Step back in time to the golden age of glitz and glamour with mid-century vintage Las Vegas memorabilia. From dazzling casino matchbooks and neon cocktail stirrers to iconic hotel postcards and souvenir ashtrays, these treasures tell the story of a bygone era when the Strip was a playground for the stars.

Whether you’re a vintage enthusiast, a collector, or simply nostalgic for the charm of classic Vegas, exploring these artifacts is like hitting the jackpot of history and style. Let’s dive into the world of mid-century Vegas and uncover the magic hidden in its memorabilia.

1950s vintage las vegas postcard dunes hotel

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.

Mid-Century Vintage Las Vegas Memorabilia

Vintage Las Vegas souvenir felt pennants from the mid 1960’s featuring Fremont St. casino’s.

Vintage Las Vegas souvenir felt pennants from the mid 1960’s featuring Freemont St Casino's.

Source: Etsy-UnVaultedVintage

Mid-Century 1960s ashtray from The Mint Casino.

Details: This is a clear glass souvenir ashtray from The Mint Casino in Las Vegas Nevada. The ashtray features a pink and black logo from the 1960’s, prior to the 26-story hotel skyscraper addition to the Mint, completed in 1965. In 1988, The Mint was sold and became part of Binion’s Horseshoe.

Due to its iconic Mid Century shape, The Mint is seen in several movies and videos including: 1964 – Viva Las Vegas and 1971 James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever (Source).

Fun Vintage Las Vegas History-A Mid-Century 1960s ashtray from The Mint Casino in Las Vegas.

Source: Etsy-TrinketsMysteryDepot

The Mint … opened in Las Vegas in 1957. What a beauty of a hotel exterior!

Vintage photo of The Mint hotel in Las Vegas that opened in 1957. Fantastic Mid-Century Architecture on the exterior. Fun vintage Las Vegas photo.

1960s Stardust Hotel and Casino vintage matchbook. Love the Mid Century stars illustrations.

Further Reading: Vintage Matchbook Advertising

Vintage Las Vegas 1960s Stardust Hotel and Casino vintage matchbook

Source: Etsy-QuickChickDesigns

1960s vintage restaurant menu for “Cafe La Parisienne” at the Dunes Hotel and Casino.

Dishes included: Roast Prime Rib for $6.50; Boiled Filet Mignon for $7.50. From my quick research these meals were in or around $70 (if my source was correct).

Further Reading: V intage Menus: 1920’s-1960’s

1960s vintage restaurant menu for "Cafe La Parisienne" at the Dunes Hotel and Casino. The cover illustration features a showgirl

1960s Vintage Restaurant Menu from the Dunes Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Fun Vintage Las Vegas memorabilia

Source: Etsy-Pianonewby

SANDS Las Vegas Times -Dedication Issue December 1965 Las Vegas. 28-page dedication program features stars, guests, pages of color drawings of multiple rooms in the hotel and more.

Vintage Las Vegas-SANDS Las Vegas Times -Dedication Issue December 1965 Las Vegas. 28-page dedication program features stars, guests, pages of color drawings of multiple rooms in the hotel and more.

Source: Etsy-DCshop

1960s Tiki Mug from Aku Aku, a Polynesian restaurant inside the Stardust Hotel.

Source: Etsy-SanDiegoVintage

Read all about the history of the Aku Aku Polynesian Restaurant HERE (fantastic photos).

1960s Vintage Advertising for Aku Aku a Polynesian restaurant inside the Stardust Hotel in Las Vegas.

The photo below is from 1966 and you can see the amazing sign for the Aku Aku Polynesian restaurant in the background behind the marque that mentions a lineup featuring, The Collins Kids (seen them live), Montecillo Sisters (Filipino girl group), Coquettes and The Corondaos. FUN!

Vintage Las Vegas-1966 and you can see the amazing sign for the Aku Aku Polynesian restaurant in the background behind the marque that mentions a lineup featuring, The Collins Kids (seen them live), Montecillo Sisters (Filipino girl group), Coquettes and The Corondaos.

