Do you think marketing today is crazy? Back in the day, when TV and the Internet didn’t exist, creative ads and posters were everywhere. Marketing had no filter and commercials made people’s jaws drop. It’s hard to believe that these vintage ads were actually used and worse, they actually worked!
These 20 Retro Ads Would Never Exist Today
Cocaine Tooth Drops
Back in 1885, toothache drops could be purchased for a mere 15 cents. Sounds amazing, aside from the fact that the main ingredient is cocaine! Weirdly enough, the main focus of the advertisement was children playing! If that’s not bad enough, the company promoted the beneficial effects of its product, claiming it healed illnesses such as the common cough, liver disease, and cancer.
Cocaine Tooth Drops
Ironized Yeast Tablets
On the surface, this ad fixes the issue of being “skinny” with ironized yeast tablets. However, there’s more to this ad! The real story here is, The Great Depression left people malnourished. Back in 1983, cheap fast food wasn’t accessible like it is today. Ironized yeast tablets were a cheap solution to gain weight.
Ironized Yeast Tablets
Gillette Safety Razor
In 2019, Gillette caused backlash with their 2019 commercial, and it seems a similar ad grabbed attention back in the 20th century as well. The aim of this ad was to show that the Gillette razor was so safe, even babies could use it! Ugh, think again…
Gillette Safety Razor
Wrong Deodorant
You might think you have it all with nice hair, nice eyes, and nice teeth. But looks don’t conquer all, and this ad shows that the wrong deodorant can change all of that. We’re not too sure a bad deodorant will turn her ugly, what do you think?
Wrong Deodorant
Iver Johnson Revolvers
You may wonder why and how people are so comfortable with having a gun in their home, maybe this ad can give you some insight. In this advertisement, manufacturers showed a child with a gun in her hand and a toy on her pillow, aiming to display how safe the product is. Fortunately enough, kids are no longer playing with revolvers.
Iver Johnson Revolvers
Mornidine
Mornidine was created in the 1950’s, becoming the most popular cure for morning sickness. From treating morning sickness, to helping with exhaustion from housework, Mornidine did it all. This drug was withdrawn in 1979.
Mornidine
7Up For Pleasure
Once upon a time, 7Up had the youngest customers and it was the most refreshing drink. With such an achievement, they had to display it. Come on though, 7UP! Babies and soda?? Just imagine how parents around the world felt when they saw this.
7Up For Pleasure
Mr. Leggs Pants
Bateman and Gein were the brains (or lack thereof) behind this ad. Their $12.95 pants were marketed with the line, “It’s nice to have a girl around the house”. Although that sentiment is true, we’re completely shocked by the sexism displayed here.
Mr. Leggs Pants
The Rainier Beer
Developing early childhood habits is essential, but does having a late night drink with your child apply? In 1906, beer was more of a necessity than water, so this odd advert only makes sense.
The Rainier Beer
Ad For A Restaurant
The most important part of a restaurant is the chef. So, if you’re stuck with a wife who can’t cook for the life of her, then you might as well turn her into a pet. Then go have a tasty meal at their restaurant. Makes sense…how about no?
Ad For A Restaurant
Du Pont Cellophane
According to this ad, stork’s used to work hand in hand with cellophane company in delivering babies. DuPont a once successful business, strongly believed that the “best things in life come in cellophane.”
Du Pont Cellophane
Volkswagen Ad
Volkswagen used to be known as having one of the the best commercials in car industry, except this one. During the creation of this ad, insurers neglected that women actually have fewer accidents than men.
Volkswagen Ad
Camel Cigarette
During the 40’s and 50’s, cigarettes were an everyday accessory. The focus wasn’t on whether or not you smoked, but rather your favorite type of cigarettes. Luckily for Camel, their research paid off and they found that doctors were one of the most prominent smokers, all favoring Camel.
Camel Cigarette
Chase & Sanborn Coffee
Chase & Stanborn show that you can always find fresh coffee by “store testing”. But it tastes better when you smack your wife around first.
Chase & Sanborn Coffee
Candy In Cellophane
Cellophane made its way into all products, including candy. This ad promotes healthy choices, exactly why the mother is so thrilled to give her son a piece of candy. Whats more, the cellophane wrapping makes the sugar even better.
