Tcx To Pantone — C
: Because dyes on cotton and inks on paper reflect light differently, there is rarely an exact physical match between the two systems. How to Convert TCX to Pantone C Pantone Color Systems - For Textiles
Textiles use fabric dyes (acid, reactive, or disperse dyes). Printing uses inks (organic and inorganic pigments). These chemistries achieve different color gamut limits.
If software is not available, many professionals rely on the old standard: the .
To convert a TCX color using Pantone Connect: tcx to pantone c
The PMS system uses these common suffixes:
Summary
These colors are dyed onto 100% cotton fabric . They are the industry standard for fashion, apparel, and soft home goods. : Because dyes on cotton and inks on
Always list both the TCX code (for garment manufacturing) and the PMS C code (for hangtags, boxes, and manual printing) on your tech packs.
(Solid Coated) requires cross-referencing two different color systems.
Treat TCX and Pantone C as cousins, not twins. Respect their substrates, manage expectations, and always proof on the final material before mass production. These chemistries achieve different color gamut limits
| | Cons | | :--- | :--- | | Cross-Industry Consistency: Ensures your branding matches your apparel line. | Substrate Discrepancy: You cannot replicate the texture of cotton on glossy paper. | | Cost Efficiency: You don't need to re-mix custom colors for printing; you use standard C inks. | Inaccuracies: Dark colors on cotton often look muddy when converted to paper inks. | | Digital Speed: Adobe Illustrator/Pantone Connect makes this a 2-second job. | Legacy Issues: Newer Pantone libraries (like the Plus Series or Pantone 2023 updates) may shift the numbers, causing mismatches with older TCX swatches. |
Recording format (recommended spec block)
When you must find the closest visual equivalent between these two systems, use the following industry-standard methods. 1. Use official Pantone Software (Digital Method)
: TCX colors are on matte, textured cotton, while C colors are on smooth, shiny paper. This causes light to reflect differently, making C colors often appear more vibrant than their TCX counterparts.