Poplin is a light, dense plain-weave cotton fabric with a barely visible crosswise rib that gives it a smooth, slightly lustrous surface. Poplin is pleasant to the touch, holds its shape well, presses easily and is almost opaque, so it is the classic material for quality shirts, blouses, dresses and bedding. Allegedly (an alternative derivation links it to Poperinge in Flanders), the name comes from the papal residence at Avignon (papeline), where the fabric was made of silk; modern poplin is mostly cotton, sometimes with blended fibres. It combines a neat smoothness with wearability and affordability. Poplin is the benchmark of a 'proper' shirting fabric: modest, practical and unfailingly elegant, it lies at the foundation of the classic, business and everyday wardrobe.
