A lot of things have changed since the 1960s, to say the least. Advancement in technology has surpassed imagination and ways of life have altered completely since then. Though there have been incredible developments, one of the things that has altered are the standards of beauty. Here we reflect what characteristics were considered attractive to men 50 years ago. This list proves that some things never change while other things will absolutely stun you!
A lot of things have changed since the 1960s, to say the least. Advancement in technology has surpassed imagination and ways of life have altered completely since then. Though there have been incredible developments, one of the things that has altered are the standards of beauty. Here we reflect what characteristics were considered attractive to men 50 years ago. This list proves that some things never change while other things will absolutely stun you!
An unfortunate part within American history is the rampant racism, which was heavily prevalent in the 1960s. Though this was about the time that the Civil Rights Movement was going on, and laws were beginning to become established to enforce equality among those of different skin colors, it would take years until those of darker skin would be considered “attractive”. While dark skin was viewed as a flaw, lighter skin, on the other hand, was highly valued, especially to the men during that time. Thankfully, things have greatly improved when compared to the extreme injustice of the 1960s. However, that is not to say everything is perfect. Quite the opposite, really. Even today, lighter skin tends to be highly praised. In a 2016 Time article it was said that “dark skin is demonized and light skin wins the price” which is due to the “deeply entrenched racism” that is still within the United States. Though there are efforts continuing to fight against this blatant racism, there is still work to be done.
An unfortunate part within American history is the rampant racism, which was heavily prevalent in the 1960s. Though this was about the time that the Civil Rights Movement was going on, and laws were beginning to become established to enforce equality among those of different skin colors, it would take years until those of darker skin would be considered “attractive”. While dark skin was viewed as a flaw, lighter skin, on the other hand, was highly valued, especially to the men during that time. Thankfully, things have greatly improved when compared to the extreme injustice of the 1960s. However, that is not to say everything is perfect. Quite the opposite, really. Even today, lighter skin tends to be highly praised. In a 2016 Time article it was said that “dark skin is demonized and light skin wins the price” which is due to the “deeply entrenched racism” that is still within the United States. Though there are efforts continuing to fight against this blatant racism, there is still work to be done.
During the 1950s and early 1960s, full-figured women like Marilyn Monroe reigned supreme, becoming cultural icons even. Though she and other voluptuous women took the center stage during that time, they still were not able to prevent the trend of slimmer frames among women. Instead of finding beauty in natural curves, there was this great push towards the thin look, affecting the standards of beauty in a negative way as more and more women strived to achieve the coveted stick look. This especially became “particularly acute . . . when the fashion Model Twiggy became the role model for a generation of young women,” Sarah Grogan wrote in Body Image: Understanding Body Dissatisfaction in Men, Women and Children. Unfortunately, the fashion industry still continues to endorse the rail-thin body image. However, unlike the 1960S, there is a bigger push towards women with diverse figures, especially within the modeling agency. We are certainly rooting for women of all body shapes to be promoted as beautiful!
During the 1950s and early 1960s, full-figured women like Marilyn Monroe reigned supreme, becoming cultural icons even. Though she and other voluptuous women took the center stage during that time, they still were not able to prevent the trend of slimmer frames among women. Instead of finding beauty in natural curves, there was this great push towards the thin look, affecting the standards of beauty in a negative way as more and more women strived to achieve the coveted stick look. This especially became “particularly acute . . . when the fashion Model Twiggy became the role model for a generation of young women,” Sarah Grogan wrote in Body Image: Understanding Body Dissatisfaction in Men, Women and Children. Unfortunately, the fashion industry still continues to endorse the rail-thin body image. However, unlike the 1960S, there is a bigger push towards women with diverse figures, especially within the modeling agency. We are certainly rooting for women of all body shapes to be promoted as beautiful!
