Here's an example of a muslin cloak from 1798 (this is from the July issue of Lady's Monthly Museum). The original description reads:

"First figure: Long cambric muslin dress, drawn close round the neck, with full frill. Straw hat, of various shapes, trimmed with lilac, &c.
Second figure: Close pink muslin robe, with long white muslin cloak trimmed with lace, and full frill round the neck. White muslin bonnet, and long veil of white lace or muslin."

So there in one fashion plate you have muslin dresses, muslin robe, muslin frills (on chemisettes), a muslin cloak, a muslin bonnet, and a veil of muslin. A plethora of uses!