15 Things Women Used to Do in the ’70s That Feel Outdated Today

What women once accepted as unshakable rules of life in the 1970s now reveals how quickly culture can change and how much we never want to go back.

The 1970s were a pivotal time for women, with society experiencing a wave of transformations that reshaped everything from fashion to career expectations. According to the Brookings Institution, women’s participation in the labor force was dramatically increasing. As women gained more freedoms and new opportunities, their roles in the workplace, family, and society began to shift dramatically.

Fast-forward to today, and many of the behaviors and norms from that era seem unrecognizable, even outdated. Let’s take a look at things women used to do in the ’70s that have since faded into history.

Wearing girdles and structured undergarments

Women wore restrictive girdles to smooth out their figures under body-hugging dresses. “The move away from girdles symbolizes women’s rejection of restrictive beauty norms,” highlighting a shift towards more inclusive and comfortable fashion choices.

Getting married young

Chegg states that the median age at first marriage for women in the U.S. was 20.8 years in 1970. By 2025, that age has risen, with fewer women tying the knot in their early twenties. This shift to longer educational pursuits and the growing importance of career advancement for women.

Submitting to traditional beauty standards

The ideal woman in the ’70s was expected to maintain a BMI under 20; teen girls dieted annually. Fast forward to 2025, and beauty standards have shifted towards body inclusivity.

Prioritizing homemaking over careers

 Statista confirms that the number of married mothers in the U.S. who were staying at home with working husbands in 1970 was approximately 11.6 million. Today, that figure has dropped. The expectation that a woman’s primary duty is homemaking is now widely seen as antiquated.” 

Using gendered household appliances

In the ’70s, advertisements for kitchen and cleaning products overwhelmingly targeted women, reinforcing the idea that homemaking was their domain. Today, however, men share household chores equally, and gender-neutral marketing is the norm. 

Mandatory skirt and dress codes

Back in the ’70s, most professional workplaces required women to wear skirts or dresses, reinforcing gendered expectations. Raconteur states that there has been an 80% decline in formal dress codes. American women say they “never” feel pressure to wear skirts to work, as workplace attire has become much more gender-neutral.

Also on MSN: 15 dress codes once used to control women’s behavior

Following strict “beauty rules” 

In the early ’70s, according to Ethnologia Europaea, women’s trousers were mostly negative; they were seen as indecent, immoral, disgusting, and too mannish for women. “Fashion liberation is ongoing, but the taboo on women’s pants has truly vanished,” showing how far gender norms in fashion have come.

Writing letters by hand for socializing

Women in the ’70s sent handwritten letters to friends or family at least once a week, as digital communication has completely taken over. The rise of texting, emails, and social media platforms has made handwritten correspondence a rare art form.

Smoking as a social norm

In the 1970s, American women smoked, often seen as a fashionable habit. According to the CDC report on Women and Smoking, by the 1970s, many women had smoked cigarettes. By 2025, that number has dropped dramatically thanks to changing public health campaigns and perceptions. 

Reliance on home permanent or “big” hair styling methods

American women used hot rollers or chemical treatments to achieve voluminous hairstyles. The decline in spending on chemical treatments has dropped over the past decade, signaling a major shift in how women approach their haircare routines.

Limited divorce rights

In the ’70s, according to Bush & Taylor, P.C., women in faced significant legal and social stigma when seeking a divorce, often forcing them to remain in unhappy marriages. In  2025, of Americans believe divorce is “morally acceptable,” and women are now more likely to initiate divorce.

Prioritizing marriage over education

In 1970, fewer college graduates were women. By 2025, that number has skyrocketed, with women now making up the majority of college enrollments. 

Accepting gendered job segregation

In the 1970s, women’s jobs were often concentrated in a few sectors, such as teaching, nursing, and secretarial work. According to UN Women, women hold 28.2% of management positions globally. This shift is a testament to how women have gained greater access to diverse career paths.

Using outdated home economics skills -sewing, canning

In the ’70s, women regularly sewed, canned, or mended at home. Today, not many people know how to sew. This decline reflects a broader trend away from traditional home economics skills as modern conveniences and ready-made products take over.

Using outdated fashion prints and styles

The ’70s were known for their bold patterns, chevron, psychedelic prints, and bell-bottoms were all the rage. However, by 2025, women say these styles feel “dated,” except for brief retro trends. Yahoo has highlighted a significant resurgence of retro trends in both fashion and home decor, driven by a desire for nostalgia, individuality, and sustainability.

Key takeaway

The world of women in the ’70s was markedly different from the world they inhabit today. From marriage age and career expectations to fashion choices and beauty standards, women’s roles have evolved significantly. 

Disclosure line:
This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.

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