Poplin, Cambric and Voile: Cotton Shirting Explained

|Dynamic Knitfabs

Quick Answer

All three are plain-weave cottons, but they differ in weight, feel and use.

Cotton poplin fabric

Poplin, cambric and voile are classic plain-weave cotton fabrics. They are often confused, but each has its own character.

Poplin

Poplin is smooth and crisp with a fine, tight weave. It holds a collar well and is the standard for shirts and structured dresses.

Cambric

Cambric is light and smooth with a slight sheen. It is softer than poplin and popular for kurtas, kidswear and linings.

Voile

Voile is the lightest and most sheer of the three. It feels airy and is used for summer tops, kurtas and dupattas.

Blends

All three can be made in poly-cotton or cotton blends for lower cost and less creasing.

What to specify

  • Fabric type and composition
  • GSM, width and thread count if required
  • Finish: dyed, printed or RFD

See poplin, cambric and voile or shirt fabrics.

About the Author

The Dynamic Knitfabs Team

Dynamic Knitfabs Pvt. Ltd. is a family-run fabric manufacturer founded in 1990, with in-house knitting, weaving and sublimation printing in Surat and Noida, India. The company is led by Directors Rajeev Jain and Siddharth Jain and supplies fabric to 100+ international and Indian fashion brands.