Very smooth and soft, draping easily across the mattress. I have a 17"thick mattress (including a 5" featherbed) and the pocket-depth of the bottom sheet fits nicely- with room to spare.   As to the color, it's quite elusive:  when I received the sheets, I thought they were tan.  When I held them close to something in brown tones, they looked a very light grey. It's a thin striped thatch print in color, and the background is white.  The printed lines are very thin and close together.  I wish these were a more obvious grey thatch print, either wider lines/spacing or darker grey, closer to a true grey palette. 4 stars for quality and fabulous fit for a deep mattress.  One star less for 'faded or unimpressing' color/pattern result.  I just wanted grey patterned sheets, vs solid, but I should have continued looking.  The pattern only shows close up.  thanks.