It took more than just a pretty face to become a Playboy Bunny back in the 1960s.
Before moving to his giant mansion in Hollywood, Hugh Hefner used his magazine's success to open the first Playboy Club in Chicago. Of course, pretty faces didn't hurt a potential Bunny's chances, but there was a lot going on behind each fluffy cottontailed waitress.
A former club worker who simply calls herself "Bunny Regina" shared scans from a Bunny manual she adhered to during her time at the Detroit club in 1968.
Take a look to see all of the rules they had to follow and even a few tips for making their lives a little easier while they hopped around the club.
Do you know anyone who spent time at one of the Playboy Clubs back in the day, either as a Bunny or a patron?
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1. Always Project The "Bunny Image"
Pristine costumes with matching shoes and Bunny accessories were of the utmost importance.
Failure to meet and maintain the standards of this Image can result in dismissal.
Bunnies are responsible for seeing to it that they are always properly costumed and groomed when on duty. It is up to the Bunny to make sure that a situation never occurs when she does not have a clean, well-fitting costume including matching ears and shoes, clean and fluffy cottontail, immaculate cuffs and collar, proper hose, regulation undergarments, Playboy cuff links, nameplate, and bow tie.
2. Never Date Clients Or Coworkers
The manual demands a clear separation between a Bunny's romantic and work lives.
Bunnies are not permitted to accept dates with Keyholders, guests, or any other persons visiting the Playboy Club. Any Bunny who arranges to meet or be met by a keyholder, guest, or employee of the Club (either on or off the Club premises) will be dismissed immediately.
If a Bunny is asked for a date by a patron, she should advise him, in as polite a manner as possible, that Bunnies are not permitted to date people they meet at the Club. She is also not permitted to give her last name, home address, or phone number.
3. Don't Go Crazy With Hair Trends
The manual makes sure to warn against any styles that get too complicated.
Be alert to new hair-styling trends but avoid extremes and tastelessly elaborate arrangements. Wigs and hair-pieces can be a Bunny’s best friend. The Bunny Mother will be happy to advise you on hair styling that will enhance your personality and appearance.
4. Make Time For Mother Bunny's Inspection
If Mother Bunny didn't approve, they weren't allowed on the floor.
Bunnies must allow enough time before going to their assigned rooms to report to the Bunny Mother for appearance inspection. The Bunnies’ hair, nails, shoes, makeup, and costume must be ‘Bunny-perfect’ and no Bunny is permitted to begin working unless appearance specifications are met.
5. Always Have Clean Hands And A Fresh Manicure
Anyone who's served tables knows how important clean hands are, but the Bunnies had a more specific reason than just trying to avoid spreading germs.
Special attention must be given to your hands and nails; make sure that they are always clean and well manicured. However, wash hands thoroughly after applying perfume, lotion, or hair spray. These preparations impart an odor that clings to glasses and produces undesirable flavor to cocktails.
6. Never Let A Customer See You Eat
Like a lot of service jobs, they were strictly prohibited against showing themselves consuming anything — even gum.
Bunnies are not permitted to chew gum or eat while on duty.
7. No Booze Allowed
The manual restricts Bunnies from getting tipsy on the job but also goes further to restrict when they can drink non-alcoholic beverages, too.
Bunnies are not permitted to drink alcoholic beverages in the Club at any time.
Bunnies are not permitted to drink soft drinks, lemonade, or even water in view of Keyholders and guests, but may drink these nonalcoholic beverages 'behind the scenes.'
8. Don't Overdo Makeup For Photo Shoots
Each Bunny received an 8×10 portrait print in their uniform.
Remember that the most flattering photographs are obtained when Bunnies use natural-looking, daytime makeup. Exaggerated eye makeup — which is normally effective in our dimly lit Club rooms — will produce a harsh, unbecoming look under photographic lighting.
9. Use Caution When Dancing With Patrons
The manual highlights a few of the more popular dance moves they were permitted to make in the swinging '60s.
At all clubs, except New York Club and Atlanta, Bunnies may dance with patrons at the feature dance party provided there is no close physical contact (twist, watusi, bugaloo, etc., are example of acceptable dances).
10. Know What You Can And Can't Deduct
The page lists a few "legitimate" deductions available to Bunnies when the taxman comes to collect:
Costume shoes, if not adaptable to general usage. Bunny hose. Wigs, if mandatory by Club, cost spread over useful life. Cosmetology, hair stylings and upkeep, cosmetics required as a bunny.
11. Never Stand Holding A Cigarette
The club had a strict rule for cigarettes:
One Table Bunny at a time may smoke at the service bar; Door Bunnies and Gift Shop Bunnies may smoke at their stations but…
In all cases when a Bunny is smoking while on duty, she is to 'take a puff' and set the cigarette in an ashtray. Bunnies are not to stand or sit holding a cigarette.
12. Don't Boss The Busboys
The club apparently wanted to promote unity between all levels of staff members.
They will be extremely helpful in the efficient service of your guests.
They'll do everything possible to assist you in your job… Provided you remember that Busboys work with you, not for you.
13. Make Your Pantyhose Last
According to the manual, the strange trick would make the hose last longer. They also offered Bunnies advice on dealing with achey feet from standing in (dyed to match) heels all day.
Hose should be rinsed in cold water and refrigerated before wearing for extra service.
To relieve tired feet, soak them in a solution of epsom salt and warm water for one half hour, then elevate feet. Massage your legs with an upward motion from ankles to thighs.
Try rolling your feet over an empty Coke bottle.
14. Keep In Check Off The Clock
That's right, the manual made sure to remind them of how to act even when not at work.
Although we do not in any way try to control your behavior away from the Club, you must always conduct yourself in a manner that can only bring credit to your job and the other Bunnies with whom you work.
Were you surprised by any of these sections from the Playboy Bunny Manual in 1968?
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