As we enter a new decade, many people are clamoring for comfort, calm and constancy. The Pantone Color Institute took that into consideration with its 2020 Color of the Year: Classic Blue. Some have deemed it a safe – even boring – choice by the color experts at Pantone; for others, though, the straightforward hue is a refreshing return to timeless elegance.

“We’re living in a time that requires trust and faith,” said Leatrice Eisemen, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. Classic Blue, she added, is “a solid and dependable blue hue we can always rely on,” but also “a boundless blue evocative of the vast and infinite evening sky.”

This makes a lot of sense! The classic blue really seems to be the trend right now and it usually paired with light/pastels and gold! We think it's a great choice.

— KeepsakeBoxUSA (@KeepsakeBoxUSA) December 5, 2019

For the promotional products realm – particularly the area of corporate apparel – Classic Blue is a welcome selection, thanks to its universality and versatility. “It’s a great color for any garment, and it pairs with every color,” says Andrea Routzahn, senior vice president of portfolio and supplier management at Top 40 supplier alphabroder (asi/34063). “Classic Blue is a calming color, full of hope and truth, just what we need for our fast-paced lives.”

It feels safe to me...perhaps a calm in a chaotic time but also coloring inside the lines feel

— Emily Dunnigan (@emilydunnigan) December 6, 2019

Classic Blue is lighter than royal, but a tad darker than French blue, according to Taraynn Lloyd, vice president of marketing at Top 40 supplier Edwards Garment (asi/51752). “This color looks great on all skin types and will truly be a part of everyone’s wardrobe in 2020,” she adds. Lloyd recommends Classic Blue for “career apparel tops,” such as polos, casual shirts, blouses, sweaters, jackets and knits. It’s also a great choice for uniforms in the hospitality, spa and healthcare industries.

The colours of the early 1920s were quite classic - gold, ultramarine & solid navy were popular. Blue is calmer over warm colours, ending the decade on a soothing “it’s going to be ok” note. One could even say this a subtle political stance from Pantone - democrats are also blue.

— Christine Oliver (@ChristineOliver) December 6, 2019

Though it complements just about the whole spectrum, Classic Blue is particularly well-suited with shades of gray, tan and black, Lloyd says. She also encourages distributors to look beyond solids when thinking of the color of the year. “A micro-check looks fabulous in Classic Blue,” she says.

Selecting the color of the year is an involved process that requires thoughtful consideration and trend analysis, according to the Pantone Color Institute. Color experts look for color influences in the entertainment industry, art, fashion, technology and more. The company has been naming its annual color for 21 years. Previous selections include the sea-inspired Living Coral in 2019 and the mystical Ultra Violet in 2018.

Check out these examples of Classic Blue from apparel suppliers.

The Devon & Jones men’s performance polo (DG20) from alphabroder is made from a rich cotton-feel plaited piqué that perfectly embodies the spirit of Classic Blue, according to Routzahn.

This performance pullover (3442) from Edwards Garment is made from a breathable, lightweight fabric and features a contrasting collar and zipper.

This no-iron stretch broadcloth dress shirt (1316) from Edwards Garment features a micro-check pattern in Classic Blue.