A traditionally feminine garment. It's a simple tube worn from the waist down that can either be
tight-fitting or
loose and draped. The length is usually anywhere from
mid-thigh to floor-length. Is part of a dress, which is a bodice with the skirt attached. Skirts and dresses are ususally worn for formal occasions today.
Tight skirts can be uncomfortable or difficult to move in, and wide skirts can lead to embarrassing situations if it's windy
day and especially if the fabric is too
lightweight.
Mini-skirts can be troublesome, since they might expose the underwear and not provide proper coverage for the buttocks and groin.
Still, skirts do provide more freedom from the often uncomfortable confinements of trousers and provide modesty if a woman must relieve herself outdoors.
Women can also wear leggings underneath skirts for warmth and/or modesty, should they feel the need.
Until the Rennaisance, European men often wore a form of skirt, although it doesn't seem likely that they concidered it a skirt.
Nowadays, there's the Polynesian sarong and the
Gaelic kilt for men.
If the Victorians could
see the mini-skirt, they'd probably be terrified!