Long Staple combed 100% cotton makes the difference in this case.  Do your homework.  These sheets are very thick, heavy, and soft to the touch.  You must like soft thick sheets to appreciate these.  These are not thin silky sheets.  While they are NOT scratchy,  I am confident with repeated washing they will become even softer.

I have been looking for quality HEAVY sheets to replace my beloved 1600TC sheets.  They finally gave out after 8 yrs of continued use. They began thick and stiff, but in time became soft as butter.  I have tried several sets in attempts to find similar quality, to no avail.  I feel these are a winner and will now order for the remaining beds in my home.