Fabric comparison
Muslin is the better choice for baby clothes because its closer cotton weave holds together when cut, sewn, worn, and washed again and again, while cheesecloth has a looser weave made for kitchen straining. People often mix the two names up since both are loosely woven cotton fabrics that let air through well, but they are built for different jobs.
By Vanessa & Bob, Epic in Bali · Updated 18 August 2026
| Muslin | Cheesecloth | |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre and construction | 100% cotton in a loose, open weave that sits 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 because it started out as a kitchen fabric for straining curds and wrapping cheese, not for sewing into clothing. |
| Breathability | The open weave leaves small gaps between threads, so air moves through easily and heat does not get trapped against the skin. | Built with an even more open weave than muslin, so air passes through just as easily, and sometimes more so, since the threads sit further apart. |
| Weight and feel | Light yet with enough body to drape and hold a garment's shape. Epic's clothes use two layers of muslin, so they feel fuller in the hand while staying airy. | Thinner and floatier than muslin, with less body. It moves easily in your hands but does not 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 stays cool in the heat since the weave is so open, though its thinness gives less coverage on its own than a double layer of muslin. |
| Softness and durability | Softens more with every wash and is built 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 during the repeated handling and washing that 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 washing is not the point. |
Choose Muslin if you want a breathable fabric built 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, where everyday durability is not what you need.