Fabric comparison
Muslin and cheesecloth are both loosely woven cotton fabrics, and people mix the two names up a lot. Muslin is woven closely enough to be cut and sewn into clothes that get worn and washed again and again, while cheesecloth started out as a kitchen fabric for straining, with an even more open weave. Both let air through well, but they're built for different jobs.
By Vanessa & Bob, Epic in Bali · Updated 18 August 2026
| Muslin | Cheesecloth | |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre and construction | 100% cotton in an open, loose weave, woven closely enough to be cut and sewn into garments and hold together through regular wear. | Also a loosely woven cotton, graded more openly than muslin. It started out as a kitchen fabric for straining curds and wrapping cheese, not for cutting and sewing into clothing. |
| Breathability | The open weave leaves small gaps between the threads, so air moves through easily and heat doesn't get trapped against the skin. | An even more open weave than muslin, so air passes through just as easily, sometimes more so, since the threads sit further apart. |
| Weight and feel | Light but with enough body to drape and hold a garment's shape. Epic's clothes use two layers of muslin, so they feel a little fuller in the hand while staying airy. | Thinner and floatier than muslin, with less body. It moves easily in your hands but doesn't hold structure well on its own. |
| Hot weather performance | Stays comfortable in warm, humid climates because air passes through the weave, and the fabric dries quickly after a wash or a sweaty day. | Also cool in the heat, since the weave is so open, though the thinness means it offers less coverage on its own than a double layer of muslin. |
| Softness and durability | Softens more with every wash and is made to be worn, washed and worn again over months of daily use. | Feels soft from the start, but the looser weave is more prone to snagging, thinning and small tears with the kind of repeated handling and washing baby clothes go through. |
| Best for | Everyday baby clothing, like rompers and swaddles that get worn and washed on a regular cycle. | Lighter, occasional use, like a thin wrap or a kitchen straining cloth, where heavy daily wear and wash isn't the point. |
Choose Muslin if you want a fabric that's made to be worn and washed again and again, staying soft and holding its shape through daily baby life.
Choose Cheesecloth if you want an extra light, airy weave for occasional use, like a light wrap or straining cloth, and everyday durability isn't what you need.