Fabric comparison
Muslin and linen are both natural, breathable fabrics that show up a lot in baby clothing, and for good reason. Muslin is cotton woven in a loose, open weave, while linen comes from the flax plant and has its own coarser, more textured weave. Both hold up well in warm weather, but they feel and behave differently on a small body, so here's how they actually compare.
By Vanessa & Bob, Epic in Bali · Updated 20 August 2026
| Muslin | Linen | |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre and construction | Cotton woven in an open, loose weave. The gaps between threads let air move through easily. | Made from flax fibres, woven in a slightly heavier, more textured weave with a naturally coarser feel. |
| Breathability | The open weave lets warm air escape and circulate close to the skin, which helps a baby stay comfortable. | Also breathable, since flax fibres are naturally airy, though the tighter weave often used in linen garments can feel a little less open against the skin than muslin. |
| Weight and feel | Light and soft, especially after a few washes. Epic's muslin is double-layer, so it has a bit more body while staying soft against the skin. | Linen starts out crisper and more structured than muslin, and softens with washing, but usually takes longer to relax and feel broken in. |
| Hot-weather performance | Dries quickly after a wash or a spit-up, and the loose weave helps it feel cool against warm skin. | Also a solid choice in heat, since flax handles moisture well, though its firmer structure means it doesn't always move as loosely against a baby's skin as muslin does. |
| Softness and durability | Softens with every wash. Muslin creases easily, which is normal and just part of the fabric, not a flaw. | Softens over time too, but usually needs more washes to get there. Linen wrinkles easily as well, similar to muslin. |
| Best for | Everyday wear right against the skin: onesies, swaddles, and layers a baby is in for hours at a stretch. | Looser outer layers, sun hats, or pieces where a bit more texture and structure are welcome. |
Choose Muslin if you want a soft, lightweight layer that sits gently against your baby's skin all day and keeps getting softer wash after wash.
Choose Linen if you like its natural texture and don't mind a fabric that takes a bit longer to soften, especially for looser outer pieces rather than all-day base layers.