What Ken Dolls Looked Like the Decade You Were Born
When it comes to reminiscing about his looks through the ages, we can never get Kenough.
If you were to ask me how old I thought Ken was, I'd never guess that he's in his '60s. His youthful good looks have endured through the ages. But, this year, Ken is celebrating a landmark birthday, turning 65—a milestone he plans on celebrating in "Ken-sational" style. This year is all about Ken! (Sorry, Barbie.)
But what's left for him to accomplish? Throughout his 65 years, he's been an airline captain, sailor, skater, cowboy, lifeguard, rock star, and many other professions—and worn the appropriate outfit for each endeavor. Here, we take a look back at Ken through the ages, from his debut as a beachgoer with fuzzy, flocked hair to the globe-trotting dynamo he is today. And while he's been through a lot of changes, one thing remains the same: He's always in style, and never Just Ken.
1961
Ken made his head-turning debut in March of 1961. Right away, his job was beach, as he came with red swim shorts, red sandals, and a towel.
1970s
In addition to a new look, in the '70s Ken also gained some new friends, like Curtis. Curtis was introduced as part of the "free moving" line of dolls, which had a greater range of motion in their waist and limbs, so he could play golf or tennis with Ken.
1970s
Of course, Ken's always on-trend, as the fringe vest, paisley shirt, and bellbottom pants if Live Action Ken can attest.
1980s
In the '80s, Ken gets more diverse: The first Black Ken debuted in 1982, and Hispanic Ken followed shortly after in 1984.
1990s
Here, Ken enters his bold era, with colorful fashions and big hairstyles. In 1991, Rollerblade Ken had skates that flickered and flashed, and a year later Totally Hair Ken came with a head of rooted hair.
1990s
This decade, Ken also tried out some new careers, adding titles like "doctor" to his resume.
2000s
No Y2K blues for this guy—no matter the decade, he's ready for the spotlight. Part of the Fashionistas line, this Ken has nine points of articulation, so he can strike a pose for the camera.
2010s
Last decade, Mattel debuted two new body types for Ken—and new hairstyles, too, including the man bun!
2020s
Now, there are more versions of Ken than ever before: He comes in three body types, nine skin tones, 10 eye colors, 27 hair colors, and 20 different hairstyles.
2025
Last year saw the launch of the Kenbassadors Collection, which celebrates those who, like Ken, are global icons, like basketball legend LeBron James.
What's Next for Ken?
Who knows what's in store for his 65th year? Ken is determined to celebrate his birthday with gusto. He's teamed up with Expedia to try 65 new things, trading his Maibu home for a boarding pass and hitting the road for a series of "Ken-ventures."
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