Hey there, fellow pup!
Choosing the right pup hood colour can feel like a big decision – after all, it’s one of the key pieces that helps you slip into pup mindset. Whether it’s your first hood or you’re expanding your gear, here are some fun insights and tips to help you pick a hood colour that truly feels you.
Choosing a pup-hood color isn’t just about looking cool; it can say a lot about how you feel, how you play, or who you are in the pup space.
Let’s dive into what different colors generally suggest, to help you pick one that vibes with you. Just remember, you are free to pick the color you want regardless of any below meanings – not everyone uses these colors mean what is written below. The colors below are partly based off the Hanky Code because this was a historic color and signalling system used in the LGBTQ+ and kink community in the past, and still partly, but less commonly, used today.
Color Table: The meaning behind each pup hood color choice
Here’s the breakdown of what many pup hood colors can represent…though, of course, you get to decide what yours really means. We have also included the color coded meanings for each according to the Hanky Code (explained more in next section).
| Color | What People Often Associate With It | Hanky Code Meaning (Classic Reference) |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Passion, strong energy, intensity, maybe even dominance or fiery play. If you like being bold, this one’s for you. | Red hanky = Fisting (left for top, right for bottom) |
| Orange | Adventurous, energetic, social. Orange often gives off a playful, attention-grabbing vibe – great if you’re lively, outgoing, or want to show off your fun side. | “anything goes / up for anything” color (sometimes joked about as a “no limits” flag). |
| Blue | Calm, peaceful, loyal. Blue tends to be soothing, a color folks pick when they want to feel relaxed or dependable. | Light blue = Oral sex; Dark blue = Anal sex (left for top/active, right for bottom/passive) |
| Black | Mystery, strength, sometimes edgy or serious. Black can feel powerful and a bit dramatic. | S/M, heavy fetish interests |
| White | Clean, pure, innocent. White hoods are often seen as lighter, maybe even a bit delicate or sweet. | Masturbation (showing you’re into mutual play or self-play) |
| Pink | Playful, cute, lighthearted. Pink tends to show a softer side, maybe more fun and innocent. | Often associated with “sissies” or more femme/kink play |
| Purple | Creative, magical, maybe a bit dreamy. It gives off a sense of imagination and sometimes royalty. | Piercing / body modification interests |
| Yellow / Gold | Happy, bright, attention-getting. If you want something sunny and warm, that color often brings that vibe. | Watersports (left for giver, right for receiver) |
| Green | Natural, balanced, refreshing. Good for feeling grounded or connected to growth. | Dark green = Hustler (sex for money); Light green = Anything goes (open to fun) |
| Rainbow / Multi-color | Celebration, fun, colorfulness. Lots of energy, lots of joy, perfect if you want lots of personality showing. | Not a traditional hanky code color, more modern “queer pride” or “open to many kinks” signal |
My color isn’t on here? What more colors did the hanky code have?
Luckily for you we included a bigger list too:
The Hanky Code: What It Is & Who Still Uses It
The hanky code started back in the 1970s in gay leather and kink communities. People would wear a colored bandana (or “hanky”) in their back pocket to show their interests.
- Left pocket = active/top role
- Right pocket = passive/bottom role
- The color itself = which kink, activity, or fetish you were into
It was practical at a time when being openly queer or kinky could be risky – this was a discreet way to signal likes without saying a word.
Who still uses the Hanky Code?
These days, the majority of people in pup play or kink spaces know about the hanky code, but it’s not as widely practiced as it once was. You might still see it:
- At leather bars, kink events, or pride festivals (especially among older generations who lived through its heyday).
- On hoods, gear, or online profiles as a playful reference to the tradition.
- As a fun, nostalgic way to show identity or interests without having to spell it out.
For most, it’s now more of a cultural reference and playful tradition rather than an everyday communication tool. So its up to you if you want to use it when making your pup hood color choice.
Picking Your Color: What to Consider
So, how do you hone in on “your” color? Here are some helpful things to think about:
- Mood & Personality: Are you more chill and quiet, or do you love to be seen and heard? Do you feel playful, serious, nurturing, etc.?
- How You Want Others to See You: Some folks want to play up their cute side, others their bold side—or a mix. What impression do you want?
- Match With Gear / Outfits: If you often wear certain collars, leashes, or other gear, think about coordinating. A matching hood can look slick.
- Practical Stuff: How often do you clean gear? Light colors show dirt more. Dark ones might fade. Think about care.
- Experiment!: If you have more than one hood, or plan to collect, try different shades. Over time you’ll see which ones feel most you.
And then if you still can’t decide throw it all out the window – many pups now days pick hood colors and gear based on what they like, not just because of some historic meanings. We are free to be the pup we want to be, and so are you.
Explore colored pup hoods
Once you’ve got a color in mind or want to explore your options, check out our Neoprene Pup Hoods shop page to explore a range of different styles, colors, designs, and more. For more puppy play gear beyond just pup hoods, see our full pup gear page.
Image credits: Fionnthecat
