Fabric comparison
Muslin and chambray are both cotton fabrics, but they're woven differently, and that changes how they feel and behave on a baby. Muslin uses an open, loose weave with small gaps between the threads, while chambray is woven tighter and closer, more like a lightweight shirt fabric. Here's how the two compare for baby clothes.
By Vanessa & Bob, Epic in Bali · Updated 31 July 2026
| Muslin | Chambray | |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre and construction | Cotton woven in an open, loose weave, leaving small gaps between the threads. | Cotton woven in a plain, tighter weave, closer and denser than muslin. |
| Breathability | The open weave lets air move through easily, which is why muslin is known for being breathable. | The tighter weave lets less air through than muslin, though it's still a natural cotton fabric. |
| Weight and feel | Light and soft against the skin, with a relaxed drape that moves with a baby's body. | Usually a bit heavier and crisper, with more structure and less give than muslin. |
| Hot-weather performance | The gaps in the weave help air circulate, which helps on warm or humid days. | The closer weave holds a little more heat against the skin, so it can feel warmer than muslin in the same conditions. |
| Softness and durability | Starts soft and keeps softening with every wash. It creases easily, that's normal for this weave. | Starts firmer and takes longer to soften, but it tends to hold its shape and resist wrinkles better than muslin. |
| Best for | Hot or humid days, and parents who want a fabric that stays light and airy from morning to night. | Cooler weather, and parents who want an outfit that keeps its shape and stays neat for longer. |
Choose Muslin if you want your baby to stay cool in warm weather and you don't mind a fabric that softens over time and creases easily.
Choose Chambray if you want a fabric with more structure that holds its shape and resists wrinkles, even though it isn't as airy as muslin.