Fabric comparison
Muslin and canvas are both cotton, but they are woven for different jobs. Muslin uses a loose, open weave that lets air move through, while canvas is woven tight and dense for strength and structure. That difference changes how a garment breathes and feels against a baby's skin.
By Vanessa & Bob, Epic in Bali · Updated 23 September 2026
| Muslin | Canvas | |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre & construction | Muslin is cotton woven in an open, loose weave, so you can often see small gaps in the fabric when you hold it up to light. | Canvas is cotton, or a cotton blend, woven tight and close, with little to no gap between threads. |
| Breathability | The open weave lets air pass through easily, which is why muslin is known as a breathable fabric. | The tight weave blocks more airflow, so canvas holds heat closer to the body. |
| Weight & feel | Muslin is thin and lightweight, and it moves easily with a baby's body. | Canvas is heavier and stiffer, built to hold its shape rather than drape. |
| Hot-weather performance | Because it is lightweight and dries quickly, muslin stays comfortable in warm or humid weather. | Canvas's density makes it feel warmer and slower to dry, so it suits cooler conditions better than heat. |
| Softness & durability | Muslin softens with every wash, and it creases easily, which is normal for this fabric. | Canvas starts out stiffer and stays firm through washing, and it resists creasing better than muslin. |
| Best for | Muslin suits everyday baby wear, especially in warm climates or layered outfits close to the skin. | Canvas suits structured items like bags or outerwear, where durability and shape matter more than softness. |
Choose Muslin if you want a lightweight, breathable fabric that stays comfortable against your baby's skin in warm weather and softens more with every wash.
Choose Canvas if you want a heavier, densely woven cotton that holds its shape and resists wrinkling, the kind of fabric more often used for bags or totes than everyday baby wear.