Principal solvents, especially mono-ol and diol principal solvents, having a ClogP of from about 0.15 to about 0.64, preferably from about 0.25 to about 0.62, and more preferably from about 0.40 to about 0.60, are disclosed that have the ability to make clear aqueous fabric softener compositions containing relatively high concentrations of fabric softener actives having ester linkages in their long, hydrophobic chains. The fabric softener actives are either unsaturated, or have intermediate length chains (˜C12-14) and the said principal solvents are used at levels of less than about 40%. Other solvents may be present. Some of the said principal solvents are novel compounds and/or novel mixtures. Premixes of the fabric softening actives, the principal solvents, and, optionally, other solvents are useful in the preparation of complete formulations by obviating/limiting the need for heating.