I purchased these in the blue stone colour.  On first washing a couple of the towels appeared to have lightened areas on them.  I had not used any bleach but they looked like that's what happened.  I don't use bleach at all.  I liked the size which is just what I was looking for to completely cover my six foot tall hubby after a shower or jacuzzi.  We had never had ones this large size before.  They dry well but aren't really a softy towel.