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Fabric comparison
Muslin and linen are both natural fabrics parents reach for in hot weather, and both get more comfortable over time. Muslin is a loosely woven cotton, linen comes from the flax plant, and the two feel different on a baby's skin from the first wear. Neither is the wrong choice, it comes down to what you want the fabric to do day to day.
By Vanessa & Bob — Epic, muslin makers in Bali · Updated 16 July 2026
| Muslin | Linen | |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre & construction | Cotton woven in an open, loose weave. The gaps between the threads are what make muslin work the way it does. | Woven from flax plant fibres, usually in a tighter weave than muslin's open gauze. Linen has its own natural texture from the fibre itself. |
| Breathability | The open weave lets air pass through easily, which is why muslin is used for swaddles and light layers in warm rooms. | Flax fibres are breathable too, and linen has a long history in hot climates. The tighter weave means somewhat less airflow than muslin's open weave. |
| Weight & feel | Light and soft against skin, and it keeps getting softer with washing. It drapes loosely and moves with the body. | Starts out stiffer with more body, softening over time but keeping a bit of structure. Some parents like the texture, others find it firmer against newborn skin. |
| Hot-weather performance | Dries quickly after washing or sweat and doesn't cling to the skin. | Also quick-drying and can feel cool to the touch, though the coarser fibre can feel rougher on a baby's delicate skin than smooth cotton muslin. |
| Softness & durability | Softens with every wash and holds up well to frequent laundering. It creases easily, that's normal, not a flaw. | Known for being a strong, long-wearing fibre, but it wrinkles heavily and takes longer than muslin to feel truly soft. |
| Best for | Swaddles and everyday clothing worn right against the skin, and anything you'll wash often. | Looser outer layers, sun hats, and pieces worn over a base layer rather than directly against a newborn's skin. |
Choose Muslin if you want a fabric that's soft and breathable straight against your baby's skin and keeps improving with every wash.
Choose Linen if you like a fabric with more texture and durability for outer layers, and don't mind a firmer feel while it breaks in.