These are pretty good handkerchiefs. I use them as actual handkerchiefs, not suit handkerchiefs. They are quite soft but a bit thin. I can't find handkerchiefs as good as the big soft cotton handkerchiefs I had as a kid, but these are pretty decent and cute. I wash them in the washing machine along with other things without a prewash (when I'm not sick I prewash with my hands). I haven't had any problems with them.