Poplin Fabric: What It Is and Differences with Cotton

Poplin and cotton are two fabrics with similar characteristics, but with distinctive aspects in terms of use, quality, durability, and sustainability. Therefore, we suggest you learn what poplin is and the difference between it and cotton , so you can decide which fabric is best for you when choosing underwear.

Poplin fabric: what is it?

Poplin fabric is a blend of cotton and polyester, so it can't be considered a completely natural fabric. It's characterized by being very lightweight, with a touch of stiffness and some shine. One of its most valued qualities is that poplin wrinkles very little , offering significant advantages in washing and drying . It's also a durable material, easy to print, and doesn't shrink or tear easily. Its origin dates back to the town of Avignon, in the 15th century, when poplin began to be used to make part of the Pope's liturgical attire. In fact, that's where its name comes from, from the French "popeline," a word believed to derive from "papelino," a reference to the city of Avignon. At that time, this was the Pope's residence, and from there comes the association with the term "papalino" or "papelino," which later evolved into popelín.

And cotton?

To fully understand the difference between the two fabrics, let's look at what cotton is. Cotton is a natural fiber obtained from the cotton tree. It is a very soft fabric to the touch, yet strong and durable. Another of its qualities is its breathability, which helps regulate body temperature, both in cold and hot weather. There are up to 40 different species of cotton , resulting in four types of cotton , which allow for the production of high-quality garments. Poplin and cotton share some qualities that make them essential materials for the textile industry. They are widely used for their versatility. Both are strong and durable, lightweight, pleasant to the touch, and easy to maintain. However, they also have their differences.

Poplin and cotton share some qualities that make them essential materials for the textile industry.

Differences between poplin and cotton fabric

First of all, there's a big difference between poplin and cotton that we can't ignore. While cotton is a natural fiber, poplin is a synthetic material . This translates into higher quality, which is one of the great advantages of cotton for underwear over poplin:

Greater breathability . Clothing made with cotton has a high moisture-absorbing capacity, which helps the body regulate its temperature and combat cold or heat.
Cotton is a hypoallergenic fabric ; it doesn't irritate even the most delicate skin. This is one of the reasons why at Abanderado we choose cotton for our underwear, to avoid chafing and irritation during use.
Poplin has a greater environmental impact , as it requires a large amount of water and energy to manufacture. In contrast, today there are organic cotton plantations that minimize water consumption and do not use toxic components during the manufacturing process.

If we talk about the advantages of poplin , we would highlight its water resistance. This makes it an ideal material for making waterproof garments . Furthermore, since it's easy to print , poplin is commonly used in curtains, tablecloths, and garments such as dresses and shirts. When it comes to maintenance and care , there are also marked differences between poplin and cotton. The latter is best washed in cold water with mild soap, avoiding the dryer and ironing when the garment is still slightly damp. Poplin, on the other hand, can be washed at temperatures up to 30 degrees Celsius, requires no special detergents, and can be ironed, even on patterned fabrics.

Is poplin or cotton better?

As we've seen, poplin and cotton are two fabrics with remarkable differences. And these distinctions are precisely what determine which fabric is best for each situation:

Poplin is most commonly used for making shirts , certain household textiles , or waterproof garments .
Cotton is ideal for making garments that come into direct contact with the skin, from sheets to underwear . It 's also the preferred choice for contributing to environmental protection .

At Abanderado, we value this sustainability quality, in addition to the superior quality, durability, and softness of cotton. That's why 100% pure cotton features in many of our men's underwear collections . It's one of our preferred materials for creating underwear with unique value.