Why do American woman wear skimpy clothing?

Why do American woman wear skimpy clothing? Is it because they find it comfortable with the weather? Or is it to attract men and get their attention? But if that's the case, why do they feel that the way they dress and show skin is the only way to attract a man? Do they lack self esteem or is it something else? Or is it because they lack intellect and intelligence so they feel that skin show is the only way to grab a mans attention? I'm not really in touch with American culture so that's why I'm asking because in T.V. movies, and the couple times i've been to the U.S, the woman love showing skin. When they sit, they don't mind their thong sticking out. Is this just because they don't mind or is it to catch someones attention? I personally feel that this meand woman have no respect for themselves but maybe I'm wrong?