Fabric comparison
Muslin and fleece are both common fabrics for baby clothes, but they do different jobs. Muslin is a loose, open cotton weave that lets air move through it, while fleece is a brushed, plush fabric built to trap warmth against the skin. Neither is the wrong choice, it comes down to your climate and the season.
By Vanessa & Bob, Epic in Bali · Updated 5 August 2026
| muslin | fleece | |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre & construction | Woven cotton with an open, loose weave. Hold it up to the light and you can often see small gaps between the threads. | Usually a knit, often polyester or a cotton blend, brushed on one or both sides to create a soft, fuzzy nap. |
| Breathability | The open weave lets air pass through easily, so heat and moisture don't build up against the skin. | The dense knit and brushed fibers hold air close to the body. That's what makes fleece warm, but it also means less airflow. |
| Weight & feel | Light and thin, with a slightly crinkled, papery hand that softens with every wash. | Thicker and plush, with a fuzzy, cushioned feel against the skin. |
| Hot-weather performance | Made for heat. The loose weave and light weight help it dry fast and stay cool against the skin. | Not built for heat. The same insulating nap that keeps fleece warm in cold weather can make a baby overheat in a warm room or on a hot day. |
| Softness & durability | Starts a little crinkled and stiff but softens with each wash, that creasing is normal for this weave. Epic's muslin is pre-washed so it's already soft on first wear. | Soft to the touch from day one and holds its plush texture well, though the nap can flatten or pill after repeated washing. |
| Best for | Warm climates, layering, swaddling, and everyday wear where you want a baby to stay cool and comfortable. | Cold weather, outdoor bundling, or as an outer layer over lighter clothing when the temperature drops. |
Choose muslin if you want a light, breathable fabric that keeps a baby cool in warm weather or for everyday layering.
Choose fleece if you need a warm, insulating layer for cold weather or outdoor bundling.