Poplin, also called tabbinet, is a plain weave like oxford. The difference is the density of the fabric. Poplin is finer and more tightly woven than oxford, resulting in a thinner, lighter, softer and smoother fabric. Poplin shirts drape effortlessly around the body and are wonderfully airy; this weave is therefore especially suitable for the warmer seasons, when you want to keep a cool head, without sacrificing style. Poplin cotton also remains relatively crease-free, which provides extra ease with ironing!
The name poplin is derived from ‘papelino’, a fabric produced in the French d’Avignon in the fifteenth century made of a blend of cotton or wool with silk. Nowadays, poplin is usually made of 100% cotton, but luxurious combinations with wool or silk still occur.
