for those that think stockings are some sort of "barrier" against dirty surfaces, keep this in mind... stockings are a sheer net which actually traps many of the things you're trying to shield your skin against. in essence, you're not doing your skin any huge justice by wearing them because all you're really doing is trapping those items on the surface of the stocking and holding it closer to your skin for a longer period... just an FYI. if you want to spare your skin, just walk with a hankie that you can sit on.