Fabric comparison
Muslin and linen are both natural fabrics that show up often in baby clothes, and each one earns its place. Muslin is cotton woven in an open, loose weave, and linen is woven from flax with a thicker, more textured thread. Both breathe well, but they behave differently against a baby's skin and in the wash.
By Vanessa & Bob, Epic in Bali · Updated 26 August 2026
| Muslin | Linen | |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre and construction | Cotton woven in a loose, open weave. Epic's clothes use two layers of muslin cotton for a bit more structure. | Flax fibre woven into a thicker, more textured fabric that can feel crisp and a little stiff before it's been washed a few times. |
| Breathability | The open weave lets air move through easily. That's part of why muslin works well for swaddles and warm-weather clothes. | Linen fibres also let air pass through and pull moisture away from the skin, so it breathes well in its own way too. |
| Weight and feel | Light on the body and soft against the skin, especially since Epic pre-washes it so it arrives soft instead of needing to break in. | Starts out with more body and a slight stiffness, then relaxes and softens after several washes. |
| Hot-weather performance | Stays light on the body and dries quickly after a wash. That matters on sweaty days when outfits change more than once. | Handles heat well too and dries quickly, though it tends to hold its shape rather than drape loosely like muslin. |
| Softness and durability | Softens more with every wash and creases easily, which is normal for a loosely woven cotton. Flat seams keep the inside smooth against delicate skin. | Known for holding up over many years and softening with age, but it wrinkles heavily and can feel rougher against the skin at first. |
| Best for | Everyday wear and swaddles, plus families who want a fabric that softens fast and moves easily on an active baby. | Special-occasion outfits and warm-climate dressing, for families who like a more structured look and don't mind extra care. |
Choose Muslin if you want a fabric that's soft from the first wear and only gets softer with every wash.
Choose Linen if you like its crisp, textured look for special occasions and don't mind some extra care to keep it looking sharp.