Collection: Shirt Fabrics

What makes a shirting

A shirting is a plain weave with a high thread count and an even surface: poplin, batiste, fine twill, seersucker. The weave is close enough to keep a collar crisp after pressing, and light enough — most of this selection sits between 100 and 180 g/m² — to stay comfortable under a jacket all day.

Stripes, checks and mercerised cotton

About a third of these cloths are striped or checked, woven rather than printed, so the pattern runs through to the back. Mercerised cotton is here too: the yarn is treated under tension, which leaves a quiet lustre and a firmer hold on dye.

How much to buy

A long-sleeved shirt takes roughly 1.8 to 2 m at 140–150 cm width, more if the cloth is striped or checked and the pattern has to match across the fronts and at the pockets. The minimum cut and the exact width are on each product page.

FAQ

What fabric is best for a shirt?

Cotton poplin at 110–140 g/m² is the usual answer: closely woven, crisp after pressing, easy to sew. Batiste is lighter for summer, twill is softer and drapes more.

What is the difference between poplin and twill?

Poplin is a plain weave with a flat, smooth face. Twill has a diagonal structure, falls softer and creases less, which is why it turns up in shirts worn without an iron.

Should shirting cotton be washed before cutting?

Cotton can shrink on the first wash. Washing the length the way the shirt will be washed later keeps the fit of the finished garment.

Is shirting cotton the same as quilting cotton?

No. Quilting cotton is a plain weave around 120 g/m² with a stiffer finish. Shirting is woven finer and finished softer, so it falls at the shoulder and carries a collar.