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Advertising is not only the art of selling a product, it’s also the art of conveying a specific message to a specific group of people in hopes they become customers time and again. Advertising a product requires a lot of creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. However, ads aren’t always presented in the most politically correct way. These vintage advertisements might have been viewed as playful back then, but we have definitely progressed in our way of thinking since these good old days. Take a look at some of the most outrageous moments in advertising that would definitely be banned today.
USE FASHION TO CATCH ’EM
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Year: 1950s
Here’s another example of an outrageous vintage advertisement. Use Jantzen fashion to catch him, and you better do it as fast as possible. Otherwise, you never know what will happen, and where he might end up without the Jantzen swim suit. Today, this for sure is not the way to sell a bathing suit.
A GLASS FOR THE UPPER-CLASS
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Year: 1950sIn this ad Pepsi’s targeted audience was the upper-class socialites. All the cool kids were drinking it! Drinking Pepsi was a way of bringing people together and still is. No matter what a person’s social status is, Pepsi is for everyone!
THE BOLDER LOOK ARE IN THESE SHIRTS
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Year: 1949Van Heusen has some pretty cool and colorful shirts. But, the approach to selling them wasn’t really the coolest. A bit bold for a 1949 ad. The times have changed and we appreciate that.
A SELECTIVE OBJECTIVE
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Year: 1970Eastern Airlines would like to make it clear that they’ve got a very, very selective objective. They’ve done so by presenting the girls who didn’t quite make the cut to working for their airline as stewardesses. A rather interesting approach to advertising, perhaps one to play with the minds of young girls to attempt to prove how amazing and perfect they truly are.
AN OPPRESSION OBSESSION
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Year: 1943This war poster trying to encourage parents to get their young sons to engage in as many ‘manly’ activities as possible, was the way of thinking during these days. Boys didn’t want to be seen as feminine, so sports was the answer. However, today we have some pretty amazing female athletes.
BABY’S FIRST UV RAYS
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Year: 1960It’s absolutely safe and gives you a luxurious golden tan. In fact, it’s so safe that you can actually place your baby under it. Um, what? We have a lot of questions regrading this product. Placing babies under a lamp for a health tan is definitely not recommended.
TWICE AS NICE
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Year: 1965This model is clearly having a blast due to the fact that she’s got not one, but two six- packs of Coca-Cola. Most of us love a cold glass of Coke, and nowadays Coca-Cola is the superstar of all soda brands. Although this ad is playful, it probably wouldn’t grab the most positive attention.
“HE’S GOT SOCKS APPEAL”
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Year: 1978Who knew socks could be such a game changer? Well, it was the selling point in this 1978 ad. What a concept. Socks anyone? We’ll take more than just one pair, that’s for sure!
A LEMON-LIME PAST TIME
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Year: 1963PepsiCo created this ad in order to market 7-Up as an energy drink. What this basically means is that it’s the very same drink, however with slightly more sugar added. The text makes a reference to bowling twice, which gives you a pretty good idea of their target audience in the 1950s. By today’s standards, soft drinks may be tasty, but aren’t promoted or recommended as the ideal ‘energy’ drink.
THIS IS BANANAS
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Year: 1950sDefinitely not the most appropriate nor tasteful ad using children. Nope, not in the least bit. They most certainly succeeded however in showing us that they’re bananas are super duper tasty and probably had quite the rise in sales. It’s safe to say that they may have gone slightly bananas with this one though.
“COLONEL SANDERS IS A WOMAN’S BEST FRIEND”
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Year: 1968What a world it was; this was how society advertised take-out food. At this time, it was actually considered rather innovative to even assume that the wife would potentially need some help in the kitchen. Colonel Sanders quickly learned that men too need to feed their families.
SOFT AS A BABY’S FACE
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Year: 1905Very interesting how newborn babies are the ideal image for a razor advertisement. Even if this “safety razor” is indeed safe enough for babies to hold, we should always assume it’s not. Looking at this now, it’s pretty outrageous and funny.
BETTER SMELL SWELL
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Year: 1939If anyone goes out and about today without deodorant, it was either by accident because they forgot, or people just prefer their natural scents. Nothing wrong with that! In any case, we certainly wouldn’t be labeled as ‘dumb.’ Nope, not in today’s world.
A HARMLESS HARNESS
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Year: 1965Believe it or not, seatbelts were already invented at this time, and we are so grateful they exist. This safety harness isn’t exactly what it claims to be, yet was trying to be something new and exciting that parents might want to buy. Thank goodness safety regulations have changed in regards to children and car seats because this harness looks pretty dangerous.
