This thread is soooo long and technology has probably changed a bit since it started so I am going to ask a question that has probably been asked before...

Does anyone avoid wool because they break out in a rash of welts?
This has been a life-long, head-to-toe problem for me.
I have avoided wool for much of my 49 years because of this.

I purchased two pair of Smart Wool socks for hiking last summer because I was tired of getting blisters. They did not cause welting on my feet or ankles. I just purchased two more pair and plan to cycle out my non-wool fashion socks as well. (Slowly because SW is $$$$$)

Are these technical wool items different than the fashion items I have never had the pleasure to enjoy? Will my legs, torso, arms, neck and head be able to tolerate this new generation wool?

I am tempted to try a base-layer-T. Has anyone who welts tried the newer sports-tech stuff and survived?