From Slate Magazine · · 50s
Bridget in the Buff: The 1970s Nude Icon
A 1970s jigsaw puzzle of a fat woman became a global merchandising sensation.
In brief
A 1970s jigsaw puzzle of a fat woman became a global merchandising sensation. Dawn Brooks, a woman who posed nude for 1970s merchandise, became an unexpected cultural icon. Originally reported by Slate Magazine.
Quick answers
- Who Was Bridget?
- In the early 1970s, a jigsaw puzzle of a cheerful young naked fat woman named 'Bridget in the Buff' sold across America.
- What is the key takeaway from Bridget in the Buff: The 1970s Nude Icon?
- Dawn Brooks, a woman who posed nude for 1970s merchandise, became an unexpected cultural icon.
Who Was Bridget?
In the early 1970s, a jigsaw puzzle of a cheerful young naked fat woman named 'Bridget in the Buff' sold across America.
“Bridget was everywhere. But who was she?”
Dawn Brooks Reveals Her Story
Dawn Brooks, the real Bridget, shared how she became a popular nude model for 1970s merchandise.
“How does it feel to be a gag gift, and now, an unlikely icon?”
The Bridget Merchandise Explosion

Bridget-themed products like calendars, playing cards, and cookbooks sold worldwide for a decade.
“Bridget was everywhere.”
Why Bridget Stood Out
Her cheerful, unapologetic style made her a unique and relatable figure in 1970s pop culture.
“How does it feel to be a gag gift, and an icon?”
The Legacy of Bridget
Dawn Brooks' story highlights how a simple 1970s puzzle became a lasting cultural phenomenon.
“Bridget was everywhere.”
The main idea
Dawn Brooks, a woman who posed nude for 1970s merchandise, became an unexpected cultural icon.