Source: Thehubagirls.blogspot.com

1960s View-Master for United States Travel featuring 21 picture reels of the Fabulous Las Vegas Strip.

Vintage Las Vegas-1960s View-Master United States Travel featuring 21 Picture Reels of Fabulous Las Vegas Strip.

Source: Etsy-SimplyUniqueByRob

1950s-60s nylon souvenir scarf from Las Vegas. Fun illustrations of the hotels.

Vintage Las Vegas-1950s-60s Nylon souvenir scarf from Las Vegas featuring gambling illustrations and various hotels you can stay at.

Source: Etsy-fifisfinds

Mid Century swizzle stir sticks from Las Vegas casino/resorts. Featured below, Caesars Palace, Harrah’s, Aladdin and Frontier.

Further Reading: The Kitschy Fun of Swizzle Sticks

Vintage Las Vegas- vintage plastic swizzle stir sticks from Las Vegas casino/resorts. Includes Caesars Palace, Harrah's, Aladdin and Frontier

Source: Etsy-ZenkatVintage

Vintage Las Vegas Postcard from the early 1950s for the Wilbur Clark’s Desert Inn. I absolutely LOVE the lobbies early 1950s interior design. The pink and greens work so well together!

Fun Facts about the Desert Inn:

Opened April 24th, 1950 and was the fifth resort to open on the Strip.
The casino was one of the largest in the state at that time at 2,400 sq. ft. and it was the first resort with fountains – the famous “Dancing Waters” show involving the water jets choreographed to music.
The Painted Desert showroom, with 450 seats, made the Desert Inn infamous with Las Vegas entertainment, and was where Frank Sinatra made his Las Vegas debut in 1951.
The nursery was designed as a oversized dolls house for parents to drop off their children to stay with trained nurses (Source).

Vintage Las Vegas Postcard from the early 1950s for the Wilbur Clark's Desert Inn Las Vegas, Nevada featuring a fun pink and green 1950s lobby design. Early Mid Century Interior Design.

Further Reading: Vintage Postcards

Source: eBay

I will end this post with this really fun 1970’s “Weekend in Las Vegas” board game by Research Games. The game has a copyright date of 1974, model #711 and is rated for up to 6 adult players. Included in the game box are the following: playing board (3 sections), roulette wheel, 5 horses (1 blue one is missing), deck of playing cards, 6 player tokens, business cards, lottery purchase tickets, lottery winning tickets, plastic chips, 3 dice, odds cards, slot machine spinner, cashier checks and the instructions. HOW FUN!

1970's "Weekend in Las Vegas" board game by Research Games. The game has a copyright date of 1974, model #711 and is rated for up to 6 adult players. Included in the game box are the following: playing board (3 sections), roulette wheel, 5 horses (1 blue one is missing), deck of playing cards, 6 player tokens, business cards, lottery purchase tickets, lottery winning tickets, plastic chips, 3 dice, odds cards, slot machine spinner, cashier checks and the instructions.

Source: Etsy-rust2retro

Further Reading: Vintage Las Vegas archived blog posts

I’m off to Las Vegas for what feels like the millionth time, and I couldn’t be more excited! If you’re a fan of the city that never sleeps, I’d love to hear from you—share your favorite memory, hotel, or must-have collectible in the comments below!.

Thanks for dropping by friends!

Liz

From the age of 4 through my early 20s, I was an avid downhill skier, fortunate enough to travel to some incredible destinations to race down the slopes. Skiing was a beloved family activity, and it became a core part of our time together.

These days, my knees no longer allow me to hit the slopes, but my love for the sport endures—especially when it comes to the fashion.

Today’s post is a tribute to “Vintage Ski Fashions 1920s-1950s,” as captured in vintage photos, sewing patterns, and catalogs.

Let’s hit the slopes!

