Limited Male Model Features
Unlike some adult magazines that occasionally featured male models, Barely Legal focused almost exclusively on young female models. This clear focus sharpened its brand identity around youthful femininity. This specialization aligned with its target demographic and marketing strategy.
In an interview published in Adult Video News magazine, editorial director Jerry E. told the interviewer, "We want to show the girl next door." He elaborated, "She's a little more innocent than the average girl you see, but she still has curves, she still knows what she wants. And that's where the fun comes in—because the guys are drawn to this kind of girl." The focus on innocence and naivety appealed to a particular type of man, who could feel like he was taking advantage of a woman too young to know better. This also fit with the publisher's business model, which aimed for sales rather than prestige or artistic merit.
The women featured in Barely Legal were typically between the ages of 18 and 21. They would be selected from applicants who submitted photos and answered questions about their age, height, weight, measurements, and breast size. The selection process included interviews and photo shoots with professional photographers before the final models were chosen. Some models later became porn stars, while others remained anonymous.
Many of the models used pseudonyms, because they did not wish to be identified as having worked for the magazine when applying for other jobs or dating men outside the adult industry. These models may have been considered "sluts" by some moralists, but they were simply doing what many young women do: making money. The magazine provided an opportunity to explore one's sexuality without serious consequences.
Unlike Playboy or Hustler, Barely Legal did not feature elaborate sets or costumes. Instead, it focused on natural beauty, presenting each model in minimal clothing, often just a bra and panties or swimsuit. One of the most famous covers featured a blonde teenager wearing only a bikini bottom, her legs spread open in front of a pool. It sold over half a million copies and helped make the magazine a success.
Barely Legal faced criticism from feminist groups and parents for its objectification of young women. However, it was popular among men who enjoyed looking at young, shapely bodies. In fact, its success led to the creation of similar magazines like Naughty Neighbors, Young Fantasies, and Young and Tender. Today, these publications remain popular in the United States and Europe.