Muslin: India’s Forgotten Legacy That Deserves a Revival

When you hear the word muslin, what comes to mind? For many, it’s just another type of cotton. But muslin is not just a fabric — it’s a centuries-old legacy of craftsmanship, comfort, and elegance that began in India and once captivated the entire world. At The Bottom Store, we believe it’s time to bring muslin back into the spotlight, and here’s why.
What is Muslin?

Muslin is a lightweight, breathable, and soft cotton fabric woven in a plain weave. It is usually crafted from uncommonly fine hands-pun yarns. What makes muslin stand apart is its natural texture — airy, soft against the skin, and perfect for India’s hot and humid climate.
Unlike heavy synthetic fabrics that suffocate the skin, muslin allows the body to breathe. Its crinkled, gauzy texture not only makes it incredibly comfortable but also lends a graceful fall and flow — perfect for daily wear as well as premium lifestyle clothing.
Muslin’s Origins in India
Muslin was first woven along the banks of the river Meghna in Bengal, centuries ago. Known as “mulmul” in India, it was so fine and transparent that it was often described as “woven air.”

By the 17th and 18th centuries, muslin from Bengal was being exported to royal courts across Europe, Persia, and the Middle East. It wasn’t just fabric; it was a symbol of India’s craftsmanship, culture, and dominance in the global textile trade. Queens and nobles prized muslin garments for their unmatched softness and delicate finish.

How Muslin Lost Its Essence
The decline of muslin is a painful reminder of what happens when heritage meets the race for cheap fashion. During the colonial period, British policies deliberately crushed the muslin industry in Bengal. Artisans were forced out of work, and machine-made textiles from England flooded Indian markets.
In the modern era, fast fashion added to muslin’s woes. Synthetic fabrics — polyester, rayon, poly-mix knits — took over because they were cheap to produce at scale. The problem? These fabrics are non-breathable, cause skin irritation, and contribute heavily to pollution. Somewhere in this race for mass-produced, disposable fashion, muslin — the original skin-friendly, sustainable fabric — was forgotten.
Why Muslin Needs a Revival

Today, as we become more conscious about what we wear and its impact on our health and the planet, muslin is making a comeback. Here’s why reviving muslin is essential:

• Breathable & Skin-Friendly: Perfect for Indian summers, muslin allows sweat to evaporate and prevents rashes.
• Sustainable Choice: Made from natural cotton fibers, muslin is biodegradable and eco-friendly compared to synthetics.
• Timeless Heritage: Wearing muslin isn’t just about comfort; it’s about carrying forward India’s lost textile legacy.
• Premium Everyday Wear: With its natural drape and soft finish, muslin adds elegance to everyday clothing without compromising on ease.

At The Bottom Store, our trousers and bottoms crafted in muslin celebrate this fabric’s past and promise its future. Every piece is designed to remind you that sustainable doesn’t have to be boring — it can be stylish, breathable, and rooted in history.

Final Word
Muslin is more than fabric; it’s India’s story of craftsmanship, loss, and revival. By choosing muslin, you’re not only choosing comfort for yourself but also supporting a fabric that once made India the textile capital of the world.
It’s time we give muslin the respect it deserves. After all, why settle for synthetic when you can wear a piece of heritage that’s light as air, soft on the skin, and kind to the planet?

The Bottom Store — Reviving Muslin, Reviving Legacy.