Hi fellow pup! A pup hood is the most important item to help you get into the pup mindset, so finding the right one for you is essential. With many different colors available, picking the perfect pup hood can be overwhelming. If you’re on the hunt for your first (or next) leather or neoprene pup hood and are unsure about which color to choose, let us help you decide.
Aesthetic vs. Meaning of Neoprene Pup Hood Colors
We conducted a survey within our pup community to understand how they selected the color for their pup hoods and overall pup play gear. Here’s what we found:
- 60% of pups choose their favorite color from the available options.
- 32% of pups based their neoprene pup hood color (partly) on the hanky code (more on this later).
- 8% of pups had other reasons for their choice, such as matching their hood with existing pup play gear pieces. For example, if they already have a harness, jockstrap, or shorts in a particular color, they might want their hood to match for consistency.
Using the Hanky Code for Pup Hood Colors
The hanky code, also known as the handkerchief code, was created by the gay community in the 1970s to indicate sexual preferences and interests. This was done by selecting a handkerchief in a specific color and placing it in either the left or right back pocket. Here are some examples:
- Black: S&M (Sadism and Masochism)
- Blue (Dark): Anal sex
- Blue (Light): Oral sex
- Brown: Scat
- Grey: Bondage
- Pink: Dildo play
- Purple: Piercing
- Red: Fisting
- White: Masturbation
- Yellow: Watersports (urine play)
While 32% of pups chose their pup hood color based on this code, does it mean people will assume your sexual preference if you pick one of these colors? Not necessarily. We asked our pups if they assumed others picked their pup hoods based on the hanky code, and only 9% would make this assumption.
Furthermore, many pups don’t associate pup play with their sexual desires, making the hanky code irrelevant for them. So, while people might be curious, they generally won’t assume you picked a certain color based on the hanky code. If you do want to signal your preferences using the hanky code, consider also wearing a bandana in the same color around your neck, upper arm, or back pocket. You can find these bandanas in our store here: Pup Bandanas
What to Do After You Pick Your Desired Color?
Once you’ve chosen your color, what are the next steps? Let’s revisit why people wear pup hoods. The main goal is to feel comfortable in your pup hood to fully embrace the pup mindset. This mindset boosts creativity, helps cope with stress, and enhances physical health. The “adult play” element in pup play is essential and beneficial for us. If you want to know more about getting into the pup mindset, check out our article “Pup Play for Beginners – The Ultimate How to Start Guide.” We’re excited to see you embark on this journey! Once you receive your pup hood, make sure you know how to take care of it to ensure it lasts long. Some tips on this can be found here: “How to Take Care of Your Pup Hood or Mask.”
Conclusion
We recommend picking the color you love the most. There’s nothing wrong with choosing a color to signal your sexual desires or interests, but many pups won’t assume you selected it for this reason. To make your preferences clear, consider additional items like bandanas. Happy pup adventures!
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