Candy In Cellophane
Palmolive Ad
Everyone knows that olive oil is beneficial for skin, especially Palmolive. Well, except the everyday house wife. This ad shows that the key to keeping your husband loving you is maintaining your skin. No Palmolive, no husband, its as simple as that.
Palmolive Ad
Grove’s Tasteless Chill Tonic
Once upon a time, Grove’s Tasteless Chill Tonic was used for treating malaria, chills, and fevers, all for the price of 50 cents. This tonic was simply a mix of iron and quinine. Obviously enough, if tonic was not tasteless, then it was fake.
Grove’s Tasteless Chill Tonic
Schlitz
Schlitz, the beer that can sustain even a burning down house. Whats more, although she may be helpless, the perfect housewife will still save this beer. Well, its her job isn’t it?
Schlitz
The Dutch Boy’s Lead Party
In the 1920’s when this coloring book was made, LEAD was considered to be a dangerous heavy metal used in many materials. Despite this, the National Lead Company makers of Dutch Boy Paint, frequently targeted children. Today there is a clear association between LEAD and criminal behavior.
The Dutch Boy’s Lead Party
Blatz
Interestingly, Blatz Beer once targeted young mothers who were breastfeeding. Their claim was that both a mother and baby would benefit from this drink. Apparently having a brewskie would increase breast milk production.
Blatz
Pep Vitamins
Work Hard, play hard? More like work harder, look cuter am I right? Through this ad, Pep Vitamins introduces a new line and incentive for a wife’s hard work. However, it is unclear whether this ad received sufficient attention.
Pep Vitamins
Lysol Disinfectant
In the ’30s, endless ads were produced that showed a man leaving his wife over unthinkable feminine hygiene issues. It only makes sense, why would he stay with her if she smells bad? The perfect housewife needs to stay squeaky clean!
Lysol Disinfectant
Bust Reducer
Why spend big bucks on surgery when you can get a bust reducer for just $5.00″? This 19th-century device promised to shrink breasts. Apparently large boobs didn’t fit in the ideal Victorian figure.
Bust Reducer
NADINOLA Bleaching Cream
Really? An ad that implies that lighter skin is more beautiful. This surely wouldn’t fly nowadays. Apparently, this product can be used to help African American women look more Caucasian. Thankfully today the beauty industry embraces different ethnicities! Hard to believe something like this even existed.
NADINOLA Bleaching Cream
Airlines Are Hiring
Wow! Amazing, what a positive advertisement promoting women in the workforce… Don’t get too excited because if you’re a woman your career options are limited to having a slim body and good looks. Even then, your only options are as a hostess or a server. And if you’re married? Forget about it, your place is in the kitchen!
Airlines Are Hiring
Acrilan And Rayon Pants
According to this ad, all you need is a good pair of pants and there you go! Got your dream girl! Yes, it is true that looking nice and presentable goes a long way. But, Broomsticks slacks are definitely not enough to win over a woman.
Acrilan And Rayon Pants
Benson & Hedges Special Panatellas
Today we know that cigars are expensive cancer sticks, and woman is definitely more than just a woman. Sexist ads like this were used all the time and not questioned by anyone, even women themselves!
Benson & Hedges Special Panatellas
Carsuals
These action pants are perfect for any agenda! They combine style and comfort, all the ladies will be falling at your feet. According to this ad, the woman in the back insinuates that these flashy pants are a chick magnet. But did people really fall for this?
Carsuals
Datacomp
This advertisement tries to get businessmen to purchase these office machines by sexualizing women. Buy this machine and get one tan, short dress, pretty secretary at your service! In the ’60s there was a huge hype around secretaries. They were displayed everywhere, movies, commercials, and as you can here in advertisements.
Datacomp
Drummond Sweaters
Women useful outside the kitchen? No impossible! This ad for climbing sweaters depicts women as too dainty and gentle for rock climbing. As you can see this sexist ad shows a woman dangling from the side while her husband doesn’t pay any attention to her.
