been one hell of a ride so far.
Want to know more about the power of colour for your organisation?
Well, we have a few blogs for that! I recently wrote about ‘The psychology of colour in your charity branding’ and you can also find out more about how colour can bring your brand to life here: Colour Me… Brand.
