Handkerchief Code

This is one of my favorite gay history stories ever!!

Handkerchief code or hanky code (also known as bandana code and flagging) is a way of indicating, usually among gay male casual sex-seekers or BDSM practitioners in the leather subculture in the United States, Canada and Europe, whether they are a top or bottom, and what kind of sex they are seeking, by wearing cotton color-coded handkerchiefs (bandanas), usually in the back pocket or around the belt loop. Hanky code was widely used in the 1970s as a gay code, however nowadays it is also used by many bisexual, pansexual, and queer people.

Today the bandanas are worn almost exclusively in the rear trouser pocket or tied around the belt loop. The left side of the body for tops and on the right for bottoms; just as tops wear their keys on the left belt loop and bottoms on the right. In the past bandanas might be worn tied around the neck (with the knot positioned on either the left or right side); around the ankle (when wearing boots or when undressed); or on other parts of the body.

There is no universally understood color code, and regional codes vary widely. There is general agreement upon the colors for more common practices, particularly those with an intuitive relation between the color and the practice, such as yellow for urolagnia; brown for coprophilia; and black for SM, but no absolute consensus for less common practices.

It is also rumored that this is how the Gay Pride Flag was formulated...Rainbows for all kinks everywhere!!

I'd also like to thank Wikipedia for having such a through and complete color guide.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handkerchief_code
Always check it before accessorizing or you might end up a pass around party bottom by mistake.!!