Annually, Pantone selects its Color of the Year – a particular shade the experts believe represents the forthcoming cultural zeitgeist through color.
In the past, Pantone has selected two colors that create a varied depiction of the state of things, but nine colors? No.
However, that’s exactly what paint purveyor Sherwin-Williams just did for its Colors of the Year, which it has dubbed the “2025 Color Capsule of the Year.”
The idea of a “capsule” is all the rage right now, especially in the apparel space, where streetwear brands and designers release small batches of products in well-timed “drops” to spread demand out over time and create scarcity. Many of these capsules even pull in other brands for co-merchandising efforts.
Sure, Sherwin-Williams is creating a color template for interior designers and painters. But it’s also showing how color schemes can work together for applications in the world of print products, apparel, hard-good promotional products, trade show displays and more.
The capsule includes the following colors:
- Grounded: An earthy brown
- Sunbleached: A light neutral gray
- Chartreuse: A loud pop of color amid neutrals
- Rain Cloud: A deep bluish-gray reminiscent of a storm rolling in
- Clove: A dark brown to pull down the light tones
- Malabar: A sandy shade with pink undertones
- Bosc Pear: A warm orangey brown (or browny orange)
- White Snow: Just a few notches below pure white, with a hint of pink
- Mauve Finery: A chic light purple
When looked at as a cohesive unit, the capsule is something that product designers, printers and distributors putting together new items or a collection of goods can use for inspiration.
Washington, Missouri-headquartered The Chest (asi/44830) uses these annual color reports as a guiding force in their promotional products, which include branded kits and print solutions.
“Color can make or break a design,” says Sheila James, marketing manager at The Chest. “It is usually the first thing noticed. A lot of time can be spent using the best color to go with [an item], and when the ‘colors of the year’ come out, that can be a big help in making those decisions.”
The use of neutrals in the Sherwin-Williams capsule was notable, as they can work for a wide range of applications or design styles.
“Together – as a complete palette or in expertly picked pairings – the capsule’s alchemy creates something to be treasured in any style or setting,” Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams, said in a press release.
