Buying guide
For beach and pool days, pick a loose muslin cotton romper or playsuit to throw on over a swimsuit, a muslin hat for shade, and a muslin towel for wrapping up right after a swim. The open weave dries fast and stays light against warm, damp skin.
By Vanessa & Bob, Epic in Bali · Updated 20 October 2026
The same few pieces cover most beach trips: something loose to go over a swimsuit, a hat, and a towel that packs down small. Muslin suits this kind of day. The open weave lets air through and dries fast once you're back on the sand, and none of it replaces swimwear, it just earns its spot in the bag for the walk to the water and the stretch right after.
Loose enough to pull on over a wet swimsuit, and the open weave means it doesn't cling or stay damp on the walk back from the water.
Covers a little more of the arms and legs for the walk to and from the beach, while the weave still lets air through.
Gives a baby's face and neck some shade without trapping heat the way a thicker fabric would.
Wraps a toddler up straight after a swim and dries out quickly thanks to the same open weave as the clothes.
Muslin cotton is for before and after swimming, not a swimsuit. Once wet it gets heavy, so save it for the walk down, the shade break, and the dry-off after.
Creasing is just how the open weave looks, and it drops out once the piece is on or gets a quick shake. It's normal and doesn't change how the fabric breathes or dries.