Nainsook is a soft, fine, lightweight form of muslin.[1][2] Muslin encompasses a broad range of fabrics of varying weight and fineness, but is always a plain weave, cotton fabric. The word nainsook is first documented in 1790, and derives from the Hindi word "nainsukh", which literally means "eye's delight".[1]
Nainsook was often used to make babies' clothing or lingerie at least until the 1920s.[3] Nainsook cotton was also often used to make bias tape in the 50s and 60s.