1950s Vintage Photo: 1951 Lalo Family on Skis in Snow Madison Wisconsin. 1950s Vintage Ski Fashion

1951 Lalo Family on Skis in Snow Madison Wisconsin. Source: Etsy – Maclancy

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 Ski Clothes 1920s-50s: A Look Through Photos, Patterns, and Catalogs

Further Reading: Read about the history of Skiing here

1920’s

By the 1920s women’s skiwear had adapted and evolved beyond the skirt. The first Winter Olympics in 1924 popularized specialized skiwear, and garments were designed with functionality in mind. Women could now don trousers, although off the slopes it would still be outrageous to do so. During the 20s, any respectable man would rarely be seen without the classic flat cap, a look which reached the mountains. Zipper technology was also introduced, allowing for more layering and making it easier to put on and off. (Source).

1920s fashion catalog from France featuring a fantastic illustration of men and women’s ski clothes. Tailored jackets, berets and that flat cap mentioned above.

1920s vintage catalog page for 1920s ski fashions for men and women. Fantastic European 1920s fashion.

Source: alittlebitofrest.com

1920 ski wear-Stripes!

1920s vintage photo of a man in 1920s ski wear / 1920s ski fashions posing for a photo on his skis

Source: eBay.com

In the 1920s, skirts gave way to trousers and plenty of layers (love the sweaters / coats in the next two photos!).

1924-Women smiling and having a great time on the slopes.

1920s vintage photo from 1924 of women in 1920s ski fashions skiing down the hill. — (Original Caption) L to R: Miss Muriel Stewart, Miss Effie Hancock and Miss Nan Freeland. (Photo by © Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)

1926

Source: cntraveler.com

1920s advertisement for Northland Skis.

1920s Vintage Advertisement for Northland Skis featuring an illustration of a woman in 1920s ski fashion / ski clothes holding skis

Canadian skiers were allowed to participate for the first time at the Olympic Winter Games of 1928. It was a joint decision of the Canadian Amateur Ski Association (CASA) and the Canadian Olympic Games Committee. The spectacular ski jumping and the challenging downhill sections of the cross country races were among the main attractions (Source).

1920s Vintage Photo of Canadian Winter Olympic Ski Team (men) in 1928 posing in their winter ski fashions.

Source: Skimuseum.ca

1930’s

During the 1930s manufacturers were in the full swing of making clothes that were comfortable and practical. Women sported Norweigian trousers, pants that were baggier at the top and then cinched tightly at the ankles. These were often paired with a tailored jacket, inspired by the uniform worn by pilots. The invention of the first goose down jacket in 1936 (by Eddie Bauer) marked the end of skiwear made out of lambswool (Source). The production of synthetic materials for better waterproofing and warmth was also being advanced (Source).

Source: Etsy-ChicEtChoc

1934 / 1935 Womens Fashion for Fall and Winter – Eatons catalogue 1930’s skirts and skiing outfits for Women.

Further Reading: Fashion Highlights of an Eatons Catalogue-Fall & Winter 1934-35

1934 1935 Womens Fashion for Fall and Winter - Seen in a Eatons Catalogue. 1930's Women's Skirts and Skiing outfits

1930s vintage photo of a men’s ski team in their matching sweaters, ski pants and skis.

Source: Mountaineers.org

1936-Men’s ski wear fashion illustration.

Paris 1936-1930s vintage fashion illustration of two men in 1930s ski wear / 1930s ski fashions

Source: ursusbooks.com

1930s ski clothes sewing pattern illustration.

Source: 1000museums.com

1936, At St. Moritz, these smiling skiers don smart sweaters and traditional Tyrolean hats.

Further Reading: Oktoberfest Is Here Again-Vintage German Hat Pins

1930s vintage Photo/ 1930s Ski Fashion Inspiration: 1936 3 women in 1930s hairstyles post At St. Moritz, these smiling skiers don smart sweaters and traditional Tyrolean hats.

Source: cntraveler.com

Ski Fashions that don’t need Skis – 1938-39, Montgomery Ward. Love the plaid ski jacket.

Ski fashions that don't need skis. Stylish 1930s advertisement for women's ski wear.

1937 vintage advertisement for “Ski-O-Twill”. Salute to “Lastex” for Ski-O-Twill special ski fabric that stretches… for fit, comfort and freedom.

