After a home renovation I selected this dishtowel with a monochromatic look to simplify the variety I had accumulated over the years. I was too hopeful apparently because these towels are like ones available in Eastern bloc countries in the 70's —sturdy, all right, but they never soften after repeated washing and softening agents and as a result, I can't tell that they will ever dry a dish; water seems to repel to the side unaccustomed to such abusive wiping. I don't know if it's the quality of the cotton or the weave itself. How I regret enthusiastically purchasing 2 big bundles of these nightmares, after donating my useful bunch of mis-match cloths.