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Writer's pictureShraddha Srivastava

Poplin vs Twill: Which Fabric is Better for Shirts?

Updated: Nov 25


Poplin vs Twill: Which Fabric is Better for Shirts?

Looking to choose the best shirt fabric for your customers? With rising demand for high-quality shirting, poplin, and twill have become top choices for fashion retailers due to their comfort, durability, and versatility. The poplin vs twill debate is common, as each fabric offers unique qualities to suit different styles and needs. 


Whether stocking up for warmer months or adding structured options for formal occasions, understanding the differences between poplin vs twill for shirt manufacturing helps you curate the perfect mix of style and comfort for your collection.


Poplin vs Twill Fabric: A Quick Comparison


Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the differences between poplin and twill fabrics, especially relevant if you’re considering these options for a collection or partnership with a reliable clothing manufacturer in India.


Weave Type

  • Poplin has a plain weave, characterized by an even over-under pattern, giving it a smooth, flat texture that feels soft against the skin. This type of weave contributes to Poplin’s clean, classic look, which can easily adapt to both casual and semi-formal styles. 

  • Twill, by contrast, features a diagonal weave created by passing the yarn over one or more warp threads before going under one, forming a distinctive pattern of diagonal ridges. This textured weave gives Twill an added layer of sophistication and makes it look structured and slightly more luxurious.


Weight

  • Poplin is known for its lightweight, breathable feel, making it an ideal choice for warm-weather attire or shirts meant to be layered. This lighter weight means it drapes naturally and comfortably, offering a relaxed feel. 

  • Twill fabric is heavier and more substantial, giving it a noticeable weight that is well-suited to structured garments. Its heavier composition makes twill particularly popular for dress shirts, as it helps create a clean, polished silhouette that holds its shape.


Durability

  • The durability of poplin is generally moderate; while it’s strong enough for everyday wear, it’s not as wrinkle-resistant as twill. 

  • Twill fabric, however, is exceptionally durable due to its diagonal weave, which makes it resistant to wrinkles, creases, and even wear over time. This makes twill an excellent choice for shirts that need to withstand frequent use and laundering without losing their crisp appearance.


Appearance

  • Poplin’s elegant appearance is enhanced by its subtle sheen, which adds a refined touch without being overly flashy. This gives poplin shirts a timeless, classic appeal that suits a wide range of looks, from business casual to formal. 

  • Twill, on the other hand, has a more formal, structured look that makes it popular for professional and dressy occasions. Its textured diagonal pattern adds visual interest and a sense of depth, elevating its sophistication compared to the simpler look of Poplin.


Comfort

  • For warmer climates and everyday wear, poplin’s soft, breathable qualities make it an ideal choice, ensuring comfort even on hot days. Its smooth texture feels great against the skin and allows for easy movement. 

  • Twill, though slightly heavier, offers a structured, tailored fit that is comfortable for those who prefer a more fitted look. The heavier feel of twill may be less breathable but lends itself well to cooler climates or formal settings where a polished appearance is essential.


Versatility

  • One of Poplin’s greatest strengths is its versatility; it can be dressed up or down and worn across different occasions, from casual outings to more formal events. 

  • Twill, while versatile in its own right, leans toward the formal end of the spectrum. It’s best suited for dress shirts and other pieces meant for professional or upscale settings where a refined, polished appearance is desired.


Cost

  • Poplin fabric is generally more affordable, which makes it a budget-friendly option for fashion brands aiming to offer high-quality clothing without a premium price. Its balance of comfort and versatility makes poplin ideal for daily wear. 

  • Twill fabric, however, tends to be slightly more expensive due to its durability, resilience, and the effort required to create its unique weave pattern. The higher price point reflects its long-lasting quality, which can be a worthwhile investment for brands focused on delivering value through longevity.


In summary, poplin is best for lightweight, breathable shirts that can be worn casually or in semi-formal settings, while twill is perfect for structured, durable shirts that offer a polished, formal appearance.


