They seem to absorb moisture well but they have a lot of strength (or what my mum called 'size' in these tissues when they are new). Packaging. They definitely need to be washed at least once before using them. Maybe 2 or 3 times. I've already washed them once and they're better, but they feel like they'll definitely improve in their softness and absorbency with more washings. Sorry they are not big enough to wear over the face for Covid protection or for stagecoaches. They are a good size (about 14 inches square I think) and don't shrink much in the first wash. The edges are edged with a sewn-on fabric band to keep them from unraveling later. And because they're 100% cotton, they won't wrinkle. But it's a handkerchief. I carry mine in my hip pocket so small wrinkles don't bother me. What is stopping me from giving this 5 stars? I think that this is certainly of great importance for the material and the workmanship. I highly recommend them.