Though the 1950s celebrated feminine curves and also gave birth to pin-up girls, it was still unusual for an icon to sport a fuller, rounder physique. When you hear the words "pin-up girl," the first thing that comes to mind is most likely Marilyn Monroe.
This woman was an icon, defining the pin-up model style. But contrary to the common misconception, she’d be around size two by today’s standards and nowhere near the alleged size 16. With Marilyn still embodying the perfect woman to this day, people sometimes forget about the other pin-up girls—for example, the iconic Hilda.
Created by illustrator Duane Bryers (1911-2012), Hilda was a plus-size girl who was definitely not shy about her chubbiness. Not only was she the only curvy girl in the pin-up game at the time, but she was also hilariously clumsy. Hilda pin-ups graced America’s calendars from around the 1950s to the 1980s, and to celebrate that, we are going to share some of Duane Bryers’ classy illustrations below. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite Hilda pin-up!
(h/t: vintageeveryday)
