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Fabric comparison
Muslin and Pima cotton are both good choices for baby clothes, and they feel different for different reasons. Muslin is woven in an open, loose weave, so it breathes well and dries fast, while Pima is a long-staple cotton known for a smooth, tight weave and a silky feel. Neither one wins on every point: it comes down to your climate and the feel you want against your baby's skin.
By Vanessa & Bob — Epic, muslin makers in Bali · Updated 21 July 2026
| Muslin | Pima cotton | |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre and construction | Muslin is cotton woven in a loose, open weave, so the fabric itself has small gaps built in. | Pima cotton is a long-staple cotton fibre, usually woven or knit tight and smooth, with no gaps in the weave. |
| Breathability | The open weave lets air move through easily, which is why muslin feels breathable against skin. | Pima's tighter weave moves less air through the fabric itself, though a thin knit can still breathe reasonably well. |
| Weight and feel | Muslin is light and a little textured to start, and it softens more with every wash. | Pima is known for a smooth, almost silky hand feel from the first wear, and that feel stays fairly consistent over time. |
| Hot weather performance | The gaps in the weave help muslin dry quickly and feel cool against skin in warm, humid weather. | Pima is lightweight too, but its tighter weave can hold a bit more moisture against skin before it fully dries. |
| Softness and durability | Muslin starts a little crisp and softens with each wash, and it creases easily, which is normal for this weave. | Pima cotton starts soft and tends to hold its smooth finish well over time, with less creasing than a loose weave. |
| Best for | Parents in hot or humid climates who want a fabric that breathes and dries fast, and don't mind some creasing. | Parents who want a smooth, silky feel from day one and a fabric that keeps a crisper finish with less wrinkling. |
Choose Muslin if you want a breathable, quick-drying fabric for warm weather that keeps softening with every wash, creases and all.
Choose Pima cotton if you want a smooth, silky feel right from the start and a fabric that holds a less-wrinkled finish over time.