Question:
I bought a new package of socks and undershirts before the Nine Days, but I forgot to wear them beforehand. May I wear them during the Nine Days? Does the prohibition of wearing new clothing apply only to important garments, or does it include socks, underwear, and other basic clothing as well?
Answer:
The prohibition of wearing new clothing during the Nine Days (for Ashkenazim) applies even to non-important garments such as socks, undershirts, and underwear. Therefore, one should ideally wear them at least once before the Nine Days so that they are no longer considered new. If this was not done and there is a need to wear them during the Nine Days, they should first be crumpled, stepped on, or otherwise treated in a manner that removes their fresh, new appearance before being worn.
Explanation:
During the Nine Days, Ashkenazic custom forbids wearing new clothing. This prohibition is not limited to suits, dresses, or other significant garments, but extends even to everyday items such as socks, undershirts, underwear, and similar clothing.
Accordingly, those who purchase such items during the Three Weeks should make sure to wear them briefly before the beginning of the Nine Days. Once they have been worn, they are no longer considered new, and may subsequently be worn during the Nine Days without concern.
A common practice is to prepare these garments before Rosh Chodesh Av by wearing them for a short period of time. This avoids any issue once the Nine Days begin.
If one forgot to do so and only realizes during the Nine Days, then one should not simply wear them in their brand-new state. Rather, they should first be crumpled, placed on the floor, stepped on, or otherwise handled in a way that removes the appearance and feel of a freshly purchased garment. Once they no longer have the status of being noticeably new, they may be worn when needed.
Sources:
- The prohibition against wearing new clothing during the Nine Days: Michaber 551:6 regarding week of Tisha B’av and Rama 551:6 that we are Machmir from Rosh Chodesh; Tur in name of Ramban
- The extension of this prohibition to socks, undershirts, underwear, and other non-important garments: Kaf Hachaim 551:88 even not Chashuv; Piskeiy Teshuvos 551:27; Nitei Gavriel 31:3
- The custom of wearing new garments before the Nine Days to remove their status as new: Mateh Yehuda 551; Kaf Hachaim 551:90