The invention of Lastex revolutionized the knit swimsuit, but here it is in a ski suit. Did it catch on after wool became out of style for ski clothes?

1930s fashion / 1930s Ski Fashion / 1930s vintage advertisment for Ski-O-Twill". Salute to “Lastex” for Ski-O-Twill special ski fabric that stretches… for fit, comfort and freedom. The photo features a 1930s woman in a 1930s ski jacket and 1930s ski pants

Source: The Vintage Traveler

1940’s

By the 1940s, developments in ski lift technology called for a more streamlined look. Now that you could ski downhill at greater heights, it was essential that clothing became more aerodynamic. Pants became more streamlined showing the natural curve of the body and outfits began to show more colour, allowing one to put their own personal flair into their look. (Source).

Source: collectorsprints.com

1940 Kotex Sanitary Napkin advertisement featuring a “Green Girl” who can do anything including winter sports.

1940s vintage advertisement for Kotex featuring a early 1940s women downhill skiing and living life. Fantastic early 1940s vintage hairstyle and 1940s winter fashions for sportswear.

Source: Etsy-PlentifulPages

1940’s photo of a young woman in a ski suit with a collar posing with her ski’s.

1940s vintage image of a woman skier. Super woman ski fashion inspiration!

Source: Etsy-EphemeraObscura

“It happened in Sun Valley…” 1940s travel poster featuring a woman downhill racer.

Further Reading: Let’s Travel to Winter in Sun Valley, Idaho in the 1940s

Vintage 1940s Travel Poster for Sun Valley, Idaho featuring a woman in a downhill skiing outfit getting ready to hit the slopes.

1940s Vintage German Pattern Book featuring two women in Dirndls (so cute!!!) and two other women in 1940s ski wear.

You are able to make the ski outfit in the bottom right (a waist length with zip front & patch pockets) as this vintage sewing pattern was avail for purchase at time of posting HERE.

1940s vintage sewing pattern from a German Pattern book featuring a fashion illustration of two women in Dirndls and two other women in 1940s Ski Wear. 1940 Ski jacket pattern, waist length with zip front & patch pockets. Vintage sewing pattern

Source: Etsy – SlowMadeInGermany

1940s Vintage Photo of Gary Cooper and Claudette Colbert looking so amazing in their Ski fashions (Sweaters & Ski pants) on the hills of Sun Valley. Love Gary Coopers sweater!

FURTHER READING: Let’s Travel to Sun Valley, Idaho in the 1940s

1940s Vintage Photo of Gary Cooper and Claudette Colbert looking so amazing. Love the sweater Mister Cooper. Super 1940s Ski Fashion Inspiration

1940’s Vintage ad for Jantzen Sweaters for Skiing & other winter activities.

Further Reading: “Jantzen Makes the Finest Sweaters”-1940s & 1950s Vintage Jantzen Ads

1940s Ski Fashion as seen in a vintage Jantzen sweater advertisement.

Here is a 1940’s photo of our Jantzen sweater men in real life (it’s not, but it could be!).

1940s vintage photo of men in 1940s ski wear posing at the top of a mountain in their 1940s sweaters

Source: alittlebitofrest.com

How adorable are these 1940s ladies with their stylish ski suits, well styled hair and cute winter hats? The answer is..adorable!

Further Reading: Ladies Winter Hats-1940s Style

1940s vintage photo of two women cross-country skiing in their 1940s fashions and 1940s hats.

1940s women ski suits from 1942 / 1943 Montgomery Ward Vintage Catalog.

FURTHER READING:

1940s Fashion: 1940s women vintage skiing fashion from 1942 1943 Montgomery Ward Vintage Catalog

1940s Ski Fashions as seen in a ‘Bernat Handicrafter Book 19, from 1949.’ Knit your way to stylish ski style!

The book is in PDF format (so available anytime) and a must see inside. Take look HERE.

I LOVE The downshill skiiers knitted on the sweater. So fun!

