Fabric comparison
Muslin and poplin are both cotton, but they behave differently once they're sewn into baby clothes. Muslin is woven loose and open, so it moves air and softens fast with every wash. Poplin is woven tight and smooth, which gives it a crisper look and a bit more structure. Neither one is wrong for a baby, it depends on the season and the outfit.
By Vanessa & Bob, Epic in Bali · Updated 14 August 2026
| Muslin | Poplin | |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre & construction | Cotton woven in a loose, open weave with visible gaps between the threads. It starts light and gets softer with every wash after that. | Cotton woven tight and close, often with a fine crosswise rib. The threads sit near each other, so there's less give in the fabric. |
| Breathability | The open weave lets air move through easily, so warm air can escape instead of getting trapped against the skin. | The tight weave holds its shape well but lets less air through than an open weave, so it can sit a bit warmer on the skin. |
| Weight & feel | Light and a little textured, especially before it's been washed a few times. It drapes loosely and doesn't cling. | Smooth with a slight crispness and a bit more body. It holds a cleaner line and resists wrinkling better. |
| Hot-weather performance | Suits heat and humidity well because the open weave keeps air moving and the fabric dries quickly after a wash or a spill. | Can feel warmer in high heat since the weave is denser, though it still breathes better than most synthetic fabrics. |
| Softness & durability | Starts soft and keeps softening wash after wash. The looser weave means a little more care helps it avoid snags. | Starts smoother and holds its shape over time. The tighter weave makes it a bit more resistant to snags and pulls. |
| Best for | Hot climates, everyday wear, and parents who like a fabric that gets softer the more it's washed. | Cooler weather, dressier outfits, or times when a cleaner, more structured look matters more than airflow. |
Choose Muslin if you want a fabric that stays cool in the heat, softens with every wash, and holds up to everyday wear for a baby on the move.
Choose Poplin if you want a smoother, more structured fabric for cooler days or dressier outfits where a crisp finish matters more than maximum airflow.