During the late 1960s through the very early 1980s, American advertising reflected a culture shifting quickly. Women were becoming more politically active, the counterculture movement was in full swing, and attitudes about gender, beauty and identity were all in flux.
Still, a lot of brands still relied on the same formulas that had worked in the ’50s: wink-wink taglines, exaggerated promises and plenty of stereotypes. What makes many of these ads hilarious now is how seriously they took themselves while using slogans that sound ridiculous today.
There were beauty products claiming to “protect against three kinds of wetness,” cars that “lit your fire,” and personal care ads encouraging you to “be a swinger” — all delivered with a straight face.
Humor was often unintentional, rooted in the social norms of the time. The ads show how companies were trying to catch up with the culture… but still clinging to old habits. That mix created a kind of earnest awkwardness that’s pretty entertaining in hindsight.
On this page, we’ve collected a bunch of these hilarious vintage ads, pulled from original magazines and print media between 1965 and 1980. You’ll see beauty pitches, health fads, lifestyle products and more — all presented with the tone and style of their time. It’s part history, part pop culture — and all very real.
Vintage Parker Bros prediction rod toy game (1970)
Bewitch your boyfriend with new Prediction Rod – the most fascinating pastime since Ouija Talking Board.
Get tother in some quiet, romantic place and intrigue him with a complete reading. Tell him all kinds of unexpected details about himself, involving astrology, numerology, planetary influences, divination messages, ESP, even psychomagnetism. Nothing like building up his ego.
ALSO SEE: Popular vintage board games from the 60s
Hamilton Beach small appliances turn mom on (1971)
“These gifts will turn mom on. Because they know when to turn themselves off.”
ALSO SEE: 1960s gadgets & small kitchen appliances made life a little easier
Trimming hippie kid hair – Sunbeam ad (1967)
Funny vintage ads: How do you rate as a 1973 woman?
It used to be a man’s world. But you’ve changed it. How much? Check a box for every yes.
In the past year:
- Have you taken an active part in an election campaign, bond issue, school budget, zoning question?
- Have you expressed your opinion in areas where you used to just smile and nod agreement?
- If you manage a home and family, does it upset you when someone says you’re “just a housewife”?
- Do you have — or want — a job in what was once considered a man’s domain?
- Do you pay more attention to news, comments, editorials?
The more “yes” answers you have, the more involved, concerned and active you are. But now that you’re tough enough to dish it out, you should be tough enough to take it. Frankly, you sweat. That’s why you need an anti-perspirant that’s tough enough to take it… Hour after Hour.
It fights odor and all 3 kinds of wetness. From heat, tension and exercise. That’s powerful protection. Yet it has a new fragrance that tells you you’re still utterly feminine. Hour after hour. Protects against 3 kinds of wetness. So you dish it out. We’re tough enough to take it.
Nature’s pep pills: Raisins (1972)
Turn me on – Lightbulb T-shirts from 1979
Retro ad slogans with double entendres (they knew what they were doing)
6 ways to turn her on, with Clairol (1974)
Up with good looks – Chevy from 1967
Buick cars can light your fire (1969)
How to turn yourself on. – Dale Carnegie courses (1967)
Meet the Big Swinger. (1968)
Over thirty that you can trust. Shirts from 1970s
Rambler, I didn’t think you were THAT kind of car! (1965)
Put her in the right mood — Mood Fragrances from 1976
The Freedom Spray – Massengill deodorant 1970
Young N Free perfume and soap (1970)
Type In – Typewriters from 1967
Macho. It’s b-a-a-a-d. Faberage aftershave from 1977
Dry Look hair spray (1980)
Be a swinger! Midol pain relief (1969)
Secretaries can turn you on any time! (1967)
NOW SEE THIS: 50+ vintage sexist ads so shocking, you almost won’t believe they were real