WE’RE LIVING IN A MAN’S WORLD
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Year: 1951If you want to claim your power and state your manliness, then, of course, you have no choice but to wear a men’s only tie. Right? This vintage advertisement tried to be funny and touch on the subconscious of men. Thankfully, this wouldn’t fly today. Men wear ties to dress to impress.
A DRESS WITHOUT ANY WRINKLES OR STRESS
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Year: 1952The time has come once and for all! You can now stop stressing over your clothing with this all-new, innovative wrinkle free, water-resistant fabric that will fool everyone that it’s never before been worn. Um, what? This ad from 1952 is a bit out of touch, and yes, we do care!
THE JOY OF THE GAME
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Year: 1985The 1980s were pretty much dominated by video game consoles. As major brands fought for the same customers, advertisers had to think as far outside of the box as possible. This, uh, rather interesting advertisement was designed to promote the addition of a joystick to the SEGA controller in the mid-1980s.
GET FAT FAST
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Year: 1958Who knew that ironized yeast could help you attract more male attention. Skinny girls should just eat some of this stuff and they’re good to go! Well, according to this advertisement that’s what they claimed. But, seriously though. The way we view women’s bodies may not be perfect, but we have certainly come a very long way since 1958.
DON’T BE SO FRESH
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Year: 1950Chase & Sanborn took the role-playing route in this ad for their specialty fresh coffee. Clearly, this man was quite upset that this woman prepared coffee that’s not fresh. The audacity! Well, not quite, and thankfully, today when coffee is less than fresh, things are dealt with much differently.
OF COURSE THEY ENDORSE…
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Year: 1949Well if doctors are doing it, then, of course, it’s fine. Especially Camel cigarettes, because they surely weren’t paid to promote them. Doctors are loyal and honest people, who have your health and best interests at heart. You can always trust your doctor, so what are you waiting for? This would not be legal today.
WAKE UP PERKY
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Year: 1946Ovaltine, the drink that perks us up. We can only wish that a delicious, chocolatey drink can make us feel good and refreshed in the morning. Well, maybe for some of us it can.
THAT’S ONE TOUGH PUFF
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Year: 1970The outrageous claim made in this advertisement was controversial during its time, too, believe it or not. Tipalet introduced flavored cigarettes, and apparently, this was the most innovative marketing approach they could dream up. Thankfully, modern advertising campaigns have learned how to do things in not only a more effective way, but also a more socially acceptable one too.
A LOVEABLE 10/10
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Year: 1952Nobody wants to be flat and not pretty, now do they? Wrong! Is this really how society viewed women and beauty in 1952? Thank goodness for progress. Whether women are big chested or flat chested, all chests are beautiful!
PUT A LITTLE “PEP” IN YOUR STEP
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Year: 1930Staying home and cleaning all day is exhausting for any woman. This ad claims the answer is a daily vitamin that will give the woman in your home a “pep” in her step. Otherwise she may get tired and decided to take a rest, which apparently was completely unacceptable in 1930.
A SHOE WITH A VIEW
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Year: 1972Wevenberg Massagic Shoes ran this ad for their Hush Puppies style shoe in the 1970s. This ad definitely isn’t the most tasteful. We’re wondering who approved this message.
“YOU’LL NEVER NEED A PENCIL, YOU’LL ALWAYS HAVE A PEN”
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Year: 1947There’s nothing like having in a rocket in your pocket. Sounds super catchy! Not so sure why the woman isn’t using the pen as advertised and is instead riding in the air. But, at least it was thinking outside of the box.
ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT PLASTIC
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Year: 1947While visually uncomfortable by today’s standards (and should have been back then too, but that’s besides the point), this ad attests to the family-focused products and advertisements of the mid-20th century. It should go without saying, but please don’t wrap your baby in cellophane, even if you still do believe that the best things in life are wrapped in cellphone. Babies should not fall into this category.
LADY-LIKE WITH A LUCKY STRIKE
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Year: 1950Be happy, get lucky, and just smoke our tobacco. It will surely solve all of your problems, rather than making more of course. No need to think about the health risks that smoking tobacco causes according to this ad, just think about the present and how you’re feeling. Tobacco is here for your instant gratification.
AN APPLIANCE ALLIANCE
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Year: 1977Why get three different machines when you can have three in one? Save money, space, and have all of your dreams come true, just like this advertisement represents. Oh and while you’re at it, having a dream machine that’s got it all – this ad also seems to promise that a beautiful wife will also show up at your door once you get your hands on this machine.
HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER
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Year: 1968American Airlines tried with this campaign to get passengers to believe that they would be given the best possible treatment on board if they were to fly with them. Promising that they will have an experience just as good as home, with all the love and care that their mother would give them. The only difference? Their mother is a whole lot younger and more attractive on board.
A TWIST OF THE WRIST
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Year: 1953This is how simplicity was once advertised, somehow. To us today it seems rather comical, but these advertisements were unfortunately a reality at the time. People didn’t know otherwise, both in terms of what was demeaning, as well as how to create an effective advertisement that wasn’t negative.
DINNER FOR THE BREADWINNER
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Year: 1952If your wife burns dinner, apparently beer is an adequate replacement. There’s a lot about this ad that wouldn’t measure up to the cultural standards of today’s print media, but somehow there doesn’t seem to be much *too much* progress in the sector of beer marketing.
CLUELESS TO NEWNESS
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Year: 1970sThe dumb blonde stereotype is long, long gone. But back in the day, this was still a strong belief in society and served the purpose of this silly computer advertisement. It just goes to show that the only way to sell was to find ways of showing people that they don’t need to use their mind to work the product.
BRUISE TO AMUSE
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Year: UnknownWe aren’t sure what year this is from, but this advertisement was for an adult drink depicting a woman with bruised knees. The advertisement was trying to show that you’ll be so blown away by the drink, you’ll fall to your knees. This ad would not fly today.
A TROPHY WIFE FOR A TIGER LIFE
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Year: 1950Lucky tiger hair wax is what gets you everything you could possibly want. Yes, everything, including a trophy wife. Just apply the wax in your hair and pick any woman you’d like, because that’s completely realistic. Back then, the concept of refund policies wasn’t a thing, so their advertisement campaign proved to be rather successful. If an ad for a product was advertised like this today, it would most likely go out of business. Oh, how the time has changed.
FOR YOUR INNER WILD CHILD…
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Year: 1975Since when does innocence in a child come off as sexy? Last time we checked, it really, really didn’t. Only in the most twisted and disturbed world, and in one that will do anything to sell – which seems to be the one that we once lived in. Although things today are still of course far from perfect, at least such things would never pass.
DON’T GET CAUGHT IN HER WEB
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Year: 1953No one likes morning breath, that’s for sure. The Chlorodent toothpaste brand wanted women to know that their husband definitely doesn’t like it either, not in any way, shape, or form. Back in 1953 did advertisers not know that everyone has morning breath? Not the most politically correct ad.
“ENJOY MAXIMUM LEG ROOM”
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Year: 1957The Pontiac Star Chief promises to take you far, real, real far. Enjoy all that extra leg room, because they know exactly what is missing in your car to make for the most comfortable and pleasurable ride yet.
SHAKE UP YOUR MAKE-UP
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Year: 1950sThis advertisement wanted women to know that their lips and body is just as much of a product as a diamond is. Yes, that’s right ladies, this was the vision in the 1950s according to Tangee. The beauty industry has slowly made progress through the years in regards to its advertising, and one thing is for sure, it’s way less sexist than this.
OUT OF THE WOMB ISN’T TOO SOON
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Year: 1930sWhile the exact Coca-Cola recipe has evolved over time, it’s safe to assume it probably was never an appropriate beverage for an infant to be consuming. So to answer the question in the ad- infancy. Infancy is too soon.
USEFUL GALS AND PROUD
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Year: 1945The United States Department of Defense wanted the gals to pitch in too. Who knew that women could be part of the war effort, let alone useful? Especially back then! Well, as it turns out, they were more than useful, and played a major role during the war and with soldiers lives. Nowadays, women are capable of doing literally everything!
THE JUICE IS LOOSE
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Year: 1980If some of the most talented athletes encourage it, then why not? You should do the same, too, if you want to succeed, stand out and be out front. It’s the key to winning, the only way. Show them your heels, and be just like O.J. Isn’t that what we all strive for in life anyway? Perhaps fame and attention, but otherwise, the rest – not so much.
WINNING WIENERS
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Year: 1950sThese wieners are the winners, with out a doubt. They are completely skinless, bare, and according to them, are better than all other wieners. This campaign surely put way, way too much thought into this poster and used a lot of inuendo as well. Not so sure what the standard of choosing the tastiest wiener is today, but, pretty sure this is not it.
