comfortable, do not itch, do not shrink with washing.  i did line dry these, so i did not tempt fate by using the dryer.  i don't normally tolerate wool (as it's too itchy), and strongly prefer cashmere - but these pants do not itch.  i am size 4, i bought these a little larger, to have better unrestricted movement in them, and also in case they decided to shrink.  they do have an elastic waste band, and do not fall off.