Fabric comparison
Muslin and voile are both light, breathable weaves that show up often in baby clothing. Muslin is cotton woven loose and open, which gives it a bit of texture and a lot of airflow. Voile is a finer, more tightly woven fabric with a smoother, sheerer finish. Both have a place in a baby's wardrobe, but they suit different jobs.
By Vanessa & Bob, Epic in Bali · Updated 15 August 2026
| Muslin | Voile | |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre and construction | Cotton woven in a loose, open weave. The gaps between threads are what give muslin its texture and airflow. | Usually a fine yarn woven in a tight, plain weave, which is why voile looks smoother and more even than muslin. |
| Breathability | The open weave lets air pass through easily, which is the main reason parents reach for it in warm weather. | Voile is lightweight and breathes reasonably well too, though the tighter weave means a bit less airflow than muslin's open gaps. |
| Weight and feel | Feels soft and slightly textured, especially after a few washes. Epic's muslin is double-layer, so it has a little more body than a single layer would. | Feels smooth and light against the skin, with a finer drape. Voile tends to be thinner than muslin and can feel slippery by comparison. |
| Hot-weather performance | The loose weave and light cotton make it a good pick for hot, humid days. It dries quickly after a wash or a quick wipe-down. | Voile also does well in the heat because it's so light, though its tighter weave holds a little more warmth than muslin's open structure. |
| Softness and durability | Muslin softens more with every wash. Epic's version already arrives soft since it's prewashed, and keeps improving from there. It creases easily, which is normal for this weave. | Voile starts out smooth and stays fairly consistent wash after wash, but the fine weave can snag or wear thin faster under heavy use than muslin's sturdier open weave. |
| Best for | Everyday baby wear and swaddles that go through the wash constantly and need to hold up over time. | Lighter pieces like linings or overlays, where a smooth, sheer drape matters more than daily durability. |
Choose Muslin if you want a fabric that breathes well in the heat and holds up to daily wear, getting softer with every wash.
Choose Voile if you want a finer, smoother drape for lighter pieces and don't need the fabric to stand up to constant daily wear.