Companies and brands spend millions every year on advertising. The global spending on advertising in 2020 was 674 billion U.S. dollars. In fact, statistics show that in America, a dollar is spent on advertising per person each day. Sometimes, we might be so used to seeing ads we don't even realize we're being sold something.
Nowadays, there are a lot of rules about what's appropriate in an ad and what's not. Back in the day, almost everything was fair game. That's why there were loads of sexist, racist, tobacco, asbestos, and lead-praising ads. We've compiled the most absurd vintage ads for you here. Enjoy and wonder: "How could this have been a thing?"
#41 An Ad For Drummond Sweaters From 1959. Oh, How Advertising Has Changed
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64points
#43 "They'll Be Wild About You In Van Heusen Venturous Print Sport Shirts" (1951)
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64points
#44 This Ad From Time Magazine In 1997 Promotes Plastic. Meanwhile, People Are Trying To Replace Plastic Because It’s Harmful To The Environment
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62points
#45 Secret Anti-Perspirant Ad In 1965. It Implies That Women’s Body Odor Is A Result Of Emotions
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60points
#47 "Are You Making Your Children Pay For Your Weight Problem?" - Sugar Information, Inc. Ad (1966)
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58points
#48 Wash Away Fat And Years Of Age With La-Mar Reducing Soap. Woman's Companion, 1923
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58points
