Who first wore trousers, men or women?

Trousers, or pants, are a type of clothing that covers the lower part of the body, from the waist to the ankles, and are divided into two separate sections for each leg. Trousers are believed to have originated from the ancient Eurasian steppe, where they were worn by both men and women as early as the 3rd millennium BCE.

According to archaeological evidence, the ancient Scythian and Sarmatian nomads who lived on the Eurasian steppe were among the first people to wear trousers. These nomadic tribes wore trousers made of animal hide, which were more practical for riding horses and herding animals than skirts or robes.

The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans also wore trousers, but only for specific activities such as horseback riding or military campaigns. In these societies, trousers were considered a male garment and were not worn by women.

In some other cultures, however, trousers were worn by both men and women. For example, in traditional Central Asian and Middle Eastern cultures, both men and women wear loose-fitting trousers known as shalwar or pants. In some African and Native American cultures, trousers or leggings were also worn by both men and women.

In conclusion, while trousers were initially worn by both men and women on the Eurasian steppe, in many other cultures they were considered a male garment. However, in some cultures, such as those in Central Asia and the Middle East, both men and women wore trousers, highlighting the diversity and evolution of clothing across different regions and societies.