Introduction
Adam and Eve thought up the use of leaves for clothing (Genesis 3:7); which was latter followed by animal products (Genesis 3:21). Men and Women clothes differed from one another; but all the evidence suggests that they were much alike in their general design.
The Bible did not describe nor prescribe much about clothing; though, it provides details regarding the clothing of the Jewish priests, and the High Priest, for their duties (Exodus 28). The Bible forbids men from wearing women’s clothes and vice versa (Deuteronomy 22:5), without specifying the characteristics of either men or women’s clothing. It also prohibits blending wool and linen in a garment (Leviticus 19:19).
The argument about whether it is sinful for a woman to wear trousers is based primarily on Deuteronomy 22:5:
“A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment, for all who do so are an abomination to the LORD your God.”
Many people think the verse prohibit women from wearing trousers because trousers have traditionally been worn by men.
There are a number of religion groups that prohibit women and often young girls from wearing trousers. Some permit women to wear trousers as long as they are hidden. Others believe that the space between a woman's legs is considered to be a private area, and therefore, must be covered by a garment; while some reasoned that trousers provide an extra form of modesty.
Putting these different beliefs and practices in recent times in to consideration; also the fact that there is similarity in men and women clothing in Biblical times, and that trousers were not recorded in the Bible to have been worn in Israel by either sex at that time; makes investigating female trousers worthwhile.
History of trousers
According to Wikipedia, trousers enter recorded history in the 6th century BC, on the rock carvings and artworks. It stated that the Iranian people such as the Scythians were said to have worn trousers; and are believed to have been worn by both sexes. Also, women and men were said to have long worn Trousers in Asia; traditional Korean outfits have included trousers for men and women.
In the West, as also stated; wearing trousers was associated with warfare; and restricted to men only. Trousers for women in western countries did not become fashion items until the late 20th century; historically, women have worn dresses and skirt-like garments while men have worn trousers.
But today, trousers are worn far more often than skirts by women, and many women wear trousers almost all the time.
Bible Clothing
Most events in the Old and New Testament took place in ancient Israel, and thus most Biblical clothing is ancient Hebrew clothing. The ancient Hebrew people were widely adorned with an assortment of clothing and jewelry. For example, God painted a picture of how his people were beautifully adorned for him in Ezekiel 16.
The Hebrews commonly wore robes, sashes (belts), and turbans; mainly made of linen. There are many different sections of the Ancient Hebrew dress; some of these are the tunic, the outer robe, the girdle, the outer garment, and the headdress. Others are anklets, sashes, perfume, pendants, bracelets, ankle chains, amulets, rings, nose jewels, shawls, turbans, veils and so on (Isaiah 3:18-20).
Israelite women’s clothing had resemblance in costume to those of men; -2 Samuel 13:18; Song of Solomon 5:3; Isaiah 3:22 & 23;- though they also evidently differed in some ways; the women’s garments are generally longer in proportion to the figure. Hebrew women wore bracelets, earrings, nose jewels and necklace (Isaiah 3:18; Ezekiel 16:12). Women, their sons and daughters, wore earrings (Genesis 35:4; Exodus 32:2; Numbers 31:50).
The Bible provided for specific cloths to be worn by the priests when ministering in the temple, which are described in detail in Exodus 28, Exodus 39, and Leviticus 8.
Many other nations and communities have their own pattern of dressing different from those of the Hebrews (Daniel 3:21); whose clothing pattern changed with years.
Summary
As earlier stated, apart from those of the priests and high priests, the Bible did not describe nor prescribe much about clothing- nothing about trousers for any sex was mentioned to have been worn in Israel. Much of the old clothing designs can be said to be related to the customs and traditions of the time (Acts 21:21; Leviticus 18:30); which is generally seen as a common way of doing things.
From history, the dressing pattern of a group of people has always been tied to their original custom or borrowed custom. And custom is evolving. Time, place and circumstances have been seen to have changed the customs of a people, and thus the dressing pattern.
For example, Jews that may have migrated to the Iceland will die of cold if the same kind of old Jewish dressing is maintained. The circumstance will force them to adopt the dressing pattern of the Icelanders.
If a specific dressing code has been given, then the migrated Jews will be disobeying God for dressing like the Icelanders. This may explain why God did not give specific dressing prescription for man.
Also, one will become a laughing stock in many part of the world if one is dressed in the old Jewish clothing; and probably go to church in them.
While Hebrew women were forbidden to wear the same form of clothing as men (Deuteronomy 22:5), female clothing carried a somewhat basic pattern to that worn by men. But what made the differences are those additions to the basic design that differentiated those worn by men from those worn by women.
Today, for example, we have male trousers and female trousers; though they may both have common basic design, but both have some differences that distinguish one from the other. And despite the fact that some men often see trousers as male clothing; they will not wear female trousers in the street, or to their places of worship; because such trousers are not meant for men.
Thus, if Deuteronomy 22:5, is to be applied to trousers today, it would be seen to be prohibiting men from wearing female trousers, and prohibiting women from wearing male trousers; and not prohibiting all form of trousers for women; since trouser is alien to that passage.
What that passage of the Bible (Deuteronomy 22:5) knows is that, if any type of clothing is differentiated between sexes, then each sex must stick to its own!
Nice writeup....