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Fabric comparison
Muslin and flannel are both cotton, but they're built to do different jobs. Muslin is woven loose and open, so air moves through it easily and it dries fast after a wash. Flannel is woven tighter and brushed on the surface for a soft, fuzzy feel that holds warmth close to the body.
By Vanessa & Bob — Epic, muslin makers in Bali · Updated 17 July 2026
| Muslin | Flannel | |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre and construction | Cotton woven in an open, loose weave. You can see small gaps between the threads if you hold it up to the light. | Cotton (sometimes blended with other fibers) woven tighter, then brushed on one or both sides to raise a soft nap. |
| Breathability | The open weave lets air pass through freely, so heat doesn't build up against the skin. | The tighter weave and brushed nap trap more air close to the body, which is part of what makes flannel feel warm. |
| Weight and feel | Light and thin. It moves with the body and layers easily under or over other clothes. | Heavier and thicker, with a soft, fuzzy surface from the brushing. |
| Hot weather performance | Good in heat and humidity. It doesn't trap warmth and dries quickly if it gets damp with sweat. | Not the best choice for hot weather. The tighter weave and brushed surface hold heat, which is exactly what makes it good for cold weather instead. |
| Softness and durability | Starts soft, since Epic pre-washes every piece, and keeps softening with each wash at home. It creases easily, which is normal for a loose weave and not a flaw. | Starts soft from the brushed nap. With repeated washing the nap can flatten over time, and the fabric can hold onto lint and pilling more than a plain weave does. |
| Best for | Warm or humid climates, everyday wear, layering, and babies who tend to run warm or sweat easily. | Cool and cold climates, chilly nights, and anyone who wants extra warmth built into the fabric itself. |
Choose Muslin if you want a light fabric that breathes well, keeps a baby cool in warm weather, and gets softer the more you wash it.
Choose Flannel if you need a heavier fabric that holds in warmth for cold weather or chilly nights.