[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Most of it was caused by working around open hearth fires.

Pants were more practical for such work but they outlined a woman's form and so were deemed to be immodest and a temptation to men.

Better to risk getting caught on fire rather then be raped and left with no other choice but to become a prostitute.

[bagster]

pants...outlined a woman's form and so were deemed to be immodest and a temptation to men.

Well, duh.