As I remade the bed after washing these sheets today, I wondered how many times I had washed them. I've had them about 2 1/2 years and they look like new. They are real cotton and are so comfortable, unlike sheets with polyester or microfiber in them. I chose only 4 stars because, when I opened them new, one of the pocket seams was open about an inch. I loved the feel of the sheets, and the pockets were actually deep enough to fit my mattress, so I sewed up the missed spot and hoped it was a fluke. All the seems have held and they wash beautifully on warm, dry on regular setting, and they truly are like new. I love them.

**UPDATE: After using these sheets for a couple months, I felt I had to change my rating from two stars to four. Yes, they wrinkle easily, but they're soft and comfortable, the wide elastic and labels on the fitted sheet are fantastic, and the pillowcase pockets are wonderful. No, they're not as nice as Chaps, but they're very nice sheets for the price.** I've been looking for a sheet set comparable to my favorite, Chaps, which has been discontinued. This looked like a contender (same thread count, damask, pillowcase pockets, sateen finish). Sadly, after washing them before use and following the instructions (cold water, short dryer time, removed from dryer promptly), they were just plain, wrinkled cotton sheets with no silky feel at all. I'd return them, but unfortunately the flaws only appeared after being washed. I washed them with a new set of Chaps sheets I was able to find on eBay. The photo is of the ivory Chaps pillowcase on the left and the white pillowcase from this set on the right, after washing, drying and folding at the same time. There's SUCH a difference. Maybe they'd be okay ironed (as the manufacturer recommends for the pillowcases), but I really don't want to have to iron my sheets after each wash. All that said, the elastic around the bottom of the fitted sheet and the tags indicating the top/bottom end are great.

This product was in my price range so I read a lot of reviews. Despite some negativity I ordered the product to judge for myself. I also wanted to wash and sleep on the product before entering a review.

The sheets arrived in well packaged condition, new and undamaged. The envelope-closure pillow cases are actually queen size (20in x 30in), not 'standard/queen' like many brands. Despite the supposed '500CT' thread count, the weave is open and the fabric thin. Also, the fabric is '100% cotton' so I fully expected wrinkling. Color is true (burgundy is not pink, red, maroon or purple).

The description indicates deep pocket "up to 18 inches". As evidenced by the following photos, the gusset seam is right at 15 inches. My mattress is a standard queen size pillow top with a thin protector and 1" padded cover; so total depth is about 16 inches. The all-round elastic is double stitched and fits snuggly, with a bit showing along the length of the mattress so to just cover the mattress without slipping. The flat top sheet adequately covers the top of my bed with plenty of length to tuck about 8 inches at the foot of the bed. The fold down border is nicely finished although the reverse is a bit rough. As long as it doesn't unravel, I'm fine with what's on reverse. I did iron the top border for a crisp look.

I did a quick vinegar rinse to set the color and tumble dry (per instructions). The sheets are cut and blocked so well that all corners meet exactly when folded with no 'rolling' edge seams. Fitted sheet nestles neatly and folds down nicely.

A number of reviews mentioned the sheets being "scratchy" or "rough" to the feel. I did find that, after washing (I don't use softeners in my machines), the fabric has a mild rustle texture to it. Because of the open weave and cotton content, I believe no amount of softener will change this. In my experience, too much softener coats the fibers and actually makes the material stiff. I do not have sensitive skin so this is not a concern for me thus I've decided to keep the product. If one wants smooth, soft, wrinkle free sheets, I recommend thread count above 600 and cotton/poly blend or percale. Conditionally recommended.

These sheets are both comfortable and beautiful. The thread count is not the highest, but it's high enough to result in soft sheets (something I wanted and got). I purchased them in Semolina, which looks like some sort of creamy butterscotch to my eye and in my bedroom's light. It's Fall and the color seems perfect for the season, as leaves and grasses turn. They're also very well finished, with good hems, seams, and elastic on the fitted sheet. Highly recommend them, and I'll be purchasing at least one more set.

Sometimes when you order/buy California King sheets, and despite what it says on the packaging, they just don't fit quite right (particularly cheap sheets from giant box stores) - or if they fit when new, after a couple washings they've shrunk with bias and no longer fit right. Anyways, these are great - the fitted sheet is perfect size with external elastic band, and the top sheet is a little oversize so you can actually tuck the foot in on a tall mattress and still have it come up high enough. I like the subtle pattern, if for no other reason than it eliminates guessing which way to turn the sheet when making the bed. We've washed these several times and no pilling or shrinkage and the color has stayed good.