6 Worst Retro Commercials from the 70s [Video]

The 1970s brought an explosion of creativity in advertising, but not all ideas were winners. Some commercials from the decade missed the mark, leaving audiences baffled or uncomfortable. These six retro ads stand out for their strange concepts, poor execution, or outdated messaging that hasn’t aged well.

1. Nair’s “Who Wears Short Shorts?”

Nair’s infamous “Who Wears Short Shorts?” commercial featured women showcasing smooth legs while a catchy jingle played. Though memorable, the ad felt overly gimmicky, relying on repetitive lyrics and a somewhat awkward tone that overshadowed the product itself.

For some viewers, it was more cringeworthy than engaging. The ad’s simplicity and lack of subtlety made it one of the 70s’ less successful marketing attempts.

2. Pearl Drops Tooth Polish

The Pearl Drops Tooth Polish ad claimed it would give users a “tingly, exciting feeling.” While the product aimed to be innovative, the commercial came across as uncomfortably sensual, focusing too much on dramatized close-ups …