Why did they wear kilts instead of pants?

Answer 1

Many Scots today more commonly wear pants. The kilt was never a universal garment for all Scots, but it was confined in use to the Highlands of Scotland, originally. Before the kilt was developed in the Highlands, the Gaelic peoples often wore a long tunic called a leine with no breeches or leggings underneath. In fact, most peoples of the world began with a simple tunic of some sort and no pants. Pants were never needed until the development of horsemanship in a society. Romans considered pants a low class garment because only the slave class rode horses in their society. Affluent men and women were pulled in chariots and wore tunics or togas. In the Highlands of Scotland, most people could not afford horses as they were uncommon in the region. Those who did ride horses wore pants or tights, but most men never had need for them. For this reason, their dress evolved along different lines than in places like England or the continent, where horsemanship was an integral part of society.

Answer 2

Kilts were traditionally worn in Scotland and other Celtic cultures because they provided versatility, allowing freedom of movement in activities like farming and hunting. Additionally, the cooler climate in these regions made the use of pants unnecessary. Kilts also held cultural and symbolic significance, representing a sense of pride and heritage.