The socks are not as thick (fluffy) as I was hoping for more cushion even in a "dress" sock, but they are very warm. They washed just fine in cold water, regular wash, thought they shrunk in the low heat dryer but they stretched back out just fine when I put them on. They even stretched to wear with my flip flops comfortably and bounced right back through the wash. The wool is soft, if you have problems with the slightest wool causing your skin to itch, these are comfortable in that aspect. Baring a medical problem, itchy skin in winter is mostly caused from not drinking enough water.

Update, several washings and they are getting fuzzier and softer, don't have that cushion I was hoping for but they are still very comfortable. There is absolutely no feeling of the individual fibers in the heel and ball of foot like you can get with the thinner socks.