Pistachio green has been named the most fashionable colour of 2026, according to new research. A poll of 2,000 adults found the soft green hue topped the list of shades that best reflect the mood of the year so far, beating rivals such as sage green, chocolate brown, and butter yellow.
Widespread Presence in Daily Life
More than six in 10 (62%) of those surveyed said they had noticed the popular shade appearing more frequently in their daily lives, from food and drink to fashion, interiors, and social media posts. The trend is particularly strong among younger generations, with 89% of Gen Z and 77% of Millennials reporting they have seen the colour more often in 2026.
The research was commissioned by Samsung to coincide with the launch of the Galaxy S26 FE, which is available in pistachio, blueberry, and graphite colour options.
Colour's Influence on Taste and Memory
Colour trends also appear to influence taste and behaviour. Among those surveyed, 66% of Gen Z and 55% of Millennials said they have found themselves liking a shade more after seeing it repeatedly in fashion. The findings also revealed that colours can act as an instant time machine, with 46% saying certain hues can transport them back to a specific stage in their lives.
Annika Bizon, from Samsung, said: "Colour has an incredible ability to capture a moment. We remember the shades of the clothes we wore, the interiors we loved and even the technology we carried, and together they become part of how we picture an era."
Colours That Date and Stand Out
The study also found that colour has a surprisingly powerful ability to date memories. Some 28% of respondents said a particular colour reminds them of their childhood, while 23% associate certain hues with their teenage years, and 50% say shades can bring back memories of a particular decade. Others are transported back by colours associated with fashion trends (28%), food and drink (23%), films and television (17%), or technology (10%).
Some shades have become so synonymous with their moment that they now risk instantly dating whatever they appear on, according to 63% of those polled. Avocado green emerged as the colour most prone to making items appear dated, with mustard yellow, chocolate brown, and burnt orange following close behind.
Technology and Personal Style
The importance of colour is especially clear in technology, as 61% believe an unusual colour makes a tech product stand out. Additionally, 52% believe the perfect colour can lend technology a more stylish feel, and 51% claimed it makes tech products seem more individualised. Younger generations prove even keener to view device colours as reflecting their character, with 61% of Gen Z and 57% of Millennials considering this part of their individual expression, versus merely 20% of those over 60.
Annika Bizon, from Samsung UK & Ireland, whose latest Galaxy S26 FE boasts upgraded camera features and AI-driven functions including My FanCam, Horizontal Lock, and Photo Assist, commented: "Pistachio feels particularly right for 2026 because we're seeing this fresh, expressive shade move beyond one trend or category and into so many different parts of culture, from food and fashion to interiors and design."
"Technology is increasingly an extension of personal style too. We carry our phones everywhere, so people understandably want a device that doesn't just perform brilliantly but feels personal to them."
The top 10 colours that represent the mood of 2026 are: pistachio green, sage green, chocolate brown, beige/cream, butter yellow, cobalt blue, burgundy, cherry/tomato red, jade green, and orange.
