How did the kilt develop?

[TheBrus]

I find it interesting no one has used a five-letter word in this thread: horse. The lack of an equestrian class (specifically horseback riders) has led many cultures into unbifurcated garments for the lower extremities. Frequently, as Richard Willham, a lecturer in the history of animal husbandry, explained to us at Iowa State University, such cultures, when they did use horses, drove chariots or other types of wagons. See ancient Greece and Rome.

[TheBrus]

And speaking to the lack of an equestrian class, how much did the economics of the place and time have to do with the development of the kilt. Historically, the Highlands were a very poor area, cut off from commerce of much of the rest of Europe, weren't they? How much simpler and less expensive than to just wrap cloth around your body than to have trousers made. The kilt is a very grand garment today, because of modern tailoring techniques, but back in the old days, wouldn't trews be the mark of greater wealth?

[neloon]

Yes, there had been so much "civil" strife in the Highlands between 800 and 1500 that general impoverishment had greatly reduced horse ownership from the days of the Europaean Celts By now, very few rode regularly so the trews became short to cope with wet walking. And eventally, over them, went the feileadh. So, yes, the jodpur-style trews meant horse ownership and hence greater wealth.
Alan