5212.11.60.20 - Poplin or broadcloth (314) 🖩

This classification, HTS Code 5212.11.60.20, specifically covers cotton fabrics of the "poplin or broadcloth" construction. These are typically plain weave fabrics characterized by their fine, even texture and smooth finish, often achieved through a high thread count. Poplin and broadcloth are distinguished by their warp yarns being finer and having more tightly twisted threads than the weft yarns, contributing to their characteristic crisp hand and subtle sheen.

Within the broader category of "Other woven fabrics of cotton, weighing not more than 200 g/m², unbleached," this subcategory differentiates itself from siblings such as sheeting, printcloth, and cheesecloth/lawns/voiles/batistes. Sheeting is generally a heavier fabric, while printcloth is often a more tightly woven plain weave designed for printing. Cheesecloth, lawns, voiles, and batistes are typically much lighter and more open in weave. This classification is distinct from satin or twill weaves, which have different interlacing patterns that result in a distinct diagonal rib (twill) or a smooth, lustrous surface (satin).

As this is a leaf node within the HTS structure, there are no further subdivisions. The classification of a fabric as poplin or broadcloth is generally determined by its weave structure, yarn count, and resulting fabric hand and appearance, rather than its end-use or specific pattern, provided it meets the weight and unbleached criteria of its parent categories.