Continuing with the trend of slimness – thinner models also meant the greater distaste for curves. As a result, flat chests were extremely attractive back in the 1960s. Not only did women want to decrease their cup size, but they also wanted to get rid of any curve, which is why this was the era where women first started to be concerned with getting rid of cellulite. With the goal to become thinner came also the drive to lose more weight because, apparently, curves were worse than starvation. Linda Przybyszewski wrote in The Lost Arts of Dress: The Women Who Once Made America Stylish that “before the 1920s, teenagers worried about becoming better people”. By the 1960s, sadly, “weight loss became the primary obsession.” To this day, the desire to be thin is still prevalent. However, there is a greater desire to promote fuller figure women. Hopefully, this will catch on and become more than a trend, but a lifestyle.
Continuing with the trend of slimness – thinner models also meant the greater distaste for curves. As a result, flat chests were extremely attractive back in the 1960s. Not only did women want to decrease their cup size, but they also wanted to get rid of any curve, which is why this was the era where women first started to be concerned with getting rid of cellulite. With the goal to become thinner came also the drive to lose more weight because, apparently, curves were worse than starvation. Linda Przybyszewski wrote in The Lost Arts of Dress: The Women Who Once Made America Stylish that “before the 1920s, teenagers worried about becoming better people”. By the 1960s, sadly, “weight loss became the primary obsession.” To this day, the desire to be thin is still prevalent. However, there is a greater desire to promote fuller figure women. Hopefully, this will catch on and become more than a trend, but a lifestyle.
In addition to the obsession of having a flat chest, flat butts were also a desired feature for women during the 1960s. In order to achieve this look, many women during the time became adamant in finding a cure to cellulite. While on the quest to remove the “flaws”, women resorted to drastic measures. There was one woman written about in Vogue magazine for “managing to reduce her 39-inch hips down to 34 inches through exercise, ‘standing correctly,’ and using ‘a special rolling pin.’” These practices and more were common during the 60s. Believe it or not, this strive to achieve a more boyish figure was not just to attract the men. In fact, many speculate that it was a cultural attempt for equality among the genders. In the book Battleground: The Media, editors Robin Andersen and Jonathan Alan Gray argued that throughout history “a thin, straight figure was prized” during which “when women were striving to demonstrate their equality.” This just proves that fashion isn’t just to attract.
In addition to the obsession of having a flat chest, flat butts were also a desired feature for women during the 1960s. In order to achieve this look, many women during the time became adamant in finding a cure to cellulite. While on the quest to remove the “flaws”, women resorted to drastic measures. There was one woman written about in Vogue magazine for “managing to reduce her 39-inch hips down to 34 inches through exercise, ‘standing correctly,’ and using ‘a special rolling pin.’” These practices and more were common during the 60s. Believe it or not, this strive to achieve a more boyish figure was not just to attract the men. In fact, many speculate that it was a cultural attempt for equality among the genders. In the book Battleground: The Media, editors Robin Andersen and Jonathan Alan Gray argued that throughout history “a thin, straight figure was prized” during which “when women were striving to demonstrate their equality.” This just proves that fashion isn’t just to attract.
In order to set themselves apart from the older generation, there was a push in the 60s for more exposed legs – thus, creating the famous miniskirt. The staple fashion garment revealed bare skin that allowed younger women to gain some attention. The miniskirt was a gradual development, with the hemline of the skirts rising higher and higher throughout the years. Though many women at the time were intimidated about the miniskirt, with many of them believing that they didn’t have the legs to pull off the look, the majority embraced the fashion statement that challenged the standards of that time. Not only did the miniskirt inspire more women to embrace their bodies, it also influenced a new wave of shoe styles, such as the tall, pointed boots.
In order to set themselves apart from the older generation, there was a push in the 60s for more exposed legs – thus, creating the famous miniskirt. The staple fashion garment revealed bare skin that allowed younger women to gain some attention. The miniskirt was a gradual development, with the hemline of the skirts rising higher and higher throughout the years. Though many women at the time were intimidated about the miniskirt, with many of them believing that they didn’t have the legs to pull off the look, the majority embraced the fashion statement that challenged the standards of that time. Not only did the miniskirt inspire more women to embrace their bodies, it also influenced a new wave of shoe styles, such as the tall, pointed boots.
