: The most reliable method is using the Pantone Connect platform. It allows you to select a TCX color and use the "Cross-Reference" tool to find the nearest match in the Solid Coated library.
Since these systems use different bases (dye on cotton vs. ink on paper), there is rarely a 1:1 "official" match, but you can find the closest visual equivalent. PANTONE® USA | Color Solutions, Trends, Guides & Tools
| | 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. |
Converting colors from the system to the Pantone Formula Guide Coated (C) system is a common task when moving a design from fabric to printed materials like packaging or marketing collateral. Because TCX colors are dyed on cotton and C colors are printed with ink on coated paper, an exact match is often impossible, so the goal is to find the closest visual equivalent. Official Conversion Tools