To look at how society has changed over time, we don’t just have to rely on history books. Sometimes, the proof is sitting right under our noses.
To spot it, you could rummage through a drawer and find an old iPod. Or take a trip to your grandma’s house, open her closet, and see what her generation used to wear. Or you can look at something people used to see every single day: the ads of the past.
And when it comes to vintage ads aimed at women, they’re especially telling. On top of selling products, they also reveal the values of the time, along with the labels that were placed on women. The design might be gorgeous, but the messaging doesn’t always age well. Check them out below.
#1 Chic Jeans Ad (1983)
Image source: Tony_Tanna78
#2 Dodge Challenger R/T Ad (1970)
Image source: Tony_Tanna78
#3 Royal Crown Cola Ad (1961)
Image source: Tony_Tanna78
#4 Frederick’s Of Hollywood Stocking Stuffers Ad (1960s)
Image source: Miss_Conception_ish
#5 Datacomp Ad
Image source: Remarkable-Catch-855
#6 Keyko Margarine Ad – 1955
Image source: DawnM74
#7 Amc Pacer Ad From France
Image source: reddit.com
#8 Listerine Ad (1916)
Image source: Tony_Tanna78
#9 Alfred Angelo Wedding Dress Ad (1970)
Image source: Tony_Tanna78
#10 1939 Wrigley’s Doublemint Twins Ad
Image source: _Alabama_Man
#11 1945 Ad From Heinz Baby Foods
Image source: DawnM74
#12 Another From Mg
Image source: SissySlutCandie
#13 General Tire Ad – 1943
Image source: DawnM74
#14 Cannon Towel Ad From 1937
Image source: DawnM74
#15 1947 Helen Neushaefer Lipstick Ad
Image source: DawnM74
#16 Pepsi-Cola Ad (1954)
Image source: Tony_Tanna78
#17 Ben Barrack (1959)
Image source: YumaAsamiNYM86
#18 1980’s Dillards Ad With Stephanie Seymour
Image source: texsonsc65
#19 Bien Jolie Modern Foundations Ad (1930s)
Image source: Miss_Conception_ish
#20 G-D Justrite Corset A Faultless Figure (1912)
Image source: PeterGibbons8888
#21 Fresca Ad Featuring Jan Smithers (Bailey Quarters From Tvs Wkrp In Cincinnati)
Image source: reddit.com
#22 The Undie-L’eggs Panty Ad With Joyce De Witt Of The Threes Company TV Series (1982)
Image source: Miss_Conception_ish
#23 Esleep Ad (1988)
Image source: Tony_Tanna78
#24 Coca-Cola Advertisement From 1939
Image source: reddit.com
#25 L.A. Gear Ad (1988)
Image source: Tony_Tanna78
#26 L.A. Gear Ad (1986)
Image source: Tony_Tanna78
#27 Dodge Charger Ad (1968)
Image source: Tony_Tanna78
#28 Scotch Tape Ad – 1945
Image source: DawnM74
#29 1939 Chevrolet Ad
Image source: DawnM74
#30 Jnco Jeans Ad (1998)
Image source: Tony_Tanna78
#31 Bold Hold Ad (1988)
Image source: Tony_Tanna78
#32 Shu-Mak-Up Ad (1963)
Image source: Tony_Tanna78
#33 From The Saturday Evening Post, July 29, 1933
Image source: DawnM74
#34 Nescafe Instant Coffee Ad (1952)
Image source: Tony_Tanna78
#35 From Liberty Magazine Dated September 16, 1933
Image source: DawnM74
#36 Fiat Ad 1899
Image source: reddit.com
#37 Clairol Final Net Ad (1981)
Image source: Tony_Tanna78
#38 1925 Real Silk Hosiery Ad
Image source: DawnM74
#39 1967, Clairol Naturally Blonde
Image source: texsonsc65
#40 Lancia Ad, 1978
Image source: reddit.com
#41 O-Cedar Polish Mop – November 1913
Image source: DawnM74
#42 Hang Ten Ad (1983)
Image source: Tony_Tanna78
#43 Virginia Slims Ad (1971)
Image source: Tony_Tanna78
#44 Teen Spirit (1992)
Image source: lovemypennydog
#45 Smooth Silhouettes From L’eggs (1995)
Image source: Tony_Tanna78
#46 Joy – 1953
Image source: DawnM74
#47 Swatch Watches Ad (1985)
Image source: Tony_Tanna78
#48 Fiat Ad, 1960s
Image source: reddit.com
#49 Remington Typewriter Ad – 1909/1910
Image source: DawnM74
#50 Heats On (1965)
Image source: PeterGibbons8888
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