Poplin

A tightly woven, smooth cotton fabric with a slight sheen. Poplin dress shirts are lightweight and breathable, making them ideal for warm climates and formal settings.

Also known as: Broadcloth. Category: Fibers & Fabrics.

In men's style, "poplin" belongs to the Fibers & Fabrics family of terminology. For the full A–Z reference of men's fashion and grooming vocabulary, see the Men's Style Glossary.

Related terms

• Oxford Cloth — A basket-weave cotton fabric with a slightly textured, substantial feel. Oxford cloth button-down (OCBD) shirts are a menswear staple that w…
• Chambray — A plain-weave fabric similar to denim but lighter and smoother, made with a colored warp and white weft thread. Chambray shirts offer the lo…
• Twill — A fabric weave characterized by diagonal parallel ribs, created by passing the weft thread over one or more warp threads. Chinos, denim, and…
• Herringbone — A V-shaped weaving pattern resembling the skeleton of a herring fish. Common in wool suits, sport coats, and overcoats, it adds visual textu…
• Canvas — A heavy-duty plain-weave fabric, traditionally made from cotton or linen. Used in casual jackets, bags, sneakers, and workwear for its durab…
• Gabardine — A tightly woven twill fabric, usually made from wool or cotton, known for its smooth finish and durability. Common in dress trousers, suits,…