Another trend that took off during the 60s was the unisex, androgynous clothing. More and more women challenged social fashion norms by wearing pieces that women have never worn before. Yet again, in their own way, more women were questioning and challenging society, fighting for a more equal world between the genders. The women were not the only ones who were fighting against the status-quo – the men as well joined in their efforts by also sporting outfits that confused the media of that time. PBS noted that “for a brief time, mostly in 1968, unisex was everywhere, and with it came a fair amount of confusion in the media.” Both men and women were beginning to challenge the boundaries of fashion during the 60s, with their influence evident in the current culture of today.
Another trend that took off during the 60s was the unisex, androgynous clothing. More and more women challenged social fashion norms by wearing pieces that women have never worn before. Yet again, in their own way, more women were questioning and challenging society, fighting for a more equal world between the genders. The women were not the only ones who were fighting against the status-quo – the men as well joined in their efforts by also sporting outfits that confused the media of that time. PBS noted that “for a brief time, mostly in 1968, unisex was everywhere, and with it came a fair amount of confusion in the media.” Both men and women were beginning to challenge the boundaries of fashion during the 60s, with their influence evident in the current culture of today.
The main image that many women were trying to achieve back in the 1960s was the famous “Lolita look” or rather what Peter Braunstein and Michael William Doyle, editors of Imagine Nation: The American Counterculture of the 1960’s and 70’s, called the “prepubescent look.” This made models like Twiggy a huge idol as more and more woman desired the exaggerated youthful look. This look certainly challenged the social norms of the past, making it even, according to The Mancunion, “a symbol for the social conflict between the old and the new.” The famous look took over an entire generation, eventually becoming the spirit of the era.
The main image that many women were trying to achieve back in the 1960s was the famous “Lolita look” or rather what Peter Braunstein and Michael William Doyle, editors of Imagine Nation: The American Counterculture of the 1960’s and 70’s, called the “prepubescent look.” This made models like Twiggy a huge idol as more and more woman desired the exaggerated youthful look. This look certainly challenged the social norms of the past, making it even, according to The Mancunion, “a symbol for the social conflict between the old and the new.” The famous look took over an entire generation, eventually becoming the spirit of the era.
Going braless has lately been gaining a lot of attention and support by many women, but it might surprise you to know that the movement actual started in the late 1960s. Not only did women desire to be comfortable, they mostly began this new wave of fashion as a political statement. The Lala wrote that many women were going braless as “a political, protest move symbolizing freedom and rejection of traditional view of femininity.” Soon the movement garnered a lot of attention, inspiring many women to join in the revolution. Someone who supported this movement was fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, who took the social protest and turned it into fashion. With his line of sheer outfits, the look soon became quite popular.
Going braless has lately been gaining a lot of attention and support by many women, but it might surprise you to know that the movement actual started in the late 1960s. Not only did women desire to be comfortable, they mostly began this new wave of fashion as a political statement. The Lala wrote that many women were going braless as “a political, protest move symbolizing freedom and rejection of traditional view of femininity.” Soon the movement garnered a lot of attention, inspiring many women to join in the revolution. Someone who supported this movement was fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, who took the social protest and turned it into fashion. With his line of sheer outfits, the look soon became quite popular.
In case it wasn’t obvious as of yet, the 1960s was a time where every social norm was questioned and then challenged. When it came to hair, there was no difference. Before the 60s, women traditional fixed their hair in over the top up dos. As an act of rebellion, many women went the complete opposite route and chose to straighten their hair. As it turns out, women were not the only ones who followed the trend. Men as well took part in the fade by growing out their hair and straightening it. For the men, this was an act of rebellion as well, as they went against the traditional short, boy hair-cuts that dominated the past.
