The image above shows a uniquely shaped fixture in a women’s restroom. It looks like a urinal, but it is mounted lower to the floor than a standard men’s urinal. This fixture is a women’s urinal, also known as a Sanistand. It was designed to allow women to urinate while standing or squatting, without having to sit on a toilet seat.
Why Is It Shaped This Way?
The design is intentional. The bowl extends forward, creating a trough-like shape. This shape allows a woman to straddle the fixture or squat over it without touching the bowl. The goal was to provide a hygienic option that avoided direct contact with a toilet seat.
A Piece of History
These fixtures were most common in the mid-20th century. They were installed in some public restrooms, particularly in venues like drive-in theaters and national parks. They were originally designed for women wearing skirts or dresses, who could simply straddle the fixture.
However, these urinals never became widely popular. Many women found them difficult or uncomfortable to use, especially those wearing pants. The U.S. Army reportedly commissioned them in the 1970s but removed them after female recruits expressed strong dislike for them. As a result, they have largely disappeared from modern restrooms.
The Bottom Line
The fixture in the image is a vintage women’s urinal. It is a rare piece of bathroom history that reflects a different era’s approach to public hygiene. While it is no longer common, it is an interesting example of how design and social norms evolve.
Have you ever seen a fixture like this before? Share your experience in the comments below.
