I sometimes wonder if the fabrics we purchase are treated with a fiber softener prior to be wrapped on a bolt. The reason I wonder is some loose some of the softness of hand when washed. The issue is not the starch that is in some to give body or feel of more substance.
Going thru my stash I have found some of the premium names were more substantial 15 to 20 years ago. Some of this is a result of screen prints use a higher/finer thread count so the print has a higher clarity, and I have more screen prints now than I ever had in my stash. So when you do some comparisons do note the type of printing used has an impact on what is used for greige goods/base cloth.