In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Playboy published "The Playmate of the Month" feature that became known for its explicit nudity, provocative poses, and celebrity interviews. However, it also featured literary works such as short stories, personal essays, and poems, alongside cultural and political commentary. These diverse topics were presented within one publication, which reflected a new trend in publishing at the time. This trend was popularized by magazines like Mayfair, which balanced serious erotica with humor, making them more approachable and enjoyable to read.
Mayfair sometimes included lighthearted or playful editorial content and cartoons, balancing serious erotica with humor. This approach made the magazine more approachable and enjoyable. Humor softened adult content, enhancing reader connection. For example, in the 1970s issue of Mayfair Magazine, there was an illustrated story about a couple having sex while dressed up as clowns. It ended with the line "And so they did the dance of the happy couple." The accompanying illustration showed the two clowns grinning from ear to ear after their sexual encounter. Another humorous piece in the same issue was a series of cartoons depicting people's reactions to seeing someone reading Mayfair magazine in public. One person is sitting next to another on a train and asks, "What are you reading?" The other replies, "Oh, just some smut." The first responds, "Well, I guess that explains why your face looks like a tomato." These examples show how Mayfair used humor to break down barriers and make its readers laugh, while still presenting them with high-quality erotic material. Humor also helped create a sense of community among readers who shared similar interests. They could connect over the jokes and share their own experiences with Mayfair, creating a bond of intimacy beyond the pages of the magazine. By blending serious erotica with humor, Mayfair created a magazine that was both entertaining and relatable, making it one of the most popular publications of its time.