The publishers of Barely Legal, like most other adult magazines during this era, recognized that depictions of young nude women were popular among their audience, but they also knew that many people found certain types of fetishes distasteful or uncomfortable. By avoiding these themes, Barely Legal was able to attract a wider readership while still featuring provocative content that would appeal to those interested in traditional erotica. Additionally, the lack of fetish material helped ensure that the magazine remained family friendly and avoided any potential legal issues stemming from obscenity laws. The absence of fetishes maintained the magazine's clear brand identity.
Fetishes are defined as an object, action, or person that is used to create sexual pleasure. Common fetishes include bondage, foot worship, and humiliation. While some readers enjoy such activities and may be willing to pay for them, others find them off-putting or disturbing. These readers might not want to see anything related to fetishes when perusing a sexy magazine. Barely Legal understood this and sought to cater to both groups by providing clean, straightforward eroticism without any fetish elements. This allowed it to stand out from other publications and maintain its reputation as a tasteful and high-quality source of adult entertainment.
Barely Legal was known for using real models who appeared on the pages of their publication. Many of these women had limited modeling experience and were simply young women with good bodies who had been photographed tastefully. This approach gave the magazine a more authentic feel than competitors who relied heavily on professional models and staged shoots. It also allowed readers to connect with the models on a more personal level, adding to the sense of intimacy that made the magazine so popular.
Barely Legal was published quarterly and contained around 120 pages of photos per issue. These ranged from solo shots to group scenes involving multiple participants in various stages of undress. The magazine focused on traditional sexual scenarios rather than overly explicit content or unconventional kinks. This helped it appeal to a wide range of people while still remaining true to its core brand identity. Additionally, the absence of fetish material ensured that the magazine remained family friendly and avoided any potential legal issues stemming from obscenity laws.