Vintage Barbie 1959 - 1960

Vintage Barbie 1959 - 1960 was the beginning.  Barbie was first introduced in 1959 in her now famous black and white swimsuit.  The first Barbie had a ponytail and came with a stand, sunglasses and black open toe shoes.  She was available as a blonde or a brunette.  In her debut year, the "teen fashion model" had twenty-two ensembles. Some outfits were casual, but most were glamorous and well accessorized.  The three outfits that were discontinued after 1959 are some of the most valuable and highly sought after by collectors, because they were made in smaller numbers and are now considered rare.  In 1960, six new outfits were added to the nineteen that were carried over from 1959.  We hope the Vintage Barbie 1959 - 1960 details listed here will help you visualize how Barbie became the most successful toy of all time.

Vintage Barbie 1959 - 1960 Dolls & Fashions

During the first year of production, approximately 350,000 Barbie dolls were sold.  The first Barbies represented the time well with the perfect clothes and accessories.  Take a look here at the  dolls and fashion that got it all started.

1959 Vintage Barbie

1959 Vintage Ponytail Barbie Doll in Zebra Swimsuit

#1 Ponytail - very scarce and perhaps the most treasured by collectors, the #1 Ponytail Barbie was either blonde or brunette and had curly bangs and a below shoulder length ponytail with a hard curl on the end. She had white irises, blonde or brown eyebrows and red lips. #1 Barbie had holes in the bottom of her feet that fit onto her display stand. The first open toe shoes for Barbie had holes in the bottom to accommodate her stand.

Also released in 1959, the #2 Ponytail Barbie was identical to the #1, except she had solid feet and a wire stand.

From 1959 to 1961 Barbie came wearing a Black and White Zebra Stripe Swimsuit.

#1 Ponytail Barbie

1959 Ensembles

Here is a list of 1959 Ensembles with thumbnail pictures).  Click on link to see individual ensemble details.

1960 Vintage Barbie

Vintage Barbie Silken FlameSilken Flame #977 (1960-1961)


The #3 Ponytail Barbie, sold in 1960 also came in blonde and brunette. Her irises were now blue. Had either blue or brown eyeliner - it was the only time for both, but the blue is rarer. Some came with a braided ponytail. 

The #4 Ponytail was also released in 1960. This was the new "tan" body color that didn't fade to ivory as did the earlier dolls.
Vintage Barbie Plantation Belle #966 (1959-1961)Plantation Belle #966
(1959-1961)

1960 Ensembles

Here is a list of 1960 Ensembles with thumbnail pictures).  Click on link to see individual ensemble details.  

You might also like: