Fabric comparison
Muslin cotton and tencel (lyocell) are both soft, breathable choices for baby clothes, but they get there in different ways. Muslin is a loosely woven cotton that lets air through the gaps in the weave and softens more with every wash, while tencel is spun from wood pulp cellulose into a smooth, closely woven fabric with a silky feel from the first wear. Epic makes double-layer muslin cotton clothes, so here's an honest look at how the two compare.
By Vanessa & Bob, Epic in Bali · Updated 12 August 2026
| muslin cotton | tencel (lyocell) fabric | |
|---|---|---|
| fibre & construction | Muslin cotton is a plain-weave cotton, woven loosely so the yarns sit apart from each other. Epic's version is two layers of muslin stitched together with flat seams. | Tencel (lyocell) is a fibre made from wood pulp cellulose, spun into a fine thread and woven or knit into a close, silky fabric. |
| breathability | The open weave leaves small gaps that let air move through, which is part of why muslin feels light against skin. | Tencel fibres are smooth and absorb moisture well, so the fabric breathes too, though the weave sits tighter than muslin's, with fewer visible gaps. |
| weight & feel | Muslin starts light with a bit of texture, and gets softer and slightly more rumpled-looking with every wash. Creasing easily is normal, not a flaw. | Tencel has a smooth, almost silky feel from the first wear, with a drape that sits close to the body and resists wrinkling more than muslin does. |
| hot-weather performance | The loose weave and light layers help muslin dry quickly after a wash or a spill, and double-layer muslin still feels airy in a warm, humid climate. | Tencel draws moisture away from skin, which many parents find comfortable in heat, though it can cling a little when damp. |
| softness & durability | Epic pre-washes its muslin so it arrives soft, and it keeps softening with wear. Machine wash cold on gentle, tumble dry low or hang, and skip fabric softener and high heat. | Tencel is soft from day one and holds its shape wash after wash, though it's a more delicate fibre that generally wants a gentler cycle and lower heat to avoid pilling. |
| best for | Parents who want a fabric that changes character with wear and don't mind clothes that aren't pressed and flat. | Parents who want a smooth, close-fitting feel from the start and don't mind a fabric that asks for a bit more care in the wash. |
Choose muslin cotton if you want a breathable, quick-drying fabric that softens and takes on more character with every wash, creases and all.
Choose tencel (lyocell) fabric if you want a smooth, silky feel from the first wear and less wrinkling, and you're fine with a slightly more careful wash routine.