If you are solely banking on cotton and linen, allow us to introduce you to the underplayed hero fabric for summers- Poplin. A unique blend of versatility and quality, poplin lends itself to the sustainable side of fashion and the aesthetic one! Poplin derives its name from the word ‘papelino,’ a fabric that was made in the ancient papal town of Avignon, France.
Thick yet lightweight, sturdy yet breathable- the legendary poplin fabric has been popular for ages. It is a plain weave with a tight ribbed texture and smooth feel, which makes it durable and the best fabric for summer. Along with its firm base, poplin’s property to hold dyes and grasp colours and prints makes it the perfect canvas! The fabric originated in 15th-century France before it became popular in 1920s England. During World War 2, poplin was used to make uniforms as it retained shape while keeping the soldiers cool & comfortable. Ever since, poplin has carved its way into modern fashion on its own merit, appearing in collections of the topmost labels.
Ode To Odd 
Dash and Dot Men
The Rise of Poplin in Fast Fashion
If you randomly picked up a crisp shirt hanging on a store rack of a fast fashion brand and the soft and sturdy fabric quality blew your mind, it was probably poplin! It even emerged as a trend on the Spring/Summer 2022 runway for being the best fabric for hot humid weather. Poplin featured in collections of Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Valentino, Tanya Taylor, Thakoon Panichgul, and many more. Quickly after, poplin clothing trickled down from the runway and made its way into high-street fashion and how! From hot pink to electric blue, the easily-dyeable summer fabric quickly showed up in fast fashion brands, soon becoming a trend!
Its low price and pure cotton or cotton-silk composition make poplin significantly popular amongst brands aiming at low-investment production. Poplin’s stout and malleable nature makes it easier to work with, unlike other flimsier fabrics like cambric or rayon. Some prominent womenswear poplin silhouettes that emerged as the most-loved trends included tailored shirt dresses and Jackets. When it came to menswear, poplin shirts remained a classic choice, along with tapered trousers.
Khara Kapas 
Khara Kapas
Its Role in Sustainability
If you think sustainable fashion is a myth, think again! The present and future of fashion majorly lean towards an environment-friendly approach with more companies trying to adopt less-wastage models. What sets poplin apart from other fabrics is the perfect balance between quality and pricing. Naturally, this makes it an ideal choice for brands trying to turn around their fast-fashion image with minimal investment.
Poplin offers impeccable quality, ease of tailoring, and affordable pricing all at the same time. With designers and brands aiming to reduce their carbon footprint, poplin has become a go-to fabric in the industry. In fact, as opposed to fads and trends, the simplicity of this textile makes it timeless and transseasonal.
CORD 
AMPM
Indie Homegrown Brands Bidding Big on Poplin
Cotton fabric has been a staple in India since bygone eras, whether for apparel or upholstery. Being the biggest cotton-producing country in the world has always impacted the choices of Indians who swear by the textile!
Its light and airy property makes it one of the most popular summer fabrics. So no matter how many trends come and go, cotton remains a constant. Now, many new-age brands, too, have opted for the fabric, creating summer clothing that suits Indian weather the best!
Apart from fabrics like the iconic khadi fabric, cotton poplin is used by homegrown labels that focus on sustainability. Dash and Dot is one such brand that strongly bids on poplin! From tailored trousers & shirts for men to pleated dresses & tunics for women, they have used poplin from the very beginning.
The brand Khara Kapas’ very name translates to ’’pure cotton’ in Hindi. Their design philosophy is built on minimalism and timelessness which is seen in their clean-cut dresses and fantastic use of colours. All their pieces feature vivid hues, tie-dye patterns & ethnic motifs, perfect for casual and occasion wear.
If you think the simplicity of Poplin stops it from being artful, CORD is here to change your perception! The 2015-found brand tells stories through its clothing, creating a range of stop-and-stare worthy pieces. Their designs feature innovative prints, chic silhouettes, and an earthy colour palette. CORDS’ poplin shirt dresses and wrap dresses are edgy and offbeat that instantly make a statement. If you want to incorporate poplin into your winter wardrobe, a long jacket from THE IASO is the best investment. It is not only elegant and chic but will serve you year-long. The brand creates contemporary pieces crafted for the woman of today with femininity, strength and sensitivity.
New-age brands that vouch for this textile are the ones that believe in quality over quantity. Be it formal wear, casuals or ethnic attire, poplin can add its magic to any design. The label AMPM offers classic and sharp poplin clothing that is ideal for work wear. Other homegrown labels for menswear that have put their spin on poplin include Damerrano, Rohit Bal Men and DARK HOUR. Labels like Ode To Odd, House Of Three, Kanelle and LOVEBIRDS are some of the leading new-age womenswear brands one must watch out for!
Over the years, poplin has appealed to fashion connoisseurs for more reasons than one. It is one of the best summer fabrics out there and also has a long shelf-life. Today, when fashion is more than just being “trendy,” poplin stands out as a pure & dependable textile. It not only caters to the market but also does not compromise environmental factors. In a world that is crowded with synthetic textiles, poplin is a saviour for consumers chasing quality. And though adopting a sustainable lifestyle is a slow process, opting for eco-friendly fabrics like poplin contributes to the cause.
