After reading multiple reviews about how large these robes are when new - but how much they 'shrink to size' when washed - I purchased both the M/L and the L/XL robe for a tall female relative (5'11", 143 lbs), with broad shoulders for her frame.The M/L (sized apparently for men) leaned closer to a Men's M, and was a far better fit out of the package than the L/XL. The L/XL was more like a XXXL - laughably gigantic! - and hard to believe it was just the next size up. But that's what made it hard to size: The shoulders on the M/L were only a little bit big, the length was good, and the overlap was roomy but not overly so (especially with no inside tie to hold it in place). Without a way to know WHICH WAY the robe would shrink (length only, or length and width?) - and NOT wanting it to shrink much across the shoulders - the M/L seemed like a bit of a gamble. And yet the L/XL (aka XXXL) was SO gargantuan on her, it didn't seem likely that that it would ever shrink down to appropriate dimensions (or might shrink lengthwise, but not nearly enough width-wise).Sadly, we decided it was best to return both, and just keep looking for something more likely to keep its original dimensions.As for quality, it's a substantial robe! - heavy cotton waffle (not the lightweight stuff one sees at discount stores). I've never been to a spa, but I imagine this is the kind of heavy cotton waffle weave robe you'd see there. She said it seemed quite warm, too - so it may work well for folks who like to crank up the AC in the summer (or who always feel cold) - but especially with long sleeves, may be a bit much in the heat of summer in warm climates while running just a ceiling fan, or sparing the AC.We just tried these out of the package and didn't wash them first, so I can't rate their softness. There is a bit of an odd smell out of the package (not mildew - perhaps something from the manufacture or dye process?) that presumably disappears after laundering.All in all, a beautiful robe! We just opted not to take a chance, given the sizing/shrinkage issues.