In case it wasn’t obvious as of yet, the 1960s was a time where every social norm was questioned and then challenged. When it came to hair, there was no difference. Before the 60s, women traditional fixed their hair in over the top up dos. As an act of rebellion, many women went the complete opposite route and chose to straighten their hair. As it turns out, women were not the only ones who followed the trend. Men as well took part in the fade by growing out their hair and straightening it. For the men, this was an act of rebellion as well, as they went against the traditional short, boy hair-cuts that dominated the past.
The 1960s was time of radical reform. However, unfortunately, there were some things that took a while for it to change. For example, though women were making strides towards gender equality and racial equality, women were still seen as sex objects and wives expected to stay at home. Protests were made and the fight for equality still remained, but it was a slow progress. When considering higher education, it was incredibly difficult for a woman to attend a university, an Ivy League school to be exact. The University of Pennsylvania and Cornell both allowed women to attend as of the 1870s, but only in special circumstances. Yale and Princeton didn't start accepting women until 1969, while Harvard, Brown, and Dartmouth held out until the 1970s. Columbia didn't offer admission to women until 1981. Over time, thankfully, women begin to gain more freedoms and opportunities, but, for a while, they were expected to remain under the same social construct that continued to restrict them.
The 1960s was time of radical reform. However, unfortunately, there were some things that took a while for it to change. For example, though women were making strides towards gender equality and racial equality, women were still seen as sex objects and wives expected to stay at home. Protests were made and the fight for equality still remained, but it was a slow progress. When considering higher education, it was incredibly difficult for a woman to attend a university, an Ivy League school to be exact. The University of Pennsylvania and Cornell both allowed women to attend as of the 1870s, but only in special circumstances. Yale and Princeton didn't start accepting women until 1969, while Harvard, Brown, and Dartmouth held out until the 1970s. Columbia didn't offer admission to women until 1981. Over time, thankfully, women begin to gain more freedoms and opportunities, but, for a while, they were expected to remain under the same social construct that continued to restrict them.
When people think about the 60s, they often dwell on the fact that it was an era of excessive drinking. Though the booze were definitely flowing, it did not mean that everyone could freely enjoy it without being criticized. This was true especially for women. It was socially acceptable for women to enjoy a cocktail every now and again, but a woman who was drunk was viewed as highly unattractive. Not only did men find this trait unappealing, the media also reinforced the idea that women should never be so heavily under the influence. In 1962, the Saturday Evening Post said, “Among men, heavy drinking is often taken as a sign of virility, and the phrase, ‘Drunk as a lord,’ is a tribute. No one ever said approvingly, ‘She was drunk as a lady.’” So When people think about the 60s, they often dwell on the fact that it was an era of excessive drinking.
Though the booze were definitely flowing, it did not mean that everyone could freely enjoy it without being criticized. This was true especially for women. It was socially acceptable for women to enjoy a cocktail every now and again, but a woman who was drunk was viewed as highly unattractive. Not only did men find this trait unappealing, the media also reinforced the idea that women should never be so heavily under the influence. In 1962, the Saturday Evening Post said, “Among men, heavy drinking is often taken as a sign of virility, and the phrase, ‘Drunk as a lord,’ is a tribute. No one ever said approvingly, ‘She was drunk as a lady.’” So
While drinking was unattractive, smoking, on the other hand, was considered quite alluring. Despite the fact that smoking is directly linked to lung cancer, a fact that was made clear to the public years before, it was still a practice that was dominant in the 1960s. In fact, smoking was considered to be glamorous and even exude sophistication, which, apparently, attracted the men of that time. Smoking was such a trend among females that tobacco companies specifically targeted women in their marketing scheme, placing smoking as the pinnacle of gender equality.
While drinking was unattractive, smoking, on the other hand, was considered quite alluring. Despite the fact that smoking is directly linked to lung cancer, a fact that was made clear to the public years before, it was still a practice that was dominant in the 1960s. In fact, smoking was considered to be glamorous and even exude sophistication, which, apparently, attracted the men of that time. Smoking was such a trend among females that tobacco companies specifically targeted women in their marketing scheme, placing smoking as the pinnacle of gender equality.
