If the Pantone Color Institute has anything to say about it, 2019 will be a year of playful expression and joyful pursuits. The color-matching company chose Living Coral, a beachy, peachy shade that evokes coastal getaways and undersea adventures, as its color of the year. The bright, nurturing hue represents a fusion of the digital and natural world, according to Pantone.

“With consumers craving human interaction and social connection, the humanizing and heartening qualities displayed by the convivial Pantone Living Coral hit a responsive chord,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. It’s an energizing shade that’s found both under the sea and on social media feeds, according to Pantone.

The choice was welcomed by promotional products professionals, who believe the color will have broad appeal in the industry.

It's definitely eye-catching! We like the philosophy behind the color choice, and logos will pop 💥 with such a vibrant background. #ThursdayThoughts

— Geiger (@geigergetsit) December 6, 2018

“I have a feeling this color isn’t going to be popular in one market or another, because I can see it popping up in just about every market and demographic out there,” says James Andres, marketing coordinator for S&S Activewear (asi/84358). “Living Coral could show up in polos on the green, in wovens at the office, in flowy tees at the beach, on kids’ apparel lines and even on fishing shirts in your favorite outdoors shops.”

Andrea Routzahn agrees. “I love this color,” says the vice president of portfolio and supplier management at Top 40 supplier alphabroder (asi/34063). “Not only is it fresh, clean and bright, but it’s also a nice divergence from past colors of the year.” In 2018, Pantone chose the deep, dark Ultra Violet as annual hue, and for 2017, the institute went with the lawn-like Greenery.

Living Coral is a natural fit for the resort and hospitality industry. It also works particularly well for fashion tees and fleece, Routzahn says. “It speaks to the coastal design ethic of garment-dye, which is so popular in fashion right now,” she adds.

Although it’s a bright color, Living Coral still has a calming effect on viewers, Andres says. “It’s not too obnoxious, and it’s gender neutral,” he adds. It’s not traditionally “corporate,” Routzahn says, but Living Coral would be ideal for companies on the hunt for a fun and casual look to outfit an event.

Nice – a great bright color for polos and tees 👕

— World Emblem™ (@worldemblem) December 7, 2018

To emphasize its connection to nature, consider pairing Living Coral with various shades of blue, particularly aquas and teals that are reminiscent of the ocean. “Any designs using a color scheme like that should pop nicely,” Andres says.

Industry suppliers are already experimenting with the best application of the latest color of the year.

What do you think? Should we add it to the UltraLuxMotion Collection?#blazerstyle pic.twitter.com/KRZByfnLVz

— Executive Apparel (@ExecApparel) December 7, 2018

Check out some more examples of apparel in the 2019 Color of the Year.

Adidas polo (A213), available from S&S Activewear.

Harriton ladies’ textured camp shirt (M560W), available from alphabroder.

Bella + Canvas women’s flowy racerback tank (8800), available from S&S Activewear.

Threadfast Apparel unisex triblend tank (102C), available from alphabroder.

Short-sleeved fishing shirt (ZP2297), available from S&S Activewear.

Gildan Hammer tee (H000), available from alphabroder.