There’s something charming about vintage summer magazine and catalog covers from the 1930s to 1950s. With their bold graphics, stylish swimwear, and carefree scenes, they capture the essence of summer in a timeless way. Today, I’m sharing a collection of these nostalgic covers—perfect for a little sunny, retro escape.
Let the Summer fun begin!
Further Reading: June Vintage Magazine Covers, July Vintage Magazine Covers 1920s-1960s & August Vintage Magazine Covers
Source: Time.com
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 Summer Magazine & Catalogue Covers 1930s-1950s
Sign of Summer? Weddings! New Yorker magazine from June 21st 1930 featuring an illustration of a row of brides and grooms all eager to have that June wedding.
Source: cocosse.com
1958 Ebony Magazine “Summer Fun” swimsuit cover.
(Magazine avail for purchase at time of posting).
Source: Etsy-MidCenturyPrintAds
June 1954-HOLIDAY magazine featuring a fantastic poolside image of a woman in a 1950s bathing suit sunning herself. Image is a ‘Slim Aarons‘ Photo.
About Holiday Magazine: Holiday was an American travel magazine published from 1946 to 1977, whose circulation grew to more than one million subscribers at its height (Source).
The below August 1952 image from Esquire Magazine for Men had a similar feeling to the Holiday cover above, so I wanted to share them back to back (magazine avail for purchase at time of posting).
Source: Etsy-JMVarietyTreasures
July 19, 1937 LIFE Magazine cover “Summer Shower” (photo by Fenno Jacobs).
Source: Time.com
1948 Simpson’s Summer Catalogue featuring the most beautiful floral skirt on the cover, paired with a pretty peasant style blouse (catalog avail at time of posting here). What a perfect summer outfit!
Source: Etsy-adelinesattic
August 6th, 1949 New Yorker Magazine cover showing nice older ladies about to enter a Summer seacoast antique shop.
Source: rare-posters.com
If you’re a fan of vintage sewing, you’ll love the Butterick 1935 Summer Fashion Magazine & Sewing Catalog! The pages are filled with drool-worthy 1930s summer fashions—just like the striking cover image featuring a woman riding a bicycle in wide-leg trousers and a sailor-style top.
Purchase the digital download of the magazine (and it’s vintage sewing patterns) HERE.
Source: Etsy-vintage4me2
June 1951 Harper’s Bazaar featuring stories on ‘Summer Travel & Summer Fashions’. Novelty striped shirt & shorts on the cover (magazine avail for purchase at time of posting).
Source: Etsy-SeamsLikeYesteryear
“Sailing Time”. August 5, 1940 LIFE Magazine cover “U.S. Vacations” (photo by George Karger).
Source: Time.com
June 1943-Better Homes & Gardens Magazine.
There’s nothing better than relaxing on a patio or balcony with a good book or magazine, surrounded by blooming flowers. It’s one of my favourite summer pastimes.
Further Reading: Better Homes & Garden Vintage Magazine Covers 1920s to 1960s & 1950s / 1960s Outdoor Patio Furniture Ideas
“Sears Summer Sale-page after page of price cuts…special buys…newest summer items”. 1958 Sears Catalogue featuring an illustration of a 1950s family having a bbq in their backyard (catalog avail for purchase at time of posting).
Further Reading: Barbecuing in the 1950s
Source: Etsy-Craftyseller
“Summer Living” Vogue June 1st, 1947 magazine cover featuring a woman laying down and enjoying the sun. (magazine avail for purchase here).
Source: Etsy-AuntieLousJoy
I hope the magazine and catalog covers above have put you in a sunny mood and inspired you to enjoy all the joys of summer! What’s your favourite summer activity? Share it in the comments below—I love hearing from my readers!
Further Reading:
- Vintage Summer Blog Posts (archived)
- Vintage Magazine & Catalogs (archived)
Thanks for dropping by!
Liz
