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Fabric comparison
Muslin and rib-knit cotton are both cotton fabrics that show up a lot in baby clothes, but they're built differently and they behave differently on the body. Muslin is woven with an open, loose weave, so air moves through it easily. Rib-knit is knitted into close vertical ribs with built-in stretch, which is why it's the go-to for fitted basics like bodysuits and leggings.
By Vanessa & Bob — Epic, muslin makers in Bali · Updated 23 July 2026
| Muslin | Rib-knit cotton | |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre & construction | Cotton woven in an open, loose weave, with visible gaps between the threads. | Cotton knitted into vertical ribs, a close, elastic construction with no gaps. |
| Breathability | The open weave lets air pass through the fabric, which is a big part of why it stays cool. | The tighter knit sits closer to the skin and lets less air through than an open weave. |
| Weight & feel | Light and thin, drapes loosely on the body and doesn't cling. | Has natural stretch and sits snug against the skin, a bit heavier than muslin. |
| Hot-weather performance | The loose weave and light weight help it feel cool in heat, and it dries quickly after a wash or a spill. | Comfortable and flexible, but the closer knit doesn't move air as freely, so it can feel warmer when it's hot out. |
| Softness & durability | Arrives pre-washed and soft, and keeps softening with every wash. It creases easily, which is just how the weave behaves. | Smooth and stretchy from the first wear, holds its shape and stretch through repeated washing, and doesn't crease. |
| Best for | Everyday warm-weather wear and layering where airflow and a loose fit matter most. | Fitted basics like bodysuits and leggings where stretch and a snug fit matter most. |
Choose Muslin if you want the lightest, most breathable fabric for warm days and clothes that keep softening the more you wash them.
Choose Rib-knit cotton if you want a stretchy, snug fit for fitted basics like bodysuits and leggings.