Muslin (/ˈmʌslᵻn/ or /ˈmjuːslᵻn/) is a cotton fabric of plain weave.[1][2] It is made in a wide range of weights from delicate sheers to coarse sheeting.[2][3] It gets its name from the Indian port town Masulipatnam, known as Maisolos and Masalia in ancient times and the name 'Muslin' originated from the name Maisolos.[4] Early Indian muslin was handwoven of uncommonly delicate handspun yarn, especially in the region of what today is Bangladesh and Indian state of West Bengal .[3] It was imported into Europe for much of the 17th and early 18th centuries.[3]
Fine linen muslin was formerly known as sindon.[5]
In 2013, the traditional art of weaving Jamdani muslin in Bangladesh was included in the list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.[6]