1940s Fashion: 1940s vintage Ski Style. Vintage 1940s Knitting Pattern Booklet | 1949 Bernat Handicrafter Book 19 | ski sweaters fair isle colorwork sweaters | 50+ designs PDF

Source: Etsy-TangledSundries

1950’s Fashion

Nylon heavily influenced the look of skiwear in the ‘50s. No longer was it all business all the time; stretchy nylon pants hugged the hips more naturally than wool, and looked great with a bright top. Throughout this decade, skiers started to explore new colors and patterns (and hats, apparently). But designers didn’t stop with nylon, as they started to experiment with polyester. Spandex entered the picture in 1959, which ended up as the aerodynamic solution skiers had been waiting for since the ‘30s. With the chair lift and a host of new fabrics to make skiing more comfortable, ski resorts really blossomed (Source).

1950s vintage photo of a family in 1950s ski fashions outside of a ski resort getting ready to ski,

Source: eBay

I don’t think you can have a vintage look without a sweater with skiers on it? Fun 1950’s vintage ski sweater.

Source: Etsy – Junkateria

Monarch Sport Close-Ups Vol. 109, dated 1950 knitting pattern book (avail as a PDF to download right now).

31 pages of winter sports wear for women, men, youth and young adults. Patterns include fair isle Nordic-style ski sweaters and several mittens, sweaters, and cardigans. Lots of fun colorwork designs with accompanying charts.

Vintage Ski Fashion: Monarch Sport Close-Ups Vol. 109, dated 1950 knitting pattern book.

Source: Etsy-TangledSundries

“Warm..Wearable…Wonderful Botany Knitwear. Tunisian Crochet Mom & Daughter Ski Jacket Cardigan and Hat September, 1951.

Four Pages – (PDF eBook Digital Download)

Source: Etsy-ivarose

Mild day on the snow. 1950s photo.

1950s vintage photo of a woman in a sweater and ski pants posing on skis. Fun vintage winter sport photo.

Source: eBay

White Stag Ski Togs 1950 advertisement.

Source: eBay

1958-1959 photo of a model wearing a Bogner sweater. Bogner skiwear is the epitome of timeless. (Photo: Getty Images).

About: The German luxury brand Bogner started importing Norwegian ski sweaters in 1932 and the style (as well as the revolutionary Bogner stretch pants) was picked up by racers and recreational skiers alike (source).

Source: skimage.com

1950s stylish sweaters for the slopes and the lodge. Colorwork with double ski jumpers and evergreen trees. This is a classic 1950’s vintage pullover sweater pattern (vintage pattern for the mens sweater avail as a PDF here).

1950s Ski Fashion: Mens Ski Sweater pattern from the 1950s and women's 1950s sweater.

Source: Etsy-knitsomuch

Apres Ski-1950s photo

1950s vintage photo of a man in 1950s ski fashion talking to a woman in 1950s clothing at a ski resort.

Source: eBay

Aldens 1956-157 Fall / Winter catalog featuring Women’s Sportswear, like this stylish ski suit.

It’s all smiles until someone breaks a leg. Ha! 1950s photo.

1950s vintage photo of two women downhill skiing in 1950s ski fashions

Source: eBay

I will end this post with the coolest, perfect for Apres Ski record..Jo Stafford’s 1956 release Ski Trails, a classy collection of non-Christmas winter-themed songs like Let It Snow, I’ve Got My Love to Keep me Warm, June in January and many more.

Fun Fact…Jingle Bells is NOT a Christmas Song. Not one word in the song alludes to the holiday, so go forth and enjoy!

Give the record a listen here…

1950s Vintage Record-Perfect for Apres Ski....Jo Stafford's 1956 release Ski Trails, a classy collection of non-Christmas winter-themed songs like Let It Snow, I've Got My Love to Keep me Warm, June in January and many more.

Source: Etsy-VintageVinylGold

Thanks for dropping by friends! Hope you had a good time with post. I loved seeing how the styles changed from the 1920s-1950s.

Question Time: Are you a skier? Or not a fan? Share any thoughts on this topic in the comments section below. I love hearing from my readers!

Further Reading: Vintage Winter Blog Posts 1920s-1960s (Archived Posts)

Liz

Month: January 2025