Building a colour story for your collection
A step-by-step method from inspiration to a production-ready palette with TCX codes.
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A colour story connects every product in a collection. Here is a simple method that works for brands of any size.
1. Start from the season
Look at the season palette and choose the colours that fit your customer and price point. Not every trend colour suits every brand.
2. Set the roles
- Core: best-selling, repeatable colours.
- Fashion: trend colours that create excitement.
- Neutral: colours that make everything combine.
3. Fix the references
Assign every colour a Pantone TCX reference and a name your team will use consistently in tech packs and product listings.
4. Plan the mix
Decide how many styles each colour gets. A common split is about 60% core, 25% fashion and 15% neutral, adjusted to your sales history.
5. Review in context
Lay out fabric swatches together under daylight before approving. Colours that work alone can clash as a group.
