So these stockings are much more silvery, rather than black with a little sparkle like the picture...here's the key: turn them inside out, and they look a thousand times better. But they are a little itchy that way, since the "grain" of the silver thread is now inside out.  They held up great during the day, and there were no baggy knees at the end of the day.  Be advised, they run a tad small.  They are a fun party stocking to have in your closet, but definitely not for everyday.