Combining dependability and sunny optimism, Pantone’s 2021 Colors of the Year are Ultimate Gray and Illuminating, a vibrant yellow. Let’s take a look at the feelings each color evokes and how you can recommend these colors for promotional products.

Ultimate Gray – A foundational color that expresses:

• Steadiness
• Stability
• Neutrality
• Practicality

Illuminating – A bright spot of sunshine that evokes:

• Hope
• Optimism
• Happiness
• Positivity

Together, Ultimate Gray and Illuminating are complementary colors that express a message of fortitude and unity, exactly the things we want to feel in 2021. And the combination of these colors is something you can suggest to clients shopping for promotional products.

Selling Points

One of the biggest benefits is gray and yellow look great on all skin types, so when it comes to apparel, you have a winning combination that will stand out on every end-user.

Each color can stand on its own, depending on whether your clients want to go for traditional or bright.

Want to pitch them together? Don’t worry – these colors complement each other and don’t clash.

Industries

Although Ultimate Gray and Illuminating are a fit for any industry, you’d do best to focus your efforts on:

• Technology
• Healthcare – Specifically senior living facilities
• Hospitality – Don’t overlook any service industry
• Sports and entertainment
• Transportation
• Retail

Products

Whether you select one or both colors, these are some items that will look fabulous in gray and yellow:

• Corporate apparel
• Business or sports uniforms
• Tech accessories
• Writing instrument and notebook combos
• Drinkware
• Desk accessories
• Totes and bags

Apparel Ideas

Here are just a few examples of how you can combine Ultimate Gray and Illuminating in apparel and uniforms:

• A jacket in yellow, with gray thread in the zippers and drawcords.
• Gray sweatpants with yellow drawstring.
• Layer a yellow T-shirt with gray hoodie (and double your sales numbers with two promo apparel pieces).
• Gray fleece with a yellow hat and scarf for 3x the exposure.

As we look forward, we’re ready for stability and positivity in the promo industry in 2021. Don’t forget to incorporate the Pantone Colors of the Year Ultimate Gray and Illuminating in your sales presentations.

Source: “Opposites Attract in Pantone Colors of the Year.” Hegel, Theresa. December 11, 2020. ASICentral.