Fabric Dictionary: What Is Poplin Fabric?

Introduction

Poplin is a plain-woven fabric that is smooth, durable, and usually light to medium in weight. Originally made from a blend of wool and silk, poplin fabric today can be sourced from a variety of fibers, such as cotton, polyester, or spandex.

With so many different types of poplin, the applications of this fabric are endless. Join us and read along as we discuss everything about poplin fabric.

What Kind Of Fabric Is Poplin?

Poplin fabric can be described as smooth, durable, and lighter in weight when compared to other fabrics. Many of the characteristics that poplin is known for come from the plain weave style used to manufacture the fabric.

Originating from 1500’s medieval France, Poplin fabric is made by tightly weaving horizontal weft yarns over and under vertical yarns. This tight, plain weave can make Poplin more durable and wrinkle-resistant than other fabrics since the tight weave allows the fabric to snap back in place.

Additionally, the yarns used in poplin production are exceptionally fine, lending a thin, lightweight quality to the fabric.

What Is Poplin Fabric Made Of?

• What Is Poplin Cotton Fabric?

  Cotton Poplin fabric is a type of poplin that is soft, breathable, and easy to dye because it is made from cotton fibers.

  Poplin made from cotton differs from other poplin fabrics in that it is made or blended from cotton fibers. Cotton fibers are fibrous, soft, spongey and hairy. This means that cotton fabrics, like Cotton Poplin, feel comfortable and cool to the touch, and allow hot air to escape from underneath.

  Furthermore, the fibrous nature of cotton, allows Cotton Poplin fabric to be absorbent, wick moisture, and it can dyed bright, long lasting colors.
  
  

• What Is Polyester Poplin Fabric?

  Polyester poplin is a poplin fabric that has been constructed from polyester fiber. This type of Poplin fabric is a more durable and affordable type of poplin that is known for its wrinkle-resistant and quick-drying properties.

  These fabrics are sourced from synthetic, solid strands of polyester fiber, which themselves are derived from, widely available and inexpensive, by-products of petroleum. Similar in composition to plastic, Polyester Poplin fabrics are insulating, quick-drying, and can withstand everyday wear and tear, since the ingredients used to make them are solid and non-fibrous.

  Furthermore, Polyester Poplin fabric can resist wrinkles and snap back into its original shape more easily than other types of Poplin.

What Are The Different Types Of Poplin Fabric?

• What Is Shirting Poplin Fabric?

  Shirting Poplin fabric is an elegant, comfortable, and durable type of Poplin that is used to create shirting apparel.

  Unlike other types, Shirting Poplin fabric can be made from any fiber; what makes this fabric different from other types of Poplin, is that Shirting Poplin fabric is recommended to be used for shirting. This type of Poplin fabric must withstand everyday wear and tear and be comfortable to the touch since it is primarily used to make all kinds of shirts, blouses, and other similarly styled garments.

  Additionally, another quality to look for in Shirting Poplin fabric is the ability to be easily cleaned. No one likes a shirt that will stain. For making shirts, Shirting Poplin fabric is the ideal textile choice.
  
  

• What is Stretch Poplin Fabric?

  Sourced usually from spandex fibers, a by-product of petroleum production, Stretch Poplin is similar in composition to some plastics.

  Furthermore, unlike other Poplins, Stretch Poplin fabric has the ability to stretch up to five times its original size without ruining the fabric. This increases the pressure comfort of a garment, and enhances the shape of what’s underneath.

What Is Poplin Fabric Used For?

Poplin is an even-textured fabric that can withstand everyday wear and tear. It’s no wonder that Poplin fabric can be used in a variety of applications such as apparel, accessories, and decors.

Let’s discuss some of the uses for poplin fabric.

• Apparel

  Comfortable and durable, poplin fabric is commonly used to make fashionable apparel. Most poplins are smooth, durable, and light to medium in weight. These qualities make poplin ideal to use for garments like shirts, dresses, and skirts.

  Additionally, the lightweight quality of poplin fabric allows it to be sewn into the linings of jackets, coats, and dresses, to give them more stability.

  Furthermore, this elegant and versatile fabric can be used to sew both formal and casual attire .
  
  

• Accessories

  Affordable and smooth to the touch, create colorful accessories with poplin fabric. Sew colorful and light to medium weight scarves, headbands, and bow ties with poplin fabric.

  Additionally, some poplins like those made from polyester are easy to clean and ideal for use as aprons, tote bags, and handkerchiefs.
  
  

• Décor

  Poplin is known for being colorful and durable, making this fabric great for use as indoor or outdoor decors. Depending on how it’s made, some poplin fabric may be waterproof and can hold dye well.

  These brightly colored, outdoor poplins can be used to craft tents, cushions, awnings, and hammocks.

  On the other hand, all poplin fabric can be used indoors. Create stylish indoor poplin decorations like curtains, bed sheets, and tablecloths.
  
  

• Arts & Crafts

  Be creative and use poplin fabric to craft your own art projects. This fabric is fun to work with, easy to sew, and it usually can be found at inexpensive prices. Try things like making fabric flowers, banners, flags, and even doll clothes with poplin fabric!

Conclusion