Fabric comparison
Muslin and linen are both natural fabrics that parents reach for when the weather turns warm. Muslin is cotton woven in an open, loose weave, while linen comes from the flax plant and has its own coarser, textured weave. Both soften with wear and wash well over time, but they behave differently against a baby's skin.
By Vanessa & Bob, Epic in Bali · Updated 24 August 2026
| Muslin | Linen | |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre and construction | Muslin is cotton woven in an open, loose weave. The gaps between the threads are what make it breathable and lightweight. | Linen comes from the flax plant and is woven in a slightly heavier, more textured weave, with natural slubs and a coarser hand than cotton. |
| Breathability | The loose weave lets air move through easily, which is why muslin feels light even when layered up. | Linen fibres are hollow, so air moves through them too, though the tighter weave used in most baby clothes lets in less air than muslin's open weave. |
| Weight and feel | Muslin starts soft and gets softer with every wash. It has almost no structure, so it drapes and moves with a baby's body. | Linen starts out stiffer and takes longer to soften. Even after many washes it keeps some texture and body, which some parents like for how it holds its shape. |
| Hot-weather performance | Muslin dries quickly after a wash or a spit-up, and its light weight makes it a common pick for hot, humid climates like Bali. | Linen also handles heat well and is known for feeling cool against the skin, though it can feel heavier once damp and takes longer to dry than muslin. |
| Softness and durability | Muslin softens fast, often within the first few washes, but the open weave is delicate and can snag or thin out sooner than a tighter fabric. | Linen takes longer to soften but is a strong fibre. It tends to hold up over years of washing and develops a broken-in look along the way. |
| Best for | Muslin suits everyday wear, layering, and swaddling, especially for newborns who need something light against their skin. | Linen suits parents who want a fabric that lasts and ages well, and who don't mind a slightly stiffer feel early on. |
Choose Muslin if you want a fabric that's soft from the first wash, dries fast, and moves easily with a newborn or toddler.
Choose Linen if you don't mind a stiffer break-in period and want a fabric that keeps its texture and holds up over years of wear.