Poplin or calico - which is better?

Bed linen is an important element for creating coziness in the house and comfortable sleep. The determining factor is the fabric from which bedding is made. It is unlikely that you will be pleased to fall asleep and wake up on the many spools that formed on the sheet. That is why only selected materials can become the basis for bedding. Calico or poplin: which fabric is best for bed and can withstand numerous washings?

Poplin is a very high-quality and practical fabric that has many fields of application. The material first appeared in Avignon and was used to create the clothes of the Pope and people close to him. Translated poplin means "papal", which is very symbolic.

In Russia, we got acquainted with the material in the 18th century, and because of the similarity in weaving, it was called European coarse calico. The difference is in the weaving technique. Poplin is obtained by combining thick and thin threads, sometimes synthetic additives are present.

The very first fabrics called poplin were made from quality silkThe Pope and his approximation did not recognize any other materials. Modern fabric has several varieties that differ in composition.

• Wool + silk. This combination is used in the manufacture of premium bedding.

• Cotton + synthetic additives. Inexpensive fabric from which practical bedding is made. The disadvantage may be the appearance of pellets after prolonged use.

• Pure cotton. The most environmentally friendly material that absorbs moisture and allows air to pass through. This type of poplin has qualities similar to silk, but it costs much less.

Papal fabric is made by double-sided weaving using threads of various thicknesses. The material has many positive qualities.

• Density. The threads are located very close to each other, weaving can be imperceptible if you do not look at it. But despite this, the poplin is very soft and smooth, pleasant to the touch.

• Wear resistance. Even after numerous washes, the material retains its original appearance and does not lose its quality.

• Saving the form. The fabric practically does not wrinkle, so you do not have to waste strength for ironing it after washing. Just hold it with an iron and you get an even smooth canvas.

• The ability to pass air. Poplin can breathe and absorb moisture. Lingerie can be used all year round, in cool weather it retains heat, and in hot weather it cools.

• Availability. The fabric has average prices, so many can afford it.

Some features must be taken into account when caring for poplin products. Wash the fabric at low temperatures, not more than 30 degrees. Before washing, turn the products inside out so that the pattern is not exposed to strong exposure to water and detergents.

If it is possible not to squeeze the poplin after washing, be sure to consider this. The fabric will dry well, the main thing is that there are conditions for this. You need to dry the fabric in the shade, since exposure to the sun can adversely affect the color of the laundry.

Coarse calico appeared in Russia in the 16th century. Until that time, fabric was also used, but the one that was brought from Asia. From there the name of the material came, as the warped Turkish word "Asia". The fabric immediately gained popularity due to its inexpensive cost and durability.

If you rely on the Russian state standard, then this fabric is made from pure cotton. Material brought in from China or Pakistan may contain about 15 percent polyester. But natural fabric, which is a weaving of thick threads, is still in great demand. The threads are used quite thick, and you can clearly see how they are intertwined.

Coarse calico is an environmentally friendly material that is durable and practical, the fabric is ideal for use in everyday life. There are four main types of calico.

• Harsh. Calico in its original form, not softened and not bleached. The fabric is rather coarse, used for sewing workwear and furniture upholstery.

• Bleached. Delicate bedding, it is it that is most often used in hotel services.

• One-colored. It has the same structure as bleached. It is painted in one color and is used when sewing tablecloths, kitchen towels and bed linen.

• Stuffed. Coarse calico with drawing, the most beautiful and bright option. This fabric makes bed linen and baby clothes.

Coarse calico is resistant to frequent washing and high temperatures. In order for the laundry to iron better, it needs to be slightly moistened with water. Any means are suitable for washing, the material is not afraid of the effects of chemistry. The fabric is hypoallergenic, does not cause negative reactions even in severe allergy sufferers. It is also remarkable that the calico is not electrified and does not stick to the body.

Many often confuse calico and poplin and do not see a significant difference between these materials. In fact, there is a difference, and it becomes noticeable with the frequent use of both types of material.

• The first difference is the composition of the tissues. Coarse calico is made exclusively from cotton, so before it was even called a paper cloth. Poplin can consist of both pure cotton and synthetics.
• The fabrics differ in the size of the threads used for weaving. In the manufacture of coarse calico, the longitudinal and transverse threads are of the same size; in the manufacture of poplin, threads of different thicknesses are used.
• These fabrics have different densities. Despite the fact that the calico is a little denser, this does not mean that it is better and stronger. As already mentioned, poplin consists of thicker threads, which allows it to be stronger than calico.

It is difficult to judge which fabric is softer, both options undergo thorough processing, which makes them soft and pleasant to the body. The cost of materials depends on the composition and country of manufacture. European calico and poplin are more expensive than Russian, but this does not diminish the quality of domestic producers.

A comparison of the cost of fabrics from one country showed that calico made in accordance with GOST can be more expensive than poplin.

Bedding made from these two materials is used in hotels, resorts and hospitals. The only difference is that poplin is more often chosen by more expensive establishments, and calico takes place in budget services.

The choice of a specific fabric, in this case, calico or poplin, is determined by the scope of their use. If you want to sew a beautiful, soft and pleasant to the touch bedding set, then poplin will do just fine. The durability of the fabric will allow you to enjoy the linen for a long time and then again make your choice in favor of this material. In addition to bedding, poplin makes excellent bathrobes and kitchen towels.

If you want to update the arsenal of bedding and decently save on this, then pay attention to calico. Coarse calico is suitable for the manufacture of overalls; for this, severe raw material is used. If you want to sew a piece of clothing, calico can also be used for these purposes. Of course, this is not about evening dress, but about comfortable home clothes.

If coarse calico and poplin have a similar structure and type of weaving, then satin and chintz differ significantly from them. Satin is considered a luxury material, used for tailoring high-quality and beautiful bedding, men's shirts, shirts, pajamas. Material has a higher cost.

As for chintz, it is used for sewing light summer dresses and bathrobes, baby diapers. In its qualities, it is significantly inferior to calico, and poplin, and satin. Chintz has a rather loose texture, does not tolerate washing and can greatly lose its shape.

What to choose - calico, poplin or satin, see the video below.