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Economics: 3-30-2004 05:54 PM
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Economics is one of the biggest reason men began wearing only pants. And one of the reasons women went on wearing skirts or dresses.
History has a way of sneaking up on us and making us realize at times that there were other ways that people lived. But we often forget what they were.
A hundred years ago people didn't have the economic funding to own more than a few clothes. And what they did own they paid dearly for. Even in more recent times I can remember my parents getting very upset trying to keep me in clothes as I grew. Being a large sized individual I heard a lot of moans and groans.
Changing your clothes every day and even your underwear every day, while it seems normal and logical now, wasn't true in the past. Even underwear as we know is a relatively new concept.
That's why the stories about what Scotsmen wear under their kilts came about. Nothing under your clothes was the norm. Underpants, slips, half-slips, bras, undershirts, long-johns, etc. are all creations of the last 100-200 years.
Even petticoats weren't worn under a garment, they were a garment. A "small" (hence-petti) dress. A child's garment. Boys were "petticoated" meaning they wore the same dresses that girls wore.
So a man, only being able to buy one or two, at the most, garments HAD to go with the versatility of a pair of pants. Especially in our western cultures were he would have to ride astride a horse. Women, also limited in the clothing budget, would opt for dresses that she would have to wear socially because she didn't need to ride astraddle. She would most like ride sitting in a wagon.
The side saddle, made to allow women on horseback, was also economical in that it still allowed a woman her basic wardrobe.
But here's a thought. Women's Lib or their reform movement came about because of the Side-saddle. It allowed them to ride on horse back and gave them a taste for doing things only done by men. Once up on the horse, wanting to as good as men at riding they eventually created other garments, split-skirt, culottes, etc. that evolved into slacks or pants.
Well, at least it's my thoughts on the subject.
Dennis
bravenet.com