I purposely waited until I'd washed these sheets 3 or 4 times before writing my review, because I figured they would soften up with time, and they do. I've washed them about three times now and they are definitely THICK and comfy, and yes they've softened considerably. They don't have the luxurious, satiny feel that some high-thread count sheets have, and I think I know why: to get that feel I believe you have to order sheets in a sateen finish. Lesson learned, because I do have some sheets that have that wonderful, buttery feel, and though I love these new ones, I miss that feel. I'll know for next time.That said, these sheets are an excellent value, especially at the price I paid. They are of a very dense fabric. I agree with another reviewer who said they are best in winter. I think that's probably true, and as the weather starts warming, I'll no doubt look for a set with a lighter feel. If sateen-finish high-count sheets feel like satin, these feel more like flannel. Definitely soft, just not so smooth. (They're not rough either, they don't pill or anything like that, although I did notice lint coming off in the dryer; I actually had to clean my lint filter after drying, a first for sheets!)These sheets are great when you just want to snuggle down and get cozy. Want to feel pampered? Get sateen.