2025 Summer Color Palettes for Custom Labels

Designing for Summer Starts with Color

If your labels are getting a seasonal refresh this summer, don’t start with the layout. Start with color. In 2025, brands are leaning into bold, feel-good palettes that reflect everything from long weekends and citrus harvests to iced drinks and sunny merch tables. Whether you’re planning a limited-run release or giving your packaging a quick update, the right summer colors set the tone instantly.

Below, we’ve pulled together a few standout color themes for this year’s warm-weather label design—plus some inspiration for how to use them in labels, sale signage, and summer setups.

Palette 1: Americana, But Make It Fresh

summer graphic design color palette americana

Color Focus: Cherry Red, Misty Blue, Soft Gold, Silver Foil
Good For: Seasonal flavors, limited-edition summer SKUs, or brands participating in July 4th events
Label Ideas: Use foil elements for shimmer on red or blue backdrops. Incorporate stars or banners as background texture.
Packaging Touches: Add gold or silver wax seals, metallic label finishes, or ribbon closures for event tables or gift packs.

Pro Tip: Let your custom label design feature the shimmer in small accents—like outlines, edges, or a single metallic icon. Too much foil and you lose the charm.

Palette 2: Backyard Citrus & Summer Herbs

summer graphic design color palette backyard citrus

Color Focus: Lemon Zest, Basil Green, Coral Pink, Creamy White
Good For: Jam labels, honey jars, natural body care, small-batch goods
Label Ideas: Highlight ingredients with hand-drawn illustrations. Use cream or white as a base with punchy accent colors in the typography.
Packaging Touches: Pair with kraft-paper pouches or simple glass containers for an organic feel.

Label Design Tip: If you’re using light pastels or creams, make sure your label material is opaque enough. Transparent or semi-gloss stocks can mute colors in unexpected ways.

Palette 3: Sunset Heat

summer graphic design color palette sunset heat

Color Focus: Papaya Orange, Deep Violet, Magenta, Champagne Gold
Good For: Hot sauce labels, cocktail mixers, aromatherapy mists
Label Ideas: Use gradients to evoke heat. Try layered fonts or label shapes with sharp edges to lean into the intensity.
Packaging Touches: Consider matte black containers or foil stamping to contrast the bright color blends.

Pro Insight: These saturated hues pop best on matte label finishes. It keeps things modern and lets the colors do the talking.

Palette 4: Beach Glass + Mineral Wash

summer graphic design color palette beachglass

Color Focus: Seafoam, Cloud Blue, Dusty Rose, Sandstone
Good For: Soap labels, bath salts, candles, wellness products
Label Ideas: Try watercolor-style backgrounds or soft-edged label shapes. Print on a soft-touch matte stock for an upscale finish.
Packaging Touches: Use linen bags, wood lids, or twine to lean into the natural tone.

Design Note: A label designer working with these tones might pull from nature textures to inspire icons, frames, or edge effects.

Make Summer Seasonal Without Overhauling Everything

You don’t need to redo your whole brand to get in on the season. Small tweaks to your product labels design—like color variants, alternate backgrounds, or a foil border—can signal a summer vibe while keeping your brand recognizable.

Think about pairing summer color variants with sale signs or bundle stickers. If you’re prepping for events, even a pop-up sign or cooler label with matching tones can make your table feel intentional and cohesive.

If you need help applying color trends to your custom label design, our team is happy to assist. Start with our full-service label design support for custom labels that bring your seasonal story to life.

Need a Hand Making Summer Colors Work for Your Labels?

If you’ve got a color palette in mind—whether it’s classic red, white, and blue or something softer and seasonal—it helps to have an expert eye on the details. From subtle metallics to bold summer tones, our team can help you translate your ideas into label designs that print clean and look intentional. You can start by visiting our label design page.

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FAQs

What label materials work best for summer colors?

Matte finishes tend to highlight bright or pastel colors better than gloss. For durability, choose water-resistant labels if your products are chilled or used outdoors.

Can I use foil in my summer label designs?

Yes—but sparingly. Gold and silver foil accents are great for borders or icons, especially on red or blue backgrounds.

How can I make limited-edition summer labels without changing my whole brand?

Try a summer-only color variation or alternate background. Keep your logo consistent but adjust the vibe with seasonal tones.

Do these color ideas work for sale signs too?

Absolutely. Using consistent summer colors across labels and signage makes your market table or retail shelf feel cohesive and polished.

Should I hire a label designer or try it myself?

If you’re unsure how to design a product label that fits your seasonal goals, working with a label designer can save time and guesswork. Our design team can help adjust your existing artwork or start something new.