My husband loves Bean's wool socks, so I bought him some for Christmas. Unfortunately, when I washed them they were covered with large "pills". I've washed his older Bean socks in the same manner and they have washed well for years, so I'm thinking the problem is with the fabric. I, too, received some for Christmas and they do itch, but I am a little sensitive to wool. (They pilled as well.)
I live in Wisconsin and these socks make my winter life more bearable. I buy half dozen pairs at the beginning of the season and wear a pair every day, sometimes with a liner if I'm going to be outside a lot. Because they can be washed and dried by machine they are easy to maintain. I definitely recommend them.
