Mulmul vs Muslin vs Cotton Jhabla: Which Is Best for Your Newborn?
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Shopping for your baby's first jhablas, you will see three words again and again: mulmul, muslin and cotton. They sound like three different fabrics, but they are closely related, and the differences come down to how the cotton is woven.
The short answer: mulmul and muslin are both light, airy cotton fabrics, and the names are often used for the same thing. Both are usually better than regular woven or knit cotton for a newborn jhabla in India's warm weather, because they breathe better and stay soft against new skin. Regular cotton still has its place for cooler nights and for stretchy, close-fitting clothes.
Is mulmul the same as muslin?
Mostly, yes. Both come from the same cotton-weaving tradition of Bengal, and in everyday Indian shopping the words are used interchangeably. Where people do make a distinction, mulmul usually means a very fine, lightweight, slightly sheer cotton, similar to voile, while muslin in baby products usually means a soft, open-weave cotton, often in one or two layers, that feels a little like gauze.
For a jhabla, the name on the label matters less than three things: the fabric is 100% cotton, the weave is open enough to let air through, and it feels soft rather than starchy.
How is regular cotton different?
All three are cotton. "Regular" cotton baby clothes are usually made in one of two ways:
- Tightly woven cotton (such as poplin or cambric): smoother and more structured, but it traps more heat than muslin.
- Knit cotton (often called hosiery or interlock): stretchy and snug, which is why it is used for bodysuits and onesies. It is warmer and holds moisture longer in humid weather.
Mulmul vs muslin vs cotton: side by side
| Mulmul | Muslin | Regular cotton (woven or knit) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feel | Very fine and light | Soft and airy, gets softer with every wash | Smooth (woven) or stretchy (knit) |
| Breathability | High | High, thanks to the open weave | Medium |
| Best season | Hot months | Year-round; layer it in cooler weather | Cooler nights, air-conditioned rooms |
| Drying time | Fast | Fast | Slower, especially knits |
| Best for | Summer jhablas | Jhablas, frocks, swaddles, night suits | Bodysuits, onesies, warmer layers |
Which jhabla fabric should you choose?
- For the first months in most of India: a muslin or mulmul jhabla. Newborns spend most of the day lying down and swaddled, so a breathable layer helps prevent sweat rashes and overheating.
- For the hospital bag: soft muslin jhablas with front opening, so you never pull anything over your baby's head. See our baby hospital bag checklist for India.
- For cool nights or AC rooms: keep the muslin jhabla and add a layer, such as a muslin swaddle or, from 3 months, a full sleeve muslin night suit.
Our muslin jhablas
ViRAN Kids jhablas are made in soft organic cotton muslin, in three styles:
- Knot jabla: the traditional tie-knot front, sizes newborn to 6 months.
- Button jabla: snap buttons for quick changes, sizes newborn to 12 months.
- Flip jabla: a 2-layer flip-open front, sizes newborn to 6 months.
Not sure which closure to pick? Read knot vs button vs flip jabla. You can also shop all muslin baby clothes.
Frequently asked questions
Is mulmul good for newborn babies?
Yes. Mulmul is a fine, light cotton that breathes well, which makes it comfortable for newborns in warm Indian weather. Choose 100% cotton and wash new clothes before first use.
Is muslin better than cotton for a newborn jhabla?
Muslin is itself cotton, just woven more loosely. That open weave makes it more breathable and quicker to dry than tightly woven or knit cotton, so it is usually the better choice for jhablas in India. Knit cotton is better for stretchy bodysuits.
Do muslin jhablas shrink?
Cotton muslin can shrink slightly on the first wash. Washing in cool water and drying in the shade keeps shrinkage low. See how to wash and care for muslin baby clothes.
How many jhablas does a newborn need?
Newborns often need several changes a day, so many parents keep around 6 to 8 jhablas for the first weeks. Size up once your baby is close to outgrowing the newborn size.