As pictured-the negative reviews are a bit harsh. [SEP] I can only make one potentially negative comment about this purchase: one of the headbands (specifically the white jeweled one) is sized larger than the others.  It doesn't bother me much, as I tend to wear these over buffs at times, but for a small-headed individual, it may result in uselessness of one of the headbands.  Otherwise, they're as pictured, and quite a steal.  I wear headgear constantly for super-long hair, and the whole thing about them coming apart will happen with any headband from any manufacturer from time to time, or with repeated wear.  It's just how it works.  You have to replace items like this like you do anything else you wear.  If you want something more expensive, or for the lace ones to be super soft, treat them yourself, or find ones to purchase that are not part of a set--where all the focus is on the single headband you're choosing.  You can go to places like Earthbound trading, or Headbands of Hope for these types of purchases (laces are softer for sure)--but they're still unlikely to stay pristine FOrEVer no matter where you buy them.