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Why did men wear skirts in the past?

Published in Ancient Clothing 1 min read

Men wore skirts in the past primarily for practicality and comfort, especially in hot climates.

In many ancient cultures, skirts were a common and accepted form of dress for men. Here's a breakdown:

  • Practicality in Hot Climates: In regions with hot weather, skirts provided better ventilation and freedom of movement compared to trousers.

    • For example, in ancient Egypt, men wore simple linen skirts called shendyt. According to Ancient History, these were "a practical garment suited to the hot climate."
  • Ease of Movement: Skirts allowed for unrestricted movement, essential for various activities, including labor and warfare.

  • Cultural Norms: In certain cultures, skirts were simply the accepted norm for male attire.

    • In ancient Greece, men wore chitons and himation, described in Ancient History as "long, flowing tunics that allowed for easy movement."
Culture Garment Reason
Ancient Egypt Shendyt Practical for hot climate
Ancient Greece Chiton Easy movement, cultural norm

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