Drummond Sweaters
Hotpoint Washer & Dryer
Apparently, during this time, bed rest wasn’t a thing! So thankful for Jean’s husband for helping her make his clothes squeaky clean when she really should be resting. Why? Because she is PREGNANT! Come one Jean, you’re only pregnant, you can handle cleaning your husband’s clothing.
Hotpoint Washer & Dryer
Lestoil Cleaner
Wow! Women on the moon! According to this ad, women can join men as astronauts and rocket scientists. But don’t get too excited, it’s just so that they can help make the moon a cleaner place to live. Women would be a great help on the moon, with cleaning that is…
Lestoil Cleaner Ad
Marine Midland Master Card
Misogyny was so prevalent in the 70s it even manifested in credit card ads. Marine Midland promoted its MasterCard by saying that even “your wife can’t get her hands on it”, implying that all women do is take their husband’s money. Now we know that women are fully capable of having paying careers and supporting their families!
Marine Midland Master Card
PolyGlow
According to this ad, PolyGlow is the perfect hair product for… not you.. but to catch a man’s attention! Apparently, it can change a woman’s hair and make her look so much more beautiful. Who cares about getting pretty for yourself ladies, its all about impressing a man, right?
PolyGlow
Tipalet
Since the 1930’s ciggerette ads featured sexy women to lure men to the brand. This ad indicates that cigarettes are made for men but attractive to women. These ads target young men but also manipulate women to think that that a certain cigarette brand may make her more attractive to men.
Tiaplet
Kenwood
This advertisement demonstrates gender stereotypes where women are meant to do all the housework like cooking and cleaning. Even both the male and female are dressed in formal wear, but the wife is wearing a chef hat to show her as a kitchen maid.
Kenwood
Van Heusen
According to this brand, sexism really sells. If you buy a Van Heusen Shirt AND Van Heusen Tie, you’re sure to have a woman at your service, bringing you breakfast in bed. The creators of this ad try to persuade ambitious young businessmen to purchase their brand under the misconception that women will fall at their feet.
Van Heusen
Leggs
Mr. Leggs slacks and trousers are the perfect pants to put your women in her place. It’s hard to believe this was one of the most popular advertisements at the time, along with many other sexist images from Mr. Legg Slacks.
Leggs
Total Cereal
According to these advertisers, Total cereal is the perfect trick to keep your women working hard on the house, also keep her weight down! With this cereal, women will have all the energy they need to clean the windows. What’s better than a housewife who cleans and keeps up her figure? We sure can’t think of anything!
Total Cereal
Hardee’s
Hardee’s was a popular fast food restaurant in the 1940s and its surprising that such a well-known restaurant would have such a sexist ad. The creators of the ad confirm common idea of the time that women’s only role is to be in the kitchen.
Hardee’s
Parker
Thankful for Parker pens for making a product fit for women and their delicate hands! How innovative of them. This ad implies that women are inferior to men in size and ability, so they deserve a pen that is suitable for them. So thoughtful…
Parker
Coca Cola
By using an attractive nurse, this 1950’s ad tries to illustrate Coca Cola as a great way to quench thirst. Originally Coca-Cola was said to offer health benefits. It was even suggested that it could cure diseases such as nerve trouble and morphine addiction.
Coca Cola
Butter
We get that the purpose is to promote butter. But come on, what does being untruthful in an advertisement do for anyone! Butter is good and good for you? Says who… And what’s worse, using a child eating pounds of butter? It’s clear, parents around the world didn’t find this too amusing when their young kids came to them requesting butter!
Butter
Dorothy Gray Salon
Why is that as men get older they look better, but for women they just get old? With this ad we can see that Dorothy Gray Salon can be the ultimate fix! This ad shows a women concerned over her husbnand leaving her, but we can see that with Dorthy Gray Salon this will no longer be an issue!
Dorothy Hair Salon
Lux Soap
This soap brand promotes its product by showing that capable women will never get a husband if they smell bad. Thus, Lux soap is the answer to their prayers! According to these advertisers, a woman can’t catch if she smells good, it doesn’t matter how beautiful or smart she is!
Lux
Coffee
As women, our goal in life is to serve our man. Or at least that’s what they thought back in the 50s. Whats a better way to market coffee then it to associate it with pleasing your man? This was definitely a crowd-pleaser back in the day, but I’m not quite sure how it would go over today.
