Black Hanky

The black hanky is part of the handkerchief code, sometimes called the hanky code or flagging, a system of colored bandanas used mainly in gay leather and BDSM communities to signal sexual interests without words. The practice grew out of older bandana-wearing traditions and became widely known in the 1970s. Each color stands for a specific interest, and the side it is worn on marks the role: a hanky in the left pocket typically signals a top or more active role, while the right pocket signals a bottom or more receptive role. Black specifically signals an interest in heavy S&M, meaning sadomasochism, including intense power exchange and impact play. Like the rest of the code, its meaning depends on mutual understanding and consent.