When it comes to everyday shirting, oxford cloth isn’t the only game in town. If you’ve ever worn a button down shirt that felt lighter, smoother and a little airer than oxford cloth, there’s a good chance that you and broadcloth (or as it’s sometimes called poplin) are already acquainted.

What’s Broadcloth?
Broadcloth is a light to medium-weight cotton distinguished by its tight weave and fine finish. It’s soft and smooth to the touch, in comparison to the rougher texture of heavier oxford cloth.

How Do You Wear a Broadcloth Shirt?
Broadcloth can be worn in any situation where you’d otherwise wear a dress or casual shirt made from oxford cloth. Some broadcloth shirts are made in a lighter weight for the spring/summer season, but many broadcloth shirts are suited to year-round wear. If anything, they’re a little more formal than oxford cloth due to their fine, tight weave.

Broadcloth is an excellent fabric for any dress shirt meant to be worn with a suit or tie—but it’ll also work for a casual, vibrantly patterned shirt worn rolled-up to the elbows.