Whaleys Fabrics

Poplin Fabric

Available in both dark and light shades, Poplin also called Tabbinet is a woven fabric originally created in France in the 15th century from a combined silk and worsted yarn that delivered a soft yet durable cord like feel to its surface. Modern ranges of poplin are made with a combination of cotton and/or elastane. It resists creasing and is easy to sew and iron. Our poplin cotton shirting is used in garment making and is of a heavier weight than standard poplin ranges.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Poplin Fabric

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions from our customers about Poplin Fabric. If your question isn't covered here, please contact us.

What is poplin fabric?

Poplin is a plain-weave fabric with fine warp yarns and slightly heavier weft yarns, giving it a smooth surface with a subtle horizontal ribbed texture. It’s traditionally cotton, with modern versions also in silk, wool, polyester, and viscose.

What makes poplin different from other plain weaves?

The key feature is the imbalance between warp and weft. Many fine warp threads are crossed by fewer, thicker weft threads, creating the gentle ribbed texture. Standard plain weaves use balanced yarns and produce a flatter, more uniform surface.

Does poplin wrinkle easily?

Cotton poplin does wrinkle, particularly when worn or pressed. Higher-quality poplins use longer-staple cotton and tighter weaves, which reduces wrinkling. Polyester and poly-cotton poplin wrinkle less, at the cost of breathability.

What's the difference between cotton poplin and viscose poplin?

Cotton poplin is crisp, breathable, and holds its shape. Viscose poplin is softer with a more fluid drape and a slightly cooler hand. Both have the characteristic horizontal ribbed texture, but the fibre content shifts the overall feel.

See Poplin fabric product range