How the 1976 Farrah Fawcett Red Swimsuit Poster Compares to Today’s Reprint

---

Few images in pop culture history are as instantly recognizable as Farrah Fawcett’s red swimsuit poster from 1976. With more than 12 million copies sold, it became the best-selling poster of all time and helped cement Farrah as one of the most iconic faces of the 1970s. Nearly fifty years later, the Farrah Fawcett Foundation has brought the image back into circulation through a modern reprint, giving new fans a chance to enjoy the classic while supporting causes Farrah cared about.

One of the most noticeable differences between the original poster and the version available today is the size. The poster that millions of people purchased in the 1970s was typically printed at 20″ × 28″, which was a common format for posters of that era. Some larger, less common editions existed at around 75 cm × 108 cm, but the version most people remember was the smaller 20×28 size. The foundation-licensed reprint available today is larger, printed at 24″ × 36″—a modern standard that fits contemporary frames and display preferences.

Production quality is another area where the two versions differ. The original poster, printed by Pro-Arts, Inc., used the color and paper technology of the mid-1970s. Surviving originals can look slightly different from one another depending on age, exposure to light, and the variability of printing at the time. The new reprint benefits from digital restoration and modern printing, so the colors tend to appear richer, the details sharper, and the overall finish more consistent.

There are also differences in branding. The original posters carried the Pro-Arts imprint, which helps authenticate vintage copies today. The reprint is officially licensed by the Farrah Fawcett Foundation, and some versions include updated copyright or foundation markings. This newer edition doesn’t just celebrate an iconic piece of pop culture—it also supports Farrah’s legacy through the foundation’s work in cancer research and patient support.

While original posters from 1976 have become highly collectible and often pricey, the modern reprint offers an accessible way to enjoy the classic image. It captures the same sun-washed, effortless beauty that made the original famous, while giving fans a durable, larger, and more polished version to display.
​
Whether you’re drawn to nostalgia, design, or Farrah’s lasting impact on pop culture, both versions of the poster tell part of the story. One reflects the carefree spirit of the 1970s, and the other helps preserve that spirit for new generations—while doing some good along the way.

Purchase