Coffee
Real Sugar
At this time, artificial sugars were becoming increasingly popular and people were rather hesitant. But this ad is just dishonest! Two-four-sex-eight, what does she appreciate? Really? Sugar is definitely not a healthy alternative.
Sugar
Lipton Tea
There is so much to be said about this advertisement. Apparently, your husband will leave you if you’re incapable of making a good tea, so naturally, just switch tea and he won’t? Nice try Lipton, not sure how successful your ad was.
Lipton Tea
Post Grape-Nuts
This vintage cereal ad was banned and thankfully so. It sends young girls the wrong message about body image. Basically, ” if you’re not skinny, you’re not beautiful. ” We wonder why there is such a high eating disorder rate, well now we know why.
Post Grape-Nuts
Marlboro
We’ve seen some pretty horrifying ads, but using a baby for a cigarette campaign? That’s just cruel! This baby is not so happy about his mother smoking and even sends warning signs. Really what was the creator thinking!
Marlboro
Chlorodent
A woman with no makeup is bad enough. But now add morning breath! Jeez, don’t get us started! This ad for toothpaste is yet another sexist campaign that would not be accepted today. Wahoo for the 21st century, am I right ladies?
Chlorodent
Lucky Strike Cigarettes
This top-selling cigarette brand advertisement from the 1930s and 1940s would never be used today. But perhaps a display of Santa Claus smoking a “Luckies” would make it seem more appropriate. What are your thoughts about this?
Lucky Strike Cigarettes
To Die For Charles Antell Shampoo
Back-in-the-day, around the 1950s the mainstream advertising industry spoke volumes about how women were portrayed. Illustrating a woman who is contemplating committing suicide simply because her hair is messy. Understandably women always want good hair days, but going to extraordinary measures in order to promote suicide over messy hair. Crazy, don’t you think?
To Die For Charles Antell Shampoo
Palmolive Beauty
As if the pressure on women to always be beautiful isn’t bad enough. Palmolive consists of a range of personal care products. And this advertisement from the 1920s is promoting a soap that claims to give women that young and a refreshing look.
Palmolive Beauty
Simple driving?
For many decades, women have lived with the stereotype that they are considered to be unintelligent and not able to drive a vehicle. Here, is a Mini Cooper advertisement that maintains exactly what society perceived.
Simple Driving?
Agee Pyrex Glassware
This advertisement claims that “Successful Marriages start in the kitchen!” So we are aware that people had the impression that women were to cook the food and make sure it’s ready to be eaten as the men come home. Fortunately, many cultural norms have gradually changed, meaning a woman’s role within society is always be expected to be in the home.
Agee Pyrex Glassware
Laughter isn’t always the best medicine
Having diarrhea is bad enough, but who would want this explosive accident to take place when you’re on a romantic date with multiple women. Luckily, the well-known medication, Imodium will be there to help you.
Laughter Isn’t Always The Best Medicine
Christmas Joy
What could be better than slaving away to clean your home on Christmas Day? Perhaps, receiving a Hoover as a gift? We all know a perfect and happy housewife is one that loves to clean. Just another great example of how inequality of women were portrayed during the 1950s.
Christmas Joy
Love’s Baby Soft
Love’s Baby Soft is a gentle, powdery and light fragrance, it is characterized as a clean baby-smell. A very feminine product from the 1970s. Although this may be used by many teenagers, however advertising the product with a “dolled up” young girl is probably not the most fitting.
Love’s Baby Soft
Fingernail Friendly Oven
Turn up the heat in your kitchen! During the 1970s Sears came out with a self-cleaning oven. And, even though stove technology has radically improved over the years, the advert speaks for itself. Again, women are only recognized as housewives especially with cooking and cleaning. Quite controversial to say the least!
Fingernail Friendly Oven
Jade East Aftershave
Aftershave is not as commonly used today compared to its popularity back in the day. This advert for Jade East’s Aftershave encourages men to physically go out and buy it for themselves, as opposed to assigning their wives to do it for them. Because their aftershave was just that amazing. Don’t you think there is a serious, sleazy undertone here?
Jade East Aftershave