These are really wool socks, unlike so many that have some wool in them. I can't bear synthetics on my feet, so I'm happy to find these. And the price is really reasonable. The package says that they are machine wash and dryable. Don't believe it. I washed them on the delicate cycle of my front loader (which is the same as hand washing), in cold water, with a neutral PH detergent. They didn't shrink, but the ankle did get tighter. I have to stretch them out as they dry. I would never put them in the dryer. Incidentally, as with all wool, they need a lot of softener in the final rinse, otherwise they suck the oil out of your feet!