35 Vintage Pictures That Prove Your Parents Are Cooler Than You

Looking at your parents' old photos can raise all sorts of feelings-- you might have stumbled across some interesting images, to say the least. But some of these photos can almost guarantee your parents had a decent sense of style, charisma or some side of them you've never seen before.

Even if you don't think your parents looked as cool in their youth as these photos, then they probably didn't care much how they looked, which, in turn, makes then cool already.

Rebel Couple

This couple from the 1960s seems to be the rebellious type.

Although youth indulgence was frowned upon, especially in those days, these two lovebirds don't mind showing off their bad side in front of the camera.

Neon Lives On

This interesting photograph was taken by Steven M. on the beaches of Florida, mostly on the southeast coast, during the 1980s.

Florida Beach Teens

This photograph was taken in 1970 at Pensacola Beach in Florida.

Although now Pensacola has the reputation of being a crazy party town, these teens make it looks laid back and fun with their sense of style. Just look at those sunglasses! Maybe they'll make a comeback soon.

Mermaids

Does this photo prove mermaids are finally real? 

Sadly, no-- but this photo from the 1970s make us look back at human's obsession with mermaids dating back decades.

Tube Socks, Too

It wouldn't be a photo from the 70s without tube socks. 

This style looks like a typical poster of teenagers in the 1970s. The only thing missing is some bell-bottom jeans.

Men Wears Them Too

High-waisted shorts weren't just for women in the 70s-- men wore them too! 

This man was so excited to show off his Mustang that he forgot to put on his shoes for the photo.

Music Festival

Nope, this isn't Coachella. It's the Idaho Fiddle Festival in 1973. 

The style is not so Woodstock, but also not so modern. When you look it this photo, you know it's from the 70s.

Punks

Robert Herman captures candid photos of people who reside in the city from 1978 on. 

Pictured here is a young punk couple during the height of the punk movement. 

Looks Like Movie Stars

Is it just me or does everyone in the 80s look like they're in the middle of filming a John Hughes movie?

These people looked like they came straight out of their TV screens.

Iconic California Fashion

The 70s were such an iconic time for California-inspired fashion! 

Time for a more laid back and comfortable yet stylish look. Again, hipsters, YOU WISH!

Church Goers

This photo was snapped on the South Side of Chicago in 1941, it's safe to say these guys were probably the best dressed at church that day.

Snazzy Threads

Taken in the 1950s, these plunging necklines probably broke a few guys' necks.

We could say, this style is still being used today, even for special events. You could never go wrong flexing those collarbones!

Rising Hip-hop Era

Brooklyn born photographer, Jamel Shabaz, documents the rise of hip-hop culture in his hometown during the 80s.

This outfit might seem formal, but with little twists here and there, you can definitely call it hip-hop!

Ice Cat

This photo was taken in 1937 of a man ice skating in a full suit! What a unique way to skate.

But it does look a little uncomfortable, right? His moves could be too limited. He's definitely the coolest cat on the ice.

What Happens In Paris...

Can you believe this wasn't staged?

Taken in 1951, this cool couple were captured dancing Be-Bop at the Vieux Colombier Theater in Paris.

Singing In The Rain

Have you ever seen anybody look this stylish while it's pouring rain?

We think not! You might think these two people were being filmed for a romantic movie. But they're not, as this fashion was normalized back in the day.

Life Guard

Taken in Brighton Beach, New York from 1901-1906.

Imagine if life guards STILL had to wear outfits like this? It would surely make people feel very nostalgic, especially those who have been in this era.

Animal Lover

Taken in 1956, this photo shows animals being used as part of medical therapy.

It does seem a little scary, but it's such an interesting movement for science and technology back then. It shows how our medical industry has grown throughout the years.

Bathing Suit Broad

Taken in 1907, Annette Kellerman promotes women's right to wear a fitted one-piece bathing suit. 

She was soon after arrested for indecency.

Disney Land

This photo captures the fun and fancy-free life of an employee cafeteria in Disney Land in 1961!

It is just a rare moment to see Snow White eating at a cafeteria.

Spray Tan

Did you know that suntan vending machines existed in the 1940s? 

We wonder if she ended up with an even tan. Would you dare to try one if we had one today?

Hitchin' A Ride

Today, images like this, of carefree 20 somethings waiting for the generosity of a stranger on the side of the road are rare. 

But back in the 1970’s, for thrill-seeking hippies, this was often the preferred method of transport.

The Street And Beach Life

This photograph was taken in Huntington Beach in 1975 by an up and coming skate photographer. 

His eye was not only drawn to the young skateboarder in the front of the frame, but the two women behind him coming from the beach. The nostalgic feeling you get when you look at this photo is like none other.

Cars In The 70s

The women in the photograph became known around the internet as "Camero Mom". 

Her son posted the photo of his mom posing on a 1975 Camero and it went viral, accumulating over 5 million views on Imgur.  

60s Heartthrob

This photo may look like a professional model from today, but this photograph was actually taken in the late 1960s.  

The son of the photo's subject uploaded the photo online and people were going crazy for this 60s heartthrob.

High-waisted Jeans

Remember high-waisted jeans? They were everywhere in the 1970s! Believe it or not, this style is making a small comeback in today's fashion world.  

Who knows, maybe her style will be what everybody is wearing in a few more years. We just have to give it a little more time.

Venice Beach Kids

This photo was taken on Venice Beach in the 1970s.

The two boys pictured above are named Kevin and Robbie, and they both portray the care-free lifestyle of Venice back in the day.

Wedding Joint

If this isn't the most 70s wedding photo, then we don't know what is. 

Whether it's the wedding dresses, long hair or the joints...  

Crop Tops

More Florida beach photos from the 80s!  

These girls are out enjoying the laid-back beach life, looking as 80s as it gets.

They Have Class

Roger Moore and Catherine Bach pose for this classy photo in 1977. Roger Moore is best known for his portrayal of James Bond in the 1970s and 1980s.  

He is the longest-serving James Bond character to date. Moore starred in Live and Let Die (1973), The Man with the Golden Gun (1974), The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), Moonraker (1979), For Your Eyes Only (1981), Octopussy (1983) and A View to a Kill (1985).    

Coolin'

Taken in 1965, this photo features a guy in a suit and sunglasses riding a skateboard through Central Park.

This is the level of cool hipsters today could probably never surpass.

Space Chimp

This very happy Chimp is smiling after a very successful mission to space in 1961!

He looks like he just accomplished the best thing in his life!

Roller Skates

Along with the tube socks and the high-waisted shorts, bell bottoms and roller skates behind a pinball machine epitomizes the 70s so well.  

The Power Of Cigarettes On The Youth

In 1989, Sally Mann captured this photo of a young girl looking like she's smoking a cigarette, but she is actually pretending to smoke a candy cigarette. Candy cigarettes were popular in the 20th century because they allowed children to pretend to be like their elders.  

These candies were often made out of bubblegum or chocolate, which became really popular with kids. The candies became a controversial topic since then, and they have been banned in many countries around the world.