BOOZE FOR THE BLUES
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Year: 1930sIf you’ve got a case of the blues, maybe all you need is some booze! And it even somehow manages to rhyme too! Phosferine tonic wine could, allegedly, cure ailments such as depression, the flu, a hangover, and is sure to lift you up when you’re feeling “low”. It surely is the only thing that could possibly cure you and bring you back up.
THE BELLE OF THE CALL
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Year: 1960If you want to have fun, enjoy your life, be popular, loved, and have other’s want to stay in touch with you, then these are the outfits you need. They way they advertised fashion back then is quite different than it is today, that’s for sure.
SINGLE AND READY TO MINGLE
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Year: 1934It’s the year 1934 and you’re still single. We know you want to get married already and the sea is definitely running out of fish. Well, no stress, all of your problems can be solved if you just get some better breathe and use Listerine at all times. Listerine is a great breath refresher, but not the most tasteful ad ( no pun intended).
A MAN IN ACTION
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Year: 1950sIf you’re truly going to be a man of action, then Shempley’s pants were the way to go in the 1950s. In today’s world, men’s fashion is advertised very differently, however, the dog is very cute.
JUDGING A BOOK BY ITS COVER
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Year: 1924Of course we judge a book by its cover, and of course, no one is actually reading it. Everyone is only interested in the cover. So don’t bother reading either or trying to educate yourself because at the end of the day, the most important is your looks. Invest your time and money into beauty products in order to really go far in life. This was not sponsored by the ministry of education.
PAINT THAT MAKES YOU FAINT
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Year: 1923Lead has somehow been used for nearly 9,000 years, despite the fact humans are well aware of the negative effects that come together with it. People are attracted to its malleability and availability, and even more so with the grown-up metal paint book. Especially with an adorable ad such as this one, how could we not?
DECOR FOR THE FLOOR
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Year: 1962The ultimate decor for the floor. And better yet, he didn’t even have to shoot her, according to the advertisement. Mr. Leggs slacks, the price might be right, and the wrinkle-resistant feature might be tempting, but this is not the most ideal way to depict a rug. Please do take note to never create this advertisement again.
THE MEANING OF CLEANING
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Year: 1930sYou better protect yourself before you allow your life to be ruined, is what this advertisement is trying to convince you of. Make sure you keep yourself clean or your husband will leave you indefinitely. Oh the good old days (said sarcastically). Let’s keep this ad in the past where it belongs.
NATIVE IS NOT CREATIVE
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Year: 1951The Van Heunsen clothing line has so eloquently created an advertisement, similar to many of its time that touches on the desire for male power. Not today though! Fashion is expressive and not oppressive.
AN UP-FRONT STUNT
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Year: 1962Winston is the only cigarette that tastes good, or so they claim it to be. Perhaps this is their subtle way of saying that they know that cigarettes are not the most appetizing product on the market. But they sure show that it will put you before everyone else, because it’s what’s up front that truly counts, right?
KING-SIZED CARCINOGENS
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Year: 1940sGo big, or go home. That’s the only way to go! And the bigger you go, the more power you’ll get, this ad promise you. You’ll be on top of the world, a king, a legend, and all the ladies will be all over you. So no need to keep them to a minimum. That’s exactly what this cigarette advertisement tried to convince all men of.
MARRIAGE COUNSELOR
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Year: 1953Lysol did a whole lot more than just keep the home clean and shiny. Their feminine hygiene product offers some marital advice to women reminding them to keep clean for their husbands’ sake. Yikes! Not in today’s world.
NOT-SO-DANDY CANDY
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FUN FOR EVERYONE
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Year: 1977This may in a very strange way be an attempt to be equal to all genders, but it is not a very successful one. While trying to promote more female power, it seems very far off. Well, hopefully, these candies were at least fun for all sexes. We hope that women found themselves other more creative ways to find courage.
DRIVING SIMPLY, YET SAFELY
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Year: 1971The stereotype that women aren’t good drives has been around for a long time. Unfortunately, it still exists today, although an ad like this wouldn’t fly today.
THE GOODNESS OF GUINNESS
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Year: 1967It’s the only goodness in the world, and it simply can’t be passed up. Guinness beer must be consumed in large quantities. What else could a person possibly need in life, right? Nothing else other than some nice ice cold beer for the soul, and it could also maybe bring you a beautiful girl too, according to the ad at least.
EQUATING AND DEGRADING
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Year: 1967It doesn’t get more degrading than this, now does it? If you can think of any way that it does, then please, don’t ever share it with anyone, ever, because it’s bound to be beyond terrible. Silva Thins, if your cigarettes are thin and rich, then that’s great for you – but please don’t try to encourage women that this is the only way to go.