The Corps issued a heavy wool/nylon blend shirt in the cold weather uniform back before ECWS. Pretty much the same shirt issued for Korea and maybe even WWII.

It didn't shrink when washed, but would disappear from the dryer or line if you weren't watching it. Yeah, it was a popular item of issue.

It was heavier than fleece and did smell when wet. But wool doesn't melt when a hot ember lands on it.

I've also owned and worn medium weight Woolrich shirts. Great when backpacking in the Cascades in the all day drizzle. It stayed warm and dry inside.

I was never bothered by itch. I always war some kind of undershirt. The nylon fleece sleeping shirt was best, but an ordinary cotton t worked most of the time. I confess to having a lot of my own hair, which keeps wool at a distance.

It has almost impossible to find wool dress and casual socks. Wool keeps my feet more comfortable in any shoe in any season.

Doug