Mimi, I used to think I couldn't wear wool directly on my skin. I started with the ibex 17.5 products, which are the softest (in womens that is kate and razel, in mens the nelson 17.5 which is on sale now but still pricey). I noticed the men's zepher is also on sale, and I would say my women's zepher is also quite soft compared to a woolie. Sometimes its the texture , that is the woolie or ribbie have ribs that can irritate some people, whereas pieces like the zepher or norgie are very smooth which gives a softer feeling on the skin, even though they aren't the 17.5. The smooth 17.5 products are definitely the softest though.