More about Poplin Shirts: A Classic, Comfortable Choice


Poplin is a classic choice for shirts because of its lightweight and breathable nature. Its smooth, soft texture makes it an ideal fabric for everyday wear, especially in warm weather. Here’s why Poplin is a favorite for shirt manufacturing:


Key Features of Poplin Shirts


  • Lightweight and breathable: Perfect for summer or layering in cooler weather.

  • Soft and comfortable: The smooth texture feels great on the skin, providing all-day comfort.

  • Wrinkle-resistant: Requires minimal ironing, so it's great for busy lifestyles.

  • Versatile: Can easily be dressed up or down for different occasions.

  • Elegant sheen: Poplin has a subtle shine that adds a polished touch to any look.


How Poplin Shirts Are Made


The process of manufacturing poplin shirts involves several key steps:


  1. Yarn production: The first step is to produce the yarn that will be used to weave the poplin fabric. This involves spinning cotton or other fibers into thin threads.

  2. Weaving: The yarn is then woven into poplin fabric using a loom. The characteristic over-under pattern of the plain weave creates the smooth, even texture of poplin.

  3. Dyeing: The poplin fabric is dyed to the desired color.

  4. Cutting and sewing: The fabric is cut into the desired shirt pattern and then sewn together using industrial sewing machines.

  5. Finishing: The final step involves finishing the shirt, which may include pressing, buttoning, and adding labels.


Poplin shirts are often finished with a collar and cuffs and may feature button-down or spread collars. Some shirts may also have pocket details or other embellishments.



More about Twill Shirts: A Durable and Structured Choice


When it comes to twill fabric, durability is one of its main selling points. Twill is thicker and more structured than poplin, making it perfect for dress shirts and occasions where a more formal appearance is needed.


Key Features of Twill Shirts


  • Durable and wrinkle-resistant: Twill is made with a diagonal weave, making it stronger and more resistant to wrinkles than poplin.

  • Heavier weight: This fabric feels more substantial and provides a structured, formal look.

  • Sophisticated appearance: The diagonal pattern adds a touch of sophistication and elegance.

  • Excellent drape: Twill shirts drape well, creating a flattering silhouette.

  • Versatile: Works well for both casual and formal occasions, depending on how it's styled.


How Twill Shirts Are Made


The process of manufacturing twill shirts is similar to that of poplin shirts, with a few key differences:


  1. Weaving: The yarn is woven into twill fabric using a loom, creating the characteristic diagonal pattern.

  2. Dyeing: The twill fabric is dyed to the desired color.

  3. Cutting and sewing: The fabric is cut into the desired shirt pattern and then sewn together using industrial sewing machines.

  4. Finishing: The final step involves finishing the shirt, which may include pressing, buttoning, and adding labels.


Twill shirts often feature a more structured collar and cuffs compared to poplin shirts. They may also have additional details such as pocket flaps or pleats.


Shirt Manufacturer in India with Poplin and Twill Fabric


If you’re looking for a clothing manufacturer in India to produce high-quality shirts using both poplin and twill fabrics, look no further than NoName. We specialize in shirt manufacturing using premium fabrics that combine comfort, durability, and style. Whether you need lightweight poplin shirts for a casual collection or structured twill shirts for formalwear, NoName can help bring your designs to life with precision and quality.


At NoName, we pride ourselves on our flexibility, offering flexible minimum order quantities (MOQs) to meet the needs of emerging fashion brands. Our expertise in fabric selection and shirt manufacturing ensures that every shirt we produce meets the highest standards, whether it’s a casual poplin shirt or a formal twill piece.


Conclusion

Both Poplin and Twill offer unique benefits for shirt manufacturing, making them excellent choices for any wardrobe or fashion collection. Poplin vs twill for shirt manufacturing comes down to your specific needs—whether you want lightweight, breathable comfort with poplin or the durable, structured elegance of twill. No matter your preference, NoName is here to help you create high-quality shirts that meet your brand’s vision.


Ready to start manufacturing your next collection? Contact NoName, the trusted shirt manufacturer in India, and bring your designs to life with expert craftsmanship and premium fabrics.


WhatsApp: +91-9717 508 508





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