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Fabric comparison
Muslin and terry towelling are both cotton fabrics, but they're woven in very different ways, and that changes how they feel and behave on a baby. We use muslin for Epic's clothes because of how it breathes and softens, but terry towelling earns its place in baby wardrobes too, especially for bath time and burp cloths. Here's how they actually compare, aspect by aspect.
By Vanessa & Bob — Epic, muslin makers in Bali · Updated 18 July 2026
| Muslin | Terry towelling | |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre and weave | Muslin is cotton woven in an open, loose weave, so you can often see small gaps in the fabric if you hold it up to light. | Terry towelling is cotton woven or knitted with raised loops on one or both sides, which is what gives it that fluffy texture. |
| Breathability | The open weave lets air move through easily, which is why muslin doesn't trap heat against the skin the way denser fabrics can. | Terry towelling is thicker and denser than muslin, so air moves through it more slowly, though the loops still allow some airflow. |
| Weight and feel | Muslin is light and thin, almost gauzy on its own, which is why Epic sews with two layers of it so the garment still has enough body. | Terry towelling is noticeably heavier and thicker, with a plush, looped surface that feels soft and absorbent against the skin. |
| Hot-weather performance | Because it's lightweight and breathable, muslin doesn't cling or trap heat, which is why a lot of parents reach for it in warm climates. | The thickness that makes terry towelling good at soaking up water also means it holds onto more heat, so it can feel warm for a baby to wear for long stretches. |
| Softness and durability | Muslin starts soft and gets softer with every wash. It also creases easily, that's just how the loose weave behaves, not a flaw. | Terry towelling is soft and plush from the start and holds up well to repeated washing, though the loops can snag on rough surfaces or fasteners over time. |
| Best for | Muslin works well for everyday clothing, swaddles and layers a baby wears against their skin for hours at a time. | Terry towelling is built to absorb water fast, so it's the natural choice for baby towels, bath robes, bibs and burp cloths. |
Choose muslin if you want a light, breathable fabric for clothes and layers a baby will wear all day, especially somewhere warm.
Choose terry towelling if you need a fabric that soaks up water quickly, like for bath time, bibs or burp cloths.