18 Nostalgic Ads from the Past That Would Cause Outrage Today
These 18 vintage ads were once common but are now considered offensive or inappropriate.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Advertising has changed significantly over the years. What was once acceptable in marketing is now often viewed as outdated or offensive. These 18 ads highlight how societal values and norms have evolved.
1. Tipalet Cigarettes: “Blow in her face and she’ll follow you anywhere”
MattysFlicks on Wikimedia Commons
This 1960s ad suggested that exhaling smoke in a woman’s face would make her attracted to you. It portrayed smoking as a way to gain romantic attention. Today, this approach would be seen as disrespectful and unhealthy. The ad reflects outdated views on gender and health.
2. Kenwood Chef: “It’s nice to have a girl around the house”
Seattle Municipal Archives from Seattle, WA on Wikimedia Commons
This advertisement implied that women were primarily valued for their domestic roles. It used a kitchen appliance to reinforce traditional gender roles. Modern audiences would find this message limiting and sexist. The ad highlights how women’s roles were once narrowly defined.
3. Van Heusen: “If your husband ever finds out…”
Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums on Wikimedia Commons
This ad suggested that a woman could face consequences from her husband for not preparing breakfast properly. It used fear to promote men’s clothing. Such messaging would now be considered inappropriate and promoting unhealthy relationships. The ad reflects a time when domestic expectations were rigid.
4. Alcoa Aluminum: “You mean a woman can open it?”
Tony Webster on Wikimedia Commons
This ad expressed surprise that a woman could open a bottle, implying women lacked strength. It attempted to highlight the ease of opening the product but did so by belittling women. Today, this would be seen as condescending. The ad underscores past stereotypes about women’s capabilities.
5. Van Heusen: “Men are better than women!”
DragonflySixtyseven on Wikimedia Commons
This advertisement claimed male superiority in selling shirts. It reinforced gender hierarchies to promote a product. Such a message would now be unacceptable and discriminatory. The ad exemplifies outdated beliefs about gender.
6. National Lampoon: “Is it always illegal to kill a woman?”
The Strand Magazine on Wikimedia Commons
This satirical ad joked about violence against women. Even as satire, it trivialized serious issues. Today, such content would be deemed highly inappropriate. The ad shows how humor standards have changed.
7. Vintage Slacks Ad: “Keep her where she belongs…”
Infrogmation on Wikimedia Commons
This ad suggested that a woman’s place was in tight pants, reinforcing objectification. It used clothing to define women’s roles, which modern perspectives reject. The ad reflects past norms of female representation.
8. Pitney-Bowes: “That’s what wives are for!”
Fæ on Wikimedia Commons
This advertisement depicted a wife managing mailroom tasks, implying it’s her duty. It reinforced domestic stereotypes. Today, this would be seen as limiting and sexist. The ad illustrates traditional views on marital roles.
9. Vintage Kitchen Ad: “The chef does everything but cook—that’s what wives are for!”
The U.S. National Archives on Wikimedia Commons
This ad claimed that while the appliance handled many tasks, cooking was still the wife’s job. It minimized women’s contributions by assigning them domestic duties. Such messaging is now considered outdated. The ad highlights past gender expectations.
10. Van Heusen: “Show her it’s a man’s world”
Batistas private photographer on Wikimedia Commons
This ad showed a woman serving breakfast to a man, suggesting male dominance. It used domestic imagery to assert gender hierarchy. Today, this would be criticized for promoting inequality. The ad represents past societal structures.
11. Listerine: “It’s a woman’s fault”
Oaktree b on Wikimedia Commons
This advertisement blamed women for relationship issues due to bad breath. It used shame to sell mouthwash. Modern advertising avoids such negative tactics. The ad reflects a time when blame was used as a marketing tool.
12. Hoover: “Wives, look this ad over carefully”
INTV1980 on Wikimedia Commons
This ad suggested that a vacuum cleaner was an appropriate gift for a wife. It reinforced the idea that women’s primary role was housekeeping. Today, this would be seen as reductive. The ad shows how gift-giving norms have evolved.
13. Vintage Soap Ad: “The harder a wife works, the cuter she looks”
Nationaal Archief on Wikimedia Commons
This advertisement claimed that a woman’s attractiveness increased with her workload. It linked physical appearance to domestic labor. Such messages are now considered inappropriate. The ad exemplifies past expectations of women.
14. American Apparel: “Because innocence is sexier than you think”
bargainmoose on Wikimedia Commons
This ad featured young-looking models in suggestive poses, leading to criticism for sexualizing youth. The UK’s Advertising Standards Authority banned several of these ads for being sexually suggestive and inappropriate for public viewing. Today, such content is considered exploitative. The ad highlights issues of representation and consent.
15. Ajax: “Stronger than dirt!”
Pugilist on Wikimedia Commons
This cleaning product ad featured white knights defeating dirt, which some interpreted as having racial undertones. The imagery used could be seen as insensitive. Modern advertising is more cautious with symbolism. The ad reflects a lack of awareness of cultural implications.
16. Marlboro: “Marlboro Men”
Philip Morris USA on Wikimedia Commons
This campaign portrayed rugged cowboys smoking, associating masculinity with tobacco use. Several actors from the campaign died from smoking-related illnesses. Today, such advertising is restricted due to health concerns. The ad shows how perceptions of smoking have changed.
17. Vintage Soda Ad: “Baby’s first cola!”
Miami U. Libraries - Digital Collections on Wikimedia Commons
This advertisement promoted soda consumption for infants, claiming it aided digestion. It used a pediatrician’s endorsement to support the claim. Modern health guidelines advise against sugary drinks for babies. The ad reflects outdated health beliefs.
18. Vintage Game Ad: “We’re going to have to beat you”
Prosfilaes on Wikimedia Commons
This ad used the phrase “beat you” in a competitive context, which could be misinterpreted. The language choice is now considered inappropriate, and modern advertising avoids such phrasing. The ad shows how language sensitivity has increased.