I posted an article I found on line once when we were discussing this in the womens forum, here is an exert.
There were three basic articles that were worn by both genders during the Biblical era. The first piece of clothing was called the tunic or the inner garment, and was most commonly made from linen. This would compare to our modern day underwear and was worn next to the skin. This article varied from individual to individual, depending on their station in life. The simplest form of the tunic had no sleeves and was knee-lengthT.his would have been worn be the poorer people and sometimes was their only article of clothing when it was warm. However, this would not do for the upper-class. Their tunics were usually long-sleeved, reaching the ankles and could only be appropriately worn by itself around the house, never out in public. When a person had no garment on except for the tunic, they were often considered to be naked.
The next layer of clothing was called the outer garment, which appropriately was worn on the outside. This article was a piece of square cloth that was wrapped around the body or tied over the shoulders. The two corners that hung over the shoulders were called "skirts" or "wings".(6) According to Jewish law, each corner was to be fringed, together with a blue cord to remind them of the commandments as was instructed, "...you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the Lord..." (Numbers 15:38-39).This garment was very important because it served for many purposes outside of normal clothing. It was used to carry large bundles, to make pledges with, to form the road for Christ on Palm Sunday, and as a blanket by the common man. Thus, when in Deuteronomy 24:12-13 states, "If the man is poor, do not go to sleep with his pledge in your possession. Return his cloak to him by sunset so that he may sleep in it",(7) it is of great importance that this is followed. To keep the outer garment from a poor man over night was considered inhumane and was condemned by the law.
The third main article of attire was called the girdle. Each individual generally had two, one worn on the inside over the tunic and the other was worn over the outer garment to allow free movement. There were two types of girdles, depending on your status in life. The most common type was about six inches across, made of leather, and fastened together on the ends with clasps. The second type, which was more valuable, was made of linen, silk, or embroidered material. It could be wrapped around the waist two to three times and was only about a hands width across. The girdle also served a number of purposes, as did the outer garment. A girdle was made by folding the material in half and then sewing the ends together, thus forming a type of pouch. This pouch could be used as a change purse, which was safe and convenient. It also was used to fasten swords and other objects to the body.(8) Sometimes the girdle would be removed for comfort around the house or when the hands were free to hold the ends of the outer garment. However, it was always worn during business interactions, so that the limbs would not be hindered and the upper garment would not fall off.(9)
Although both genders shared these common articles of similar form and fashion, there were several important differences in dress. The one very distinguishing difference between men and women was that women wore veils of various lengths and types when in public. All women wore them except for maidservants and women of low positions in life. Their clothes were generally of a finer quality and longer in length then the males, which was not exactly unfair, as they were responsible for making their families clothes as well as their own. The women also would embroider clothing, as is mentioned in Judges 5:30, "...colorful garments embroidered, highly embroidered...".(10) They also braided their hair, wore make-up, and jewelry which all set them apart from the men in appearance. The picture to the right displays what some Jewish women may have looked like in their garments and veils.........
...........The rich were not the only individuals to wear clothing of a different nature. There were garments that were specifically for priests, and priests alone, and were actually sanctioned by God in Exodus 28 and 29.. All of the priests wore linen drawers((breeches KJV, trousersNKJV,undergarments NRSV)), which reached from the waist to the thighs (Exodus 28:42).((Today we call them underware)) The next article was a white linen tunic with a checkered pattern, made of one piece with sleeves and reaching the ankles (Exodus 28:39-40, 29:5). Over that came a girdle, four fingers wide, and colorfully embroidered (Exodus 29:39).
All of the priests wore linen drawers((breeches KJV, trousersNKJV,undergarments NRSV)), which reached from the waist to the thighs (Exodus 28:42).((Today we call them underware)) The next article was a white linen tunic with a checkered pattern, made of one piece with sleeves and reaching the ankles (Exodus 28:39-40, 29:5).
The verse people use to say women can not wear pants is Ex.28:42, whent ehy see the word 'breeches' in KJV they believe it is todays modern pants. They do not take it in context as to what this garmet is,and who was to wear it(priests only, who were men), and what the modern counterpart of this article of clothing is,,, underware. So when people use this to say weomen can not wear pants, they mistake the meaning and take verses out of context, and are in effect saying women can not wear underware.
So women can not wear what pretaineth to a man, and use this ver(ex.38:42) to tell what that is that pretains to amn, and say women can not wear pants, then you can not also wear underware.
Take the bible out of context and you gert all messed up. The argument of saying it is a sin for women to wear pants doesn't hold water when you look at whats in the bible and take verses in context. Taking verses out of context you make the bible say anything you want, and many have done, it is very dangerous as it always results in error. If you want to wear dresses only then do so, but don't tell others they are sinning if they wear pants, it just isn't biblical.
Wearing pants is in no way worldly, show that from scripture. It is personal opinion only not scripture and personal opinion should never be taught as if it is scripture, that is adding to scripture.
I cut parts of this article which I orginally posted in the womens forum, and if you want to read the entire thing I bumped ip up so you wouldn't have to look for it. The post is called Clothing in Bible Times.