In the late 1960s, women were making great strides towards equality, especially in the workplace. For the first time, women were leaving their homes to pursue a career. However, there was still plenty of progress to be made. For example, it was more acceptable during that time for single women to work rather than married women since it was still expected that a woman’s place is in the home while the man makes the money. If women who were married and had children wanted to work, they often had no other choice but to wait until their children were grown. As a result, women stuck at home became depressed and their self-esteem was extremely low back in those days. Today, things have definitely changed. In the 1960s, only 44 percent of married American couples lived in dual income households. In modern times, the percentage is now more than half. Though there is still progress to be made for gender equality in the workplace, things are looking bright.
In the late 1960s, women were making great strides towards equality, especially in the workplace. For the first time, women were leaving their homes to pursue a career. However, there was still plenty of progress to be made. For example, it was more acceptable during that time for single women to work rather than married women since it was still expected that a woman’s place is in the home while the man makes the money. If women who were married and had children wanted to work, they often had no other choice but to wait until their children were grown. As a result, women stuck at home became depressed and their self-esteem was extremely low back in those days. Today, things have definitely changed. In the 1960s, only 44 percent of married American couples lived in dual income households. In modern times, the percentage is now more than half. Though there is still progress to be made for gender equality in the workplace, things are looking bright.
With the rise of miniskirts in the 1960s came the added pressure to women of that time to put their best leg forward. There was an obsession of ridding cellulite, but when that didn’t work, women were led to use other measures to emphasis the beauty of their legs; leg makeup. Though leg makeup was used around World War II, the way in which it was used was quite different. While leg makeup was used during the war to draw stockings on seams with eyeliner, to give the illusion that they were wearing stockings since there was a stocking shortage during that time, the women of the 60s used leg makeup to emphasis the beauty of their bare skin. With a few dabs of makeup, any flaw, scars or bruise was covered to reveal perfect legs. Leg makeup only added to the liberation movement within women, who were given more opportunities to embrace their bodies rather than conform to society’s expectations.
With the rise of miniskirts in the 1960s came the added pressure to women of that time to put their best leg forward. There was an obsession of ridding cellulite, but when that didn’t work, women were led to use other measures to emphasis the beauty of their legs; leg makeup. Though leg makeup was used around World War II, the way in which it was used was quite different. While leg makeup was used during the war to draw stockings on seams with eyeliner, to give the illusion that they were wearing stockings since there was a stocking shortage during that time, the women of the 60s used leg makeup to emphasis the beauty of their bare skin. With a few dabs of makeup, any flaw, scars or bruise was covered to reveal perfect legs. Leg makeup only added to the liberation movement within women, who were given more opportunities to embrace their bodies rather than conform to society’s expectations.
The athletic women were “in” during the ends of the 1960s, but not for the reasons that you may think. Women were encouraged to join sports, especially in high school and college, with the main goal of maintaining the desired “fit” look. In fact, back then, it was believed that women sports were nowhere near the athleticism when compared to male sports, who were considered the “actual” athletes. Thankfully, equality in sports have definitely improved over time. In 1972, the U.S. Congress passed Title IX, which helped secure funding for women sports. In addition, in 1987, Jackie Joyner-Kersee became the first female athlete to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Today, women athletes are known for their abilities and talent rather than hobbyists.
The athletic women were “in” during the ends of the 1960s, but not for the reasons that you may think. Women were encouraged to join sports, especially in high school and college, with the main goal of maintaining the desired “fit” look. In fact, back then, it was believed that women sports were nowhere near the athleticism when compared to male sports, who were considered the “actual” athletes. Thankfully, equality in sports have definitely improved over time. In 1972, the U.S. Congress passed Title IX, which helped secure funding for women sports. In addition, in 1987, Jackie Joyner-Kersee became the first female athlete to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Today, women athletes are known for their abilities and talent rather than hobbyists.