Everyone needs a towel, including my mom who was just in town visiting and I went to grab her a towel for a shower and…no towels. WHAT?! How is this possible? No clue, but how embarrassing that I had to use a pool towel for my mom? Oh Liz. Ha!

This dilemma inspired me to explore the world of vintage towel advertising from the 1920s to the 1950s. Towels are an everyday essential—whether it’s hand towels, beach towels, or shower towels, we all use them. So, let’s dive into the these ads!

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay, are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase

Vintage Towel Advertising 1920s-1950s

“Color Magic-with Cannon!” “$0.39 to $2.95” for the towels. 1950s advertisement.

Disclaimer: There is going to be quite a few Cannon towel ads in this post.

Source: Etsy-AmericaCenturyShop

1924 ‘Martex Turkish towels, bath mats & wash cloths.

Source: Etsy-AmericaCenturyShop

1939 Smart hand loomed finger towels. Handwoven by girls who earn while they learn. Berea College Student Industries Berea, Kentucky.

Source: Pinterest

“New quick luxury drying at popular prices”. “Cone Towels with the super-spongy texture and bath-beauty colors”. 1951 advertisement.

Love the cute towel fishes in the ad.

Source: Etsy-AmericaCenturyShop

1932 Cannon Towel ad. “Good news-for the friends of the bride-to-be….This Spring’s Cannon Towels are sweet and low!”

Further Reading: The Wedding Gift that keeps on giving-Vintage ads for the future bride

Source: Etsy-AmericanCenturyShop

1940 Cannon Towels ad. The 1940s fashions and the colours and designs for these towels are fantastic.

Source: Etsy-PlentifulPages

Dundee Beach Towels, 1950.

“Dreamhouse Perspectives. Exactly as you pictured it!”. Here is another fun 1950s Dundee towel ad, this time for your home.

Source: Etsy-PlentifulPages

Helping the war effort is hard & grimy work and women factory workers need a towel that can make them feel wonderful after. Thanks Cannon! 1940s advertisement.

Further Reading: World War 2 Women’s Contributions & Homefront Posts

Source: Pinterest

1926 Martex Towels “helps you not get a cold”, at least according to this ad.

Source: Etsy-RelicEclectic

1930s vintage ad for bathroom towels from Cannon. I love the towels featured in this ad.

Source: Etsy-AmericanCenturyShop

1952 Christmas ad for Cannon Towels. “Merry Christmas with Cannon Gifts Sets”. How fun are the sets? So 1950s kitschy.

Source: Etsy-PlentifulPages

“For smart & useful gifts, bath towel sets by Martex”.

I like the patterns for these bath towels in this 1931 ad.

Source: eBay

“Where does all the wet go, Mum?”. 1945 Ausmill towel ad. “The Guaranteed Towel”.

Source: Archive.org

Question: Was Cannon Towels the only brand doing advertising during the time periods in this post? I found it kind of odd that it was so hard to find other brands to share. Any insights welcome! Comment below.

Further Reading (archived):

• Vintage Advertising 1920s-1960s
• Vintage Home Inspiration (archived collection of blog posts)

Thanks for dropping by!

Liz