What do the different colours mean?
LATEX COLOUR GUIDE
There are a lot of varied and contracting opinions about the application and relevance of colour in latex fetish-wear and what each colour actually signifies and represents.
In this section we aim to bring some clarity on the difficult matter of colour choice and offer up some useful information to help you choose.
Introduction to Colour Meanings.
There are a number of schools of thought around the meanings and significance of each colour. Fetish-wear has been primarily influenced by a system called the 'Hanky Code' although there are a wide number of other sources from flags to chakras and the colour meaning and psychology of art.
Which ever influence you choose as a basis for your colour decision, it is always advisable to be acquainted with other definitions to avoid awkward and unwanted experiences. While rubber and latex fetish-wearers may not all prescribe to the hanky code, there is a large cross section of the fetish community that do so understanding the common definitions is beneficial (these are outlined below).
Just because you like a certain colour does not mean you are interested in the commonly associated fetish or that you are only interested in that specific type of play, nor does it mean you are limited or restricted to only that specific fetish act. Just be clear about your interest and do not be pushed into a situation which makes you uncomfortable.
Wearing colours in combination as part of the outfit design often detracts from the assumed common meaning and is widely accepted as a fashion choice, not a sexual statement of intent or interest.
The Hanky Code
The Hanky Code sometimes referred to as the Bandana Code is part of a traditional sub-cultural practice known as 'Flagging' commonly practiced before the legalisation of homosexuality. It is a basic color-coding system, employed primarily by gay men, and still practiced today among leather and skin fetish groups throughout America, Canada, and Europe. The purpose being to easily identify a persons sexual fetish, what kind of sex they are seeking, and whether they are a top/dominant (worn on the left) or bottom/submissive (worn on the right).
The modern Hanky Code started in New York City in the early 1970's and quickly became a staple of the modern leather culture around the world. There are twelve commonly identified and distinguishable colors in the short Hanky Code, each with a specific meaning, and a longer list which details a much wider array of colours and definitions. The long Hanky Code is rapidly falling out of favor as it is convoluted, overly prescriptive and arbitrary.
Whilst some of the short Hanky Code still holds meaning some parts are best ignored as they do not speak to modern tastes and widely miss the mark for a lot of people into latex rubber fetish. It can be reasonably argued that only 9 of the colours of the Hanky Code still carry any sort of easily identifiable and significant connotation within the rubber latex fetish community, and even those are subjective.
BLACK
BLACK
BLACK
BLACK - KINK / HEAVY S&M
In color psychology, black's color meaning is symbolic of mystery, power, elegance, and sophistication.
BLUE
BLACK
BLACK
BLUE - ANAL SEX
Blue is a serene and calming color that represents intelligence and responsibility. ... Light baby blue is peaceful, while dark blue can signify depth and power.
BROWN
BLACK
BROWN
BROWN - SCAT
Brown is regarded as a colour of strength and reliability. Seen as a reliable and stable influence. Brown is associated with resilience, dependability, security.
GREEN
ORANGE
BROWN
GREEN - DADDY / BOY
Green is a cool color that symbolizes nature and the natural world. Strong associations with nature, green is often thought to represent tranquility, good luck and health.
GREY
ORANGE
ORANGE
GREY - BDSM / BONDAGE
Grey represents neutrality and balance.
ORANGE
ORANGE
ORANGE
ORANGE - ANYTHING AT ANYTIME
Orange is associated with meanings of joy, warmth, enthusiasm, creativity, success, encouragement, change, determination, health, stimulation, happiness, fun, enjoyment, balance, sexuality, freedom, expression, and fascination.
PINK
PURPLE
PURPLE
PINK - TOY PLAY
Pink symbolizes youth, good health, and playfulness. It's the flush of first love and stands for nurturing, innocence and cheerfulness.
PURPLE
PURPLE
PURPLE
PURPLE (DAMSON / PLUM) - PIERCINGS
Purple symbolizes magic, mystery, spirituality, the sub-conscious, creativity, dignity, royalty.
RED
PURPLE
TURQUOISE
RED - FISTING
Red is associated with the heat of energy, passion and love. It's also the color of life, power and danger, making it a powerful color in branding and design.
TURQUOISE
TURQUOISE
TURQUOISE
TURQUOISE - ORAL SEX / CBT
Turquoise is regarded as refreshing, calming, sophisticated, energy, wisdom, serenity, wholeness, creativity, emotional balance, good luck, spiritual grounding, friendship, love, joy, tranquility, patience, intuition, and loyalty.
WHITE
TURQUOISE
YELLOW
WHITE - VANILLA SEX / SAFE SEX
White represents purity or innocence, cleanliness, freshness, and simplicity. New beginnings or a fresh start.
YELLOW
TURQUOISE
YELLOW
YELLOW - PISS PLAY
Yellow is a color associated with sun. It symbolizes optimism, energy, joy, happiness and friendship. It can also stand for intellect.