• 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • Join the riot newsletter
  • Wishlist
RunwayRiot
fashion for all women


  • Shop
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • Editor’s Closet
    • Our Obsessions!
    • Gift Ideas
  • About Runway Riot
  • Fitness
  • News
  • Beauty/Fashion
  • Designers
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
Wish
list
  • Shop
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • Editor’s Closet
    • Designers
    • Gift Ideas
    • Our Obsessions!
    • Guilty Pleasures
  • Beauty/Fashion
  • Fitness
  • Self-care
  • Current Obsessions
  • The Latest
  • Shape Endorses Annoying Gym Selfies As a Weight Loss Method
  • Obvious Study Shows How Obsessed Hollywood Is With Mentioning Weight in Movies
  • A Timeline of American Apparel’s Most Ridiculously Inappropriate Holiday Ads
  • Star Pronounces That Her 'Fat' Pre Weight Loss Body Was 'Vile'
23 Vintage Ads That Were Pro-Curves and Weight Gain
by Lauren Valenti | January 8, 2014 at 2:59 PM
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 

Over the past couple of decades, the media has warped women’s perception of their own bodies, vehemently convincing them that a slender physique is the ideal. What some might not realize is that it wasn’t always this way. In fact, there have been eras in history, namely the 1930’s and 1950’s, where skinny was considered unattractive.

Some women’s ears might perk up at this notion of curves being en vogue, and we can’t say we totally blame them for it, as staring at images of waif-thin models and actresses can be damaging. But the idea that what a women’s body should look like goes in and out of trend as easily as kitten heels is deeply disconcerting.

Popular culture is slowly inching towards more body diversity, but at the end of the day, harmful fads such as ‘thigh gap‘ still exist, which makes the premise of women intentionally trying to gain weight seem ludicrous. However, as you’ll see in the vintage advertisements below, there once was that appeal. In fact, one could argue that media was even more cruel to women that don’t fit their quota for “sex-appealing curves”. Prepare to be mystified by 23 retro and deeply misguided ads, below:

[imageviewer id= 4597]

About the Author

Lauren Valenti

Connect with me:
  • My website
  • Twitter
I Want That!
Quay Australia
Stop & Stare 58mm Square Sunglasses
Buy Me + Wishlist
$60.00
Sonix
Melrose 51mm Gradient Cat Eye Sunglasses
Gimme! + Wishlist
$98.00
Estee Lauder
Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup
Buy Me + Wishlist
$39.50
Jeffrey Campbell
Apfel Tassel Slide
Buy Me + Wishlist
$119.95
LIONESS
Amalfi Dress
Shop now + Wishlist
$90.00
Becca
'Prairie Rose' Crochet One-Piece Swimsuit
Gimme! + Wishlist
$124.00
Gap
Gap Women Softspun Dolman Sleeve Hi Lo Tee Size L - New heather grey
Shop now + Wishlist
$44.95
Sea
Sea Exploded Eyelet Ruffle Top
Shop now + Wishlist
$345.00
Stuart Weitzman
Stuart Weitzman Flippy Buckle Mary Jane Flats
Shop now + Wishlist
$398.00
Guerlain
Foundation Brush
Buy Me + Wishlist
$52.00
Passionata by Chantelle
Charmeuse Thong
You Know You Want Me! + Wishlist
$30.00
City Chic
Sexy Pins Coated Skinny Jeans (Plus Size)
Buy Me + Wishlist
$89.00
19 Female Professional Athletes Who Are Changing The Way We Look At Fashion
November 7, 2017 at 3:12 PM
11 Body Confident Trends for Transitional Wear
November 7, 2017 at 3:05 PM
The Power of 11: How to Align With Your True Self
February 14, 2017 at 12:50 PM
The Best Single Statement Shirts to Wear this Valentine’s Day
February 14, 2017 at 8:33 AM
Couples That Workout Together Stay Together
February 14, 2017 at 2:39 AM
RunwayRiot
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
Sitemap
  • Shop
  • About
  • Contact Us
  • All Stories
Join the riot
© 2021 RunwayRiot, LLC - All Rights Reserved.
  • FAQ
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy
  • Site Design
  1. Mediaite
  2. The Mary Sue
  3. RunwayRiot
  4. LawNewz
  5. Gossip Cop