mens cologne ads

Vintage Cologne Ads: A Tribute to the Suave and Macho Men of the 60s and 70s

Fashion trends change rapidly, and so do the fragrances that go with them. The 1960s was a decade of sleek and sophisticated fashion, with dapper, globetrotting spies like James Bond taking center stage. Accordingly, men’s colognes of the era delivered exotic scents that added to a man’s suave and debonair persona. However, as the 70s dawned, fashion took a complete 180-degree turn, with denim, corduroy, and body hair becoming more prevalent. And with that, fragrances changed too, to evoke the manly, macho persona of the decade. If you’re interested in the vintage scents of men’s cologne, keep reading to discover some timeless cologne ads from the era.

  1. Hai Karate
    Hai Karate came to the market in the 1960s, with ads that depicted women pouncing on unsuspecting men who had sprayed the scent to ward them off. The ads featured humor, action, and a tongue-in-cheek approach that made the cologne iconic. The ad copy boasted that owners of Hai Karate would “be the center of attention, whether you like it or not.” The bottle also came with an action card and some basic self-defense moves that are alluded to in the ad.
  2. British Sterling
    British Sterling paid homage to the sophistication of the British Empire and its refined heritage. British Sterling was marketed as a scent for the accomplished man, evoking images of fine cigars, leather-bound libraries, and mahogany-paneled rooms. The bottles featured a unique shape with an embossed crown and embossed lettering, which became a trademark of the brand.
  3. Old Spice
    Old Spice was already a well-known brand in the 60s, but its ads took on a new direction during the decade. The Old Spice man, with his chiseled looks and rugged demeanor, became the face of the brand. The scent was marketed as one that reflected the spirit of adventure, embodying the essence of masculinity, and a sense of freedom that comes with exploring uncharted territories.
  4. Brute
    Brute came into the market in the 70s, capitalizing on the new masculine trends of the decade. The advertising copy played on the brand name’s aggressiveness and power, citing phrases like “brutishly male” and “the essence of man.” Ads featured close-ups of the bottle, which were designed to resemble a whiskey decanter. Brute had an earthy scent, which became synonymous with the manly and virile persona that the brand represented.
  5. Drakkar Noir
    Drakkar Noir was launched in the 80s, but its name drew inspiration from the types of fragrances prevalent in the 70s. The brand was marketed as a scent for the contemporary man, with ads featuring sleek, black-and-white photographs of urban landscapes. Drakkar Noir had a distinctive aroma, using tobacco, lavender, and citrus notes, that stood out from traditional heavy, musky scents of the time.

Vintage cologne ads are a tribute to a bygone era when manliness and sophistication were highly prized. These iconic ads, like the fragrances they promote, have stood the test of time, and continue to evoke nostalgia and admiration today. As marketers, designers, and creative directors, these ads can provide us with inspiration and insights into the powerful ways that marketing campaigns can tap into a generation’s mood and outlook on life. So, if you’re looking for inspiration for your next campaign, look no further than these timeless vintage cologne ads.

Here are some popular vintage men’s cologne ads from the 1960s and 1970s

0 comments on “Vintage Cologne Ads: A Tribute to the Suave and Macho Men of the 60s and 70s

Got any comments?