A security thread or stripe comprising: i) a first optically variable layer (1,8) imparting a first different color impression at different viewing angles and being made of an optically variable composition comprising a plurality of optically variable pigments; ii) a second optically variable layer (2,9) imparting a second different color impression at different viewing angles and being made of an optically variable composition comprising a plurality of optically variable pigments, iii) a first color constant layer (4,6) having a color matching the color impression of the first or second optically variable layer at a first viewing angle; iv) a second color constant layer (5,7) having a color matching the color impression of the first or second optically variable layer at a second viewing angle; and v) a substrate, wherein the first different color impression is different from the second different color impression, wherein the first optically variable layer and the second optically variable layer either comprise one or more gaps in the form of indicia or consist of indicia made of the optically variable compositions, wherein the first optically variable layer is disposed on top of the first color constant layer and/or the second color constant layer, and the second optically variable layer is disposed on top of the first color constant layer and/or the second color constant layer, wherein the first color constant layer is adjacent to the second color constant layer, and wherein the first optically variable layer, the second optically variable layer, the first color constant layer and the second color constant layer are jointly visible from one side of the security thread or stripe. i) a first optically variable layer (1,8) imparting a first different color impression at different viewing angles and being made of an optically variable composition comprising a plurality of optically variable pigments; ii) a second optically variable layer (2,9) imparting a second different color impression at different viewing angles and being made of an optically variable composition comprising a plurality of optically variable pigments, iii) a first color constant layer (4,6) having a color matching the color impression of the first or second optically variable layer at a first viewing angle; iv) a second color constant layer (5,7) having a color matching the color impression of the first or second optically variable layer at a second viewing angle; and v) a substrate, wherein the first different color impression is different from the second different color impression, wherein the first optically variable layer and the second optically variable layer either comprise one or more gaps in the form of indicia or consist of indicia made of the optically variable compositions, wherein the first optically variable layer is disposed on top of the first color constant layer and/or the second color constant layer, and the second optically variable layer is disposed on top of the first color constant layer and/or the second color constant layer, wherein the first color constant layer is adjacent to the second color constant layer, and wherein the first optically variable layer, the second optically variable layer, the first color constant layer and the second color constant layer are jointly visible from one side of the security thread or stripe.