The 1960s were a golden age of advertising, blending bold ideas, flashy designs, and unforgettable slogans. But many of these classic ads also reflected social attitudes that would spark outrage today. Whether through sexism, cultural insensitivity, or questionable health claims, these ads provide a fascinating look at how much the world has changed. Let’s explore 12 examples that wouldn’t make it past today’s standards.
1. “White Isn’t Just for Laundry” (Skin Whitening Creams)
Ads for skin-lightening products often used taglines like this, promoting the idea that lighter skin was inherently more desirable. Such products remain controversial, but the overt messaging of the 1960s has been roundly rejected in favor of campaigns that celebrate diverse beauty standards.
2. “Show Her It’s a Man’s World” (Van Heusen)
This infamous tie ad featured a woman kneeling on the floor, serving breakfast to her husband, while the headline proclaimed, “Show her it’s a man’s world.” It wasn’t subtle about reinforcing strict gender roles, turning a tie into a symbol of male authority. Today, this ad would be seen as outright misogynistic.
3. “Blow in Her Face” (Tipalet Cigarettes)
Tipalet encouraged men to woo women by blowing cigarette smoke in their faces, claiming it would “blow her mind.” The idea that such a gesture was romantic—and that smoking was sexy—is a stark reminder of how differently health and social cues were perceived. It’s a double no-go for today’s audiences.
4. “Start Cola Early” (7-Up)
One 7-Up ad proudly suggested soda as a suitable drink for toddlers, with cheerful kids holding bottles of the sugary beverage. While it’s shocking to modern parents, in the ’60s, there was little public concern about childhood nutrition or the impact of sugar-laden drinks on kids’ health.
5. “We Make Ladies Out of Girls” (Charm School Ads)
Charm schools advertised their services as a way to turn young women into “proper ladies,” ready to please their future husbands or impress in the workplace. The heavy emphasis on etiquette, appearance, and docility feels alien in today’s culture, where individuality and empowerment are celebrated.
6. “More Doctors Smoke Camels” (Camel Cigarettes)
Cigarette ads often featured doctors endorsing specific brands, suggesting they were safe—even healthy. This Camel campaign claimed that more doctors chose their brand than any other. In an era of anti-smoking campaigns and health awareness, this kind of ad feels wildly irresponsible.
7. “I’m National, Fly Me” (National Airlines)
This shocking headline accompanied an ad for National Airlines featuring a smiling stewardess, part of their “Fly Me” campaign. Meant to be edgy and provocative, it came across as tone-deaf and objectifying, reducing women to disposable accessories of air travel.
8. “The Chef Does Everything But Cook” (Kenwood Chef Mixer)
This kitchen appliance ad touted itself as “the perfect gift for your wife,” implying it would take over her household duties so she could focus on looking good. This ad reinforced outdated ideas about women’s roles, presenting the mixer as the ultimate husband’s “gift of convenience.”
9. “You’ll Wonder Where the Yellow Went” (Pepsodent Toothpaste)
While this toothpaste slogan itself was catchy, some versions of the ad featured a woman portrayed as nothing but the smiling object of other people’s affections. Today, companies are held to far higher standards regarding feminism and sensitivity.
10. “Cigarettes Are Like a Vacation” (Virginia Slims)
Virginia Slims marketed smoking as a glamorous escape for women, featuring models in exotic settings with taglines like “It’s a pleasure to stay slim.” The idea of linking cigarettes to health, beauty, or leisure would be heavily criticized today, especially considering the targeted focus on women and the known health risks of smoking.
11. “Keep Her Where She Belongs” (Hoover Vacuums)
This ad suggested that a woman’s place was in the home—and preferably with a vacuum in hand. Featuring a wife gleefully opening her Christmas present, this ad underscored how domestic labor was expected to be the ultimate joy for women. It would be an instant boycott candidate today.
12. “If She’s Not Gorgeous by 30, She Never Will Be” (Pond’s Cold Cream)
This beauty ad pushed the message that women had an expiration date when it came to attractiveness. Suggesting that a woman’s worth was tied to her youthful looks would undoubtedly face backlash today, especially in a society increasingly rejecting ageism and promoting self-acceptance.
The ads of the 1960s reflect the societal norms and values of their time, for better or worse. While they may feel outdated or shocking now, they also serve as a lens through which we can see how far we’ve come in terms of equality, health awareness, and cultural sensitivity. Which of these ads surprised you the most, and what other vintage campaigns stick in your mind?
