Question:
May one order clothing during the Nine Days if it will only arrive after Tisha B’Av?
Answer:
Initially, one should not order clothing during the Nine Days, even if it is scheduled to arrive only after Tisha B’Av.
Nevertheless, in a time of need, one may be lenient and order the clothing, and there is upon whom to rely. The basis for this leniency is that the garment is not yet in one’s possession and will not be received or used during the Nine Days. Furthermore, no act of acquisition through taking possession of the item has yet occurred, and hence the garment is not yet considered fully his.
The basis for this leniency is that in Halacha, we find that purchasing is treated more leniently than laundering, and the Rama permits having a non-Jew prepare a garment during this time when it will only be ready after the fast. Accordingly, while one should preferably refrain from ordering clothing during the Nine Days, in cases of need there is room to be lenient when the item will only arrive after Tisha B’Av.
Sources:
See Rama Orach Chaim 551:7; Magen Avraham 551:25; Vayevarech David 69; Igros Moshe 3:82; Piskei Teshuvos 551:11 footnote 75