What’s the Difference Between Muslin and Cotton and Which Is Right for You?
When you’re choosing fabrics for your home and family, a common question we get asked is: muslin vs cotton—what’s the difference? Both are classic, natural fabrics, but they don’t feel or function the same. We know cotton is the foundation of many of our favorite textiles, including t-shirts, blankets, sleepwear and more. Muslin is somewhat lesser known, and is a special weave of cotton known for its softness, lightness, and breathability.
At Gray Heron, we work exclusively with organic muslin because of the way it drapes, breathes, and softens with time. It’s more than just a fabric. It’s a daily comfort, a reminder of simplicity, and a touch of beauty woven into everyday life.
What Is Cotton?
Cotton is one of the most familiar fibers in the world. From its simple start on the cotton plant, the fiber is then transformed into something remarkably versatile; woven into textiles that can be delicate and sheer, or sturdy and full of structure. It’s everywhere in clothing, bedding, towels, and upholstery.
Key features of cotton fabrics:
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Strength and versatility: Cotton holds up to daily use.
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Comfortable by nature: Soft against the skin.
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Variety of textures: From crisp percale sheets to heavy denim.
Cotton is a reliable essential, but muslin takes it one step further.
What Is Muslin?
Muslin is a lightweight weave of cotton that is airy and soft to the touch.. It’s naturally breathable, with a gentle crinkled texture that makes it beautifully relaxed from the very first touch and one of the main reasons we love it for our blankets and throws. Over time, muslin only gets softer, which is one of our favorite reasons for using this fabric for all of our Gray Heron products.
Key features of Muslin fabric:
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Airy and breathable: Ideal for layering, especially in warmer months or for little ones.
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Softens with use: The more you live with it, the more comforting it becomes.
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Effortless to care for: Quick to dry, naturally textured, and low-maintenance.
Muslin vs Cotton: How They Compare
|
Feature |
Cotton (General) |
Muslin |
|
Breathability |
Varies by weave, sometimes heavy |
Lighty and airy, always breathable |
|
Texture |
Smooth, structured |
Soft, gently crinkled or puckered |
|
Durability |
Strong and versatile |
Softer, more delicate feel |
|
Everyday Use |
Clothing, sheets, towels |
Baby swaddles, blankets, throws, clothing |
Think of it this way: muslin is cotton, but not all cotton is muslin.
Cotton Muslin vs Cotton: Choosing What’s Right for You
The choice between cotton and muslin often comes down to how you want your fabric to feel in daily life:
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For structure and strength, cotton is a staple.
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For breathability and softness, muslin stands apart.
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For babies and cozy layering, muslin is unmatched.
At Gray Heron, we chose organic muslin because it brings together everything we care about: comfort, sustainability, and beauty that lasts.
Why Gray Heron Works With Organic Muslin
Every Gray Heron blanket is made from GOTS-certified organic cotton muslin. We source from a small, family-owned mill where traditional weaving meets modern sustainability standards. The result is fabric that carries intention in every thread.
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Naturally better: Organic muslin is free from harsh chemicals, making it safer for sensitive skin and gentler on the earth.
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Softness that deepens over time: Designed to be lived in, washed, and cherished.
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Made to be timeless: Neutral tones, effortless drape, heirloom quality.
Muslin isn’t just a fabric—it’s the reason Gray Heron blankets feel the way they do: soft, breathable, and deeply comforting.
FAQs: Muslin vs Cotton
Is muslin the same as cotton?
Muslin is made from cotton, but it’s woven differently. All muslin is cotton, but not all cotton fabrics are muslin.
Is muslin cotton gentle for babies?
Yes! Muslin is breathable, lightweight, and soft, making it perfect for swaddle blankets, burp cloths and more.
Does muslin last as long as cotton?
High-quality organic muslin is durable enough for daily use, but its best feature lies in how it softens with time. It’s not as heavy as some cotton weaves, but it’s made to be lived with, not tucked away.
Does muslin wrinkle or shrink?
Muslin naturally has a textured look that resists “stiff wrinkles.” Minimal shrinkage may happen at first wash, but it only adds to its signature softness.
In Closing: A Fabric to Live With
The difference between cotton and muslin lies in the structure, breathability, and feel of the fabric. Cotton is the backbone of textiles everywhere, but muslin is where cotton becomes effortless—lighter, softer, and more human.
At Gray Heron, our organic muslin blankets are made for the way you live: wrapping your baby in warmth, draping across your bed, or keeping close on cool evenings. They’re sustainable, timeless, and woven with care—pieces meant to be used every day and loved for years.
