What is Poplin Fabric?

Exactly what is poplin fabric used for? This textile is one of the most versatile fabrics, pairing a soft consistency with a durable, resistant fibre.

So what is poplin fabric made of? We also call poplin fabric 'tabbinet'. This plain-weave textile is made from cotton or a mix of cotton and polyester. It has very fine horizontal “ribs,” or threads. 

 The yarns’ tight weave allows the fabric to be strong and silky simultaneously. No wonder we find these textiles literally everywhere!

If you are considering using this material, read on. It is used in fashion for all forms, shapes and sizes, from classic tops and dresses to sportswear. We also use it for lining for home decor, bedding and raincoats.

Poplin fabric is characterised by its distinctive ribbed texture and tightly closed weave. A very strong fabric due to its construction from longer fibres, it’s a lightweight and airy fabric with a soft drape. At the same time, because of the poplin’s weave, it is also incredibly durable. So you can use it to create tops, trousers or lightweight coats. This natural cotton textile is a great choice to work with, as it’s a soft sewing textile that performs impeccably in so many different designs and garments.

Poplin was Originally Made From Silk

Introduced back in the 15th Century in Avignon, France, poplin derives from the word “papelaine,” which refers to the papal town of Avignon and an obsolete fabric with a similar weave. Since then, the fabric has grown in popularity. Manufacturers started using it when they replaced silk and wool with pure cotton. Now it’s a staple of day wear and elegant outfits; you can’t go wrong with sewing with this fabric.

In those days, this cotton fabric was made out of silk and wool, used for winter attire. Today, you can spot cotton poplin everywhere, no matter the blend you use. We manufacture high-quality poplin from 100% natural cotton, or a mix of synthetic and natural fibres such as rayon, satin, silk and wool. (Wool is often used to make the fabric warmer for colder weather. In fact, wool and poplin is a favourite blend for winter garments.)

Before you Shop: Cotton Poplin Characteristics

This fabric has seven distinct characteristics:

1.     Durable: Although sturdy, this fabric has a soft feel. This is why the fabric is a popular choice for summer clothes. It’s also water-resistant, which is a big advantage, and it’s long-lasting, too.

2.     Smooth: Poplin’s distinctive smooth texture makes it easy to wash regularly. The fabric holds its shape and doesn’t crease or stain. It’s often used for homeware items like tableware, quilts and light upholstery.

3.     Tight weave fabric: This plain weave fabric is characterised by crosswise ribs. This means we weave it in a simple over-under pattern (contrary to the complex texture of weaves used for fabrics like satin and twill). This gives the textile its signature versatility and flowy texture. 

4.     Lightweight: Thanks to this tight weave, poplin is lightweight, which is why it’s a favourite choice for summer garments, especially men’s and women’s shirts. Because it’s thin, it can be a little transparent, so it often needs a lining or undergarment. Luckily, underwear is often worn as outerwear, so wearing a cami or vest under a blouse can look stunning.

5.     Affordable: Manufacturing this fabric is relatively inexpensive, compared to other natural fabrics. Obviously, the more luxurious fabrics like silk poplin will cost more, because it feels just like silk.

6.     Ideal for warm climates: It’s crisp and lightweight and has a natural drape, and all those reasons explain why this fabric is perfect for summer wear. Garments made from poplin are cool, breathable and dry quickly. 

7.     Great for printing: This textile is made for printing on! In fact, it’s renowned for printing and dyeing extremely well. Its versatility makes it a great choice for so many different types of clothing and lifestyle products.

What We Use Poplin For

As it’s so versatile, we use poplin fabric for numerous occasions and purposes. It combines durability and a sleek look, so it’s often a top choice for women’s dresses.

In the 19^th Century, people started using this fabric for upholstery as well, and in the Second World War, it was a common fabric choice for soldiers’ uniforms. Today, this extremely comfortable, durable fabric is a stylish choice for so many different products. Poplin is also a perfect fabric choice for sewing adults’ and children’s garments!

Poplin fabric has a nice drape, and since it’s 100% natural, it’s cool to wear. These properties have helped make poplin a popular clothing choice, from tops and skirts to trousers and jackets and several homeware items. It’s an inexpensive fabric but highly performative. It’s subtly shiny, which adds an elegant appearance without looking too dramatic or overly formal.

What Poplin Looks Like When Printed On 

This fabric is great for printing on. Because of its smooth texture, it’s easy to print on poplin. It can also hold its shape well and is wrinkle-resistant. Also, its structure is designed for colour to print vibrantly on this fabric.

 Whether you are a high-fashion professional looking for your next signature look or an interior décor maven searching for a sumptuous yet affordable fabric, poplin is an all-rounder. It’s an unproblematic, soft and elegant choice that offers excellent performance.

Select the Right Fabric 

Shop maake’s selection of poplin for sewing…

Cotton Poplin

This 100% cotton poplin textile is perfect for shirts, dresses and light outerwear layers, as well as for bedding and crafts. Ideal for wearing year-round, it’s sturdy, lightweight and smooth to the touch, with a plain weave. Sewing with this fabric is fabulous, and it irons well, too. Printing on the face and back achieves identical results. It’s a staple fabric in any wardrobe, and the crisp texture irons beautifully. Print face and backing are alike.

Organic Poplin

Produced from 100% GOTS cotton fabrics, this classic lightweight fabric is the organic version of our cotton poplin dressmaking fabric, described above. It’s the perfect choice for shirting and other crisp items of clothing, and is also used for dresses and outerwear as well as bedding and crafts. Suitable for year-round use, this plain weave material is durable and smooth to the touch. 

Printing on maake's Cotton Poplin for Clothing & Other Products

maake prints on our cotton fabrics in one of the most eco-friendly ways possible, using digital pigment inks. Our printing process requires no water and uses around 95% less energy than traditional screen printing.

Shop These Excellent Printing Tools

Choose your poplin fabrics before you shop and start printing: our fabric sample book enables you to view the variety of fabrics we stock, including poplin, to see what they will look like when they are printed on. Order your Sample Book here.

Another great tool for colour printing is our Colour Atlas, which is designed to fit on one metre of fabric. It comprises more than 2,400 colours and their codes, and allows designers to see the colours on fabric or paper, and to select the colours to use in designs. It is ideal for colour matching and selection. 

For inspiration, read our comprehensive guide, Create Perfect Fabric Colours.

You can also create your own design for poplin prints right here.