A plain-weave fabric with a fine horizontal ribbed texture, traditionally made from cotton but now also produced in silk and synthetic blends. It's known for its smooth finish, durability, and crisp appearance.
From French 'papeline,' possibly derived from 'Avignon' (historically called Papeline), where this fabric was first produced in the 14th century. Another theory suggests it comes from Italian 'papalino,' meaning 'papal,' as it was used for papal garments.
Poplin's subtle ribbed texture comes from using heavier weft threads than warp threads, creating barely visible horizontal lines that give the fabric body and structure without being obvious. This makes it perfect for dress shirts because it provides enough texture to prevent the fabric from looking flat while maintaining the smooth, professional appearance required for business wear.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.