Chic Cotton Poplin Styles For Summer

Cotton poplin has long been used for button-up shirts, but this summer, it’s the fabric of choice for dresses, skirts, tops, shorts, and pants, too. It’s a lightweight and breathable fabric, making it ideal for warm weather. It also has structure, so it doesn’t cling to your body. Here’s what you need to know about the fabric and the cotton poplin summer styles that are currently trending…

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What Exactly Is Cotton Poplin?

Cotton poplin is a tightly woven fabric with a subtle horizontal texture and slight sheen. “Cotton” refers to the fiber content, and “poplin” refers to the type of weave. (So, cotton can be woven differently to make fabric like denim, and poplin can be made from other fibers like polyester. Together, they make cotton poplin.)

What You’ll Love Wearing Cotton Poplin…

Cotton poplin is breathable, keeping you cool in the summer.
It’s structured but soft, making it comfortable to wear.
The subtle sheen makes it look polished even in casual styles.
Most cotton poplin is easy to care for (check the care label for specific instructions).
It’s resistant to tearing and pilling.

If you like fabric that stretches, look for stretch cotton poplin, which includes Lycra, Spandex, or Elastane.

Does Cotton Poplin Wrinkle Easily?

Cotton poplin does wrinkle, but not quite as much as linen does. You can minimize wrinkles by handwashing instead of machine washing, but you’ll still want to iron or steam your clothing before you wear it. (Cotton poplin is usually machine washable, but like most cotton clothing, it may shrink a little, so follow the care instructions on the label.)

Stretch cotton poplin may wrinkle a little less, as the Spandex, Lycra, and Elastane help maintain the fabric structure.

Which Cotton Poplin Styles Are Trending?

Cotton poplin dresses, matching sets, sleeveless or short-sleeved tops, and full skirts are especially popular this summer. Pull-on and drawstring pants are also trending – just pick ones that don’t look like pajamas or boxer shorts!

Cotton Poplin Tops

Popover tops, tie-front shirts, and button-front tops are all popular this summer. Swap out your t-shirt for a cotton poplin top for a relaxed but polished look.

Fashionipa (Nipa) wearing a cotton poplin tie-neck top in a black, white and green print.

Here are some other options that would look good with your favorite jeans, cotton pants, or linen shorts.

Pants, Shorts And Skirts

Drawstring and elastic waist pants and shorts are also popular this summer. While some (like striped boxer shorts) may look a little too much like pajamas to wear every day, they’re perfect for vacations, poolside, or loungewear. For an elevated look, try cotton poplin pants with embroidered hems.

Midi and maxi skirts are still trending this summer, especially alone or full skirts with drop waists or drawstring waistbands. Wear these with matching tops or fitted tees. I’m wearing the Anthropologie Somerset Skirt, which is currently available in solid and printed cotton poplin.

Fashionipa (Nipa) wearing a white tee, blue cardigan and full printed skirt.

Here are some elevated cotton poplin pants, shorts, and skirts that are casual but stylish:

If you have a tiered maxi skirt, that style is not quite as popular as it was in the past, but it’s not out of style. (I’m still wearing mine.)

Dresses

Cotton poplin dresses are a huge trend this year and include shirt dresses, fit and flare dresses, and relaxed popover dresses. I’m wearing Nordstrom’s Poplin Dress, a body-skimming midi dress with a shallow V-neck. I’m wearing the XS which is a size smaller than my usual size (Nordstrom brand tends to run big).