I am sure they have. And some also surely met an untimely death or horrible injury due to cumbersome clothing or while protecting modesty.
Dresses and skirts come in various lengths and weights and cuts and slts for whatever bending or crouching is needed
But the fact is most modern women today dont do hours of ‘work’ to begin with
So thats probably overestimated to try to make your argument more compelling
And dont forget this also doesnt rule out shorter skirts and leggings for activites/chores that the would make more sense for
Just dont try to pass this of that women ned pants for chores because you all dont do anywhere near the level of chores done by prior women NOT wearing pants
And i believe you are well aware of this