Vintage Cannon Cavalier Terry Cloth Towel Dress — Raspberry & Olive Floral Caftan, c. 1960s–70s

A wonderfully unusual piece of American leisurewear: a vintage Cannon Cavalier all-cotton terry cloth towel dress rendered in saturated raspberry red and earthy olive brown.

Cut long and loose with an easy caftan-like silhouette, the dress is covered from neckline to hem in an oversized scrolling floral and paisley pattern. The plush terry surface gives the design extraordinary depth—the pattern almost appears sculpted into the fabric. Wide elbow-length sleeves finish with deep chocolate fringe, while a textured looped trim frames the open bateau neckline.

It is relaxed, dramatic and unmistakably of its era.

These towel dresses were made for the glamorous side of leisure: poolside afternoons, resort dressing, beach houses and the ritual of getting ready after a swim. Decades later, the very thing that made them practical has made surviving examples irresistible—the substantial cotton terry, saturated pattern and wonderfully unconventional silhouette feel completely unlike modern resortwear.

Wear it as a dress, a poolside cover-up or simply as the spectacular piece of textile design it is.

Cannon Cavalier label. All cotton. Made in U.S.A.

Curator’s Note

There are vintage pieces you appreciate, and then there are pieces that make you wonder why anyone ever stopped making clothing like this.

This one is pure personality.

The raspberry and olive palette is exceptional, but it is the texture that makes the dress: yards of richly patterned cotton terry with raised florals, scrolling paisleys, fringed sleeves and that wonderful hand-finished-looking neckline. From across a room it reads almost like an antique carpet or tapestry; up close, you discover that it is gloriously soft towel cloth.

It captures a very specific kind of mid-century luxury—when even something intended for lounging by the pool could be beautifully designed.

Throw it over a swimsuit with oversized sunglasses and sandals and it becomes instant resort glamour. Wear it with boots and jewelry and it becomes something entirely different.

Either way, nobody else at the party is going to be wearing one.

Complete the Look

Keep the styling relaxed and slightly decadent rather than overly polished.

Pair it with:

• Oversized tortoiseshell or amber sunglasses
• Sculptural gold or brass jewelry
• A wide vintage bangle
• Chocolate brown leather sandals or platform shoes
• A woven straw or structured wicker handbag
• A large floppy sun hat for full vintage-resort drama

For cooler weather, the raspberry-and-olive palette would also be spectacular with tall brown suede boots and a long pendant necklace, turning a piece of vintage resortwear into an unexpectedly strong autumn dress.

Details

Era: Circa late 1960s–1970s
Label: Cannon Cavalier
Country of Manufacture: Made in U.S.A.
Fiber: 100% cotton
Fabric: Plush patterned terry cloth / towel cloth
Color: Raspberry red, deep pink and olive-to-chocolate brown
Silhouette: Long, relaxed caftan / column silhouette
Neckline: Wide bateau neckline with textured loop trim
Sleeves: Wide elbow-length sleeves with fringe trim
Pattern: Oversized floral, foliate and scrolling paisley motifs
Hem: Long midi-to-maxi length depending upon wearer
Closure: Pullover styling
Special Details: Fringed sleeves, dimensional terry texture, contrasting neckline trim and richly patterned all-over textile side slits on skirt
Made in: U.S.A.

Measurements (taken flat then doubled where appropriate)

Please compare the measurements below with a similarly cut garment that fits you well. Because of the relaxed caftan silhouette, the dress is intended to have ease through the body.

Bust: 38”
Waist: 46”
Hip: 46”
Shoulder to shoulder: 15”
Sleeve length: 12”  (including fringe)
Sleeve opening: 7.5”
Total length, shoulder to hem: 48”

Condition

Vintage condition with the wonderful texture and character expected of an original cotton terry garment. Please review all photographs closely, including the detailed textile, neckline, fringe and original Cannon Cavalier label, as they form part of the description.

A rare little piece of American resort history—equal parts dress, towel, textile art and conversation piece.