In the early 20th century, bath towels were often simple and practical, made from cotton or linen. However, as the decades progressed, the color options became more vivid and the designs varied.
The 1950s, for example, saw the introduction of colorful prints and embroidered details that added a pop of personality to any bathroom. Brands began to experiment with different fabrics and weaving techniques, resulting in towels that were not only beautiful but also luxuriously soft and absorbent.
By the 1960s and 70s, the influence of popular culture and fashion trends was clearly visible in the design of bath towels. Psychedelic patterns, bold florals, and geometric designs were all the rage, reflecting the groovy vibe of the era.
We’ve put together a collection of vintage ads that showcase these wonderful towels in all their glory. From classic 1930s designs to the bold styles of the 70s, these advertisements offer a glimpse into the past and highlight everything we remember about those towels our grandmothers stocked.
Martex bath towels from 1936
Classic Harvest fall bath towels from Martex (1937)
If the summer has convinced you that ordinary bath towels do not pay — especially where there are growing children — see that your new fall bath towels are Martex…
Vintage bath towels from Dundee (1941)
Eminent American designer (Joseph B Platt) interprets modern decorative themes in a brilliant collection of Dundee towels. For these are towels artfully keyed to the decorative themes of American homes — in the charming simplicity of their patterns, the clear, fresh glow of their colors.
Monogrammed towel from 1949
Classic floral bath towels by Martex from 1950
Cannon Carefree Colors bath towels from 1954
He-man Cannon towels for every day (1958)
Little shavers need towels with boy-tough sturdiness. Stripe can take all the rugged wear (and grime) a boy can give it. Keep tossing it in the washer and it comes out bright as ever.
Treat the man in your life to his kind of towel: It’s over two feet wide by four feet long, laps up water, dries quickly. Quality towels like the one above cost less because they wear longer. With exclusive Beauti-Fluff finish.
ALSO SEE: Fitted sheets were a fab 50s fad that never faded
Fashion towels by Cannon (1956)
Vintage Cannon Gold Label bath towels from 1950s
They are the work of some of the country’s greatest textile craftsmen. There at the big humming Cannon looms, working with the finest American cotton, these skilled men have achieved in towels the nearly perfect combination of high absorbency, glorious color, thick-as-cream texture, staunch endurance. To these men, Cannon Gold Label towels arc “price-less.” We believe you’ll think so, too — though the cost is $3.50 or less. just compare them with other towels …
… in texture. Cannon’s finest towels have a lavish, almost unbelievable softness because there are actually more of those long, soft loops per inch — all with the exclusive Cannon Beauti-Fluff finish. And this wondrous texture also makes the towels so thirsty they drink five times their weight in water!
- INCLUDES: Set includes 2 Hand towels measuring 16 x 28 inches.
- Intellifresh built in odor protection to keep towels fresh for up to 40 washes.
- QUALITY FABRIC: Cannon Low Twist towels and washcloths are made with the finest, Grade A 100% cotton for unmatched softness and silky feel.
… in design. Smart, imaginative designs that fit into your favorite decorating scheme, traditional or modern. Designs all the more distinctive because of the extra-deep texture into which they’re woven.
… in color. The whole prism of fabulous Cannon colors. See them at their purest and richest in Cannon luxury towels. Beautiful, Mendable pastels. Dramatic. vibrant tones. Mix and match to your heart’s content!
… in longer life. By actual test, Cannon luxury towels wear up to twice as long as less expensive towels. That’s because of a finer. tighter, stronger weave that sails through years of wear and washing.
Insist on the Cannon Gold Label when you want the very finest. Complete decorator ensembles — bath towels. face towels, wash cloths. bath mats, finger-tip guest towels—see them soon at your favorite store!
Vibrant classic bath towels from 1952
Old-fashioned monogrammed bath towels (1956)
Using bath towels as curtains (1956)
Cannon’s most popular bath towels from 1958
Vintage bath towels from Callaway (1957)
Vintage glittery bath towels from Cannon (1956)
Cannon Beauti-Fluff bath towels from 1958
Callaway Shadowtones bath towels from 1959
- ✔ 6 Piece Turkish Towel Set includes 2 Bath Towels (27 inch x 54 inch), 2 Hand Towels (16 inch x 28 inch), and 2 Washcloths (13 inch x 13 inch).
- ✔ This 100% Cotton Luxury Bathroom Towel Set is Ideal for Families and Guests or to Give your Bathroom a Refresh with Different Color Options.
- ✔ Our Turkish Towel Set Feel Luxuriously Soft and Thick with 600 GSM Weight, but are Light Enough to Wrap up and Relax for Hours After Shower. These Premium Towels for Bathroom Complies with Amazon...
Classy blue bath towels from Cannon (1964)
Bath towels from the Cannon Royal Family of towels (1961)
Old-fashioned bath towels with illustrations from 1962
Old-fashioned Asian-inspired bath towels from Cone (1962)
- SET INCLUDES: (2) Bath towels, (2) Hand towels, (2) Washcloths.
- DIMENSIONS: Bath towel- 27"x54", Hand towel- 16"x28", Washcloth- 13"x13"
- FEATURES: Ultra plush, soft and absorbent, this plush towel set gets softer with each wash. Made using the highest quality soft to the touch cotton. Oeko-Tex certified, the definitive mark of...
Classic 60s bath towels with floral designs
Vintage bath towels from a 1960s linen closet
Flower and striped patterned towels (1962)
MORE: These 12 fuzzy toilet covers from the 70s were super retro bathroom decor
Martex beach towels from 1963
Bronze and golden bath towels from 1964
Dundee Persian Rose bath towels (1965)
Vintage various bath towels from ’65
Retro Cone Wondasoft bath towel from 1965
Highland towels from 1966
Vintage green Vanity Rose bath towels (1966)
Martex Rose towels from 1966
Rosette design towels by Dundee (1966)
Retro Martex bath towels from 1966
Cannon Monticello vibrant 60s bath towels
Hidden Treasure. A towel-ful of dazzling diamonds to transform your bathroom into a beauty room… Available in three color combinations to mix or match with our solid color towels. Put them together and make your room sing.
- Each set contains four (4) 100% pure cotton bath towels 27 inch x 54 inch
- 100% Pure cotton for softness, absorbency & durability - Luxurious hotel & spa quality bath towels
- Complimented set for daily use, hotel & spa, quick drying & multipurpose usage
Cannon brand flower textured towels (1968)
Vintage patterned bath towels (1968)
Blue and green Cannon bath towels from 1969
ALSO SEE: Vintage colored paper towels: See 60+ old-fashioned patterns, colors & kitchen towel styles
Bath towels by Stevens-Utica from 1969
Retro bath towels for a 60s bathroom (1969)
Fancy classic bath towels from Wamsutta
Blue-green floral designs in bath towels and bedsheets (1970)
Colorful embossed bath towels from 1971
Macy’s flower pattern towels (1971)
Colored and patterned towels (1971)
Cannon Royal Family towels (1972)
Retro Sears bath towels & matching sheets (1971)
Carefree South Seas print by Springmaid for your private world…
Retro floral bath towels from Utica / J.P Stevens (1973)
Groovy floral bath towels (1973)
Sears Superplush Towels (1976)
Retro bath towels from 1978
Vintage verdant green bath towels from Sears (1978)
DON’T MISS: Retro 1970s sheet sets with bright & bold colors and bonus flower power
