A. Not to wear clothing of Gentiles and clothing of arrogance:
It is forbidden for one to follow the path of gentiles[1] or try to be similar to them[2]. Thus one may not wear clothing which are designated to be worn only by gentiles[3] for [pompous[4] or] immoral purposes. Likewise if the dress code has no logic behind it, it is forbidden to be worn by a Jew.[5] If however there is a reason behind their custom of dress and it does not involve immorality, then it is permitted to wear it.[6] [From here every person should learn in accordance to his place and time that all clothing made for haughtiness and frivolity are to be avoided. Rather his clothing are to express humility and modesty.[7] However, all style of clothing that are worn by gentiles simply for the sake of dress, and do not appear immoral or stemming from idolatry, may be worn even by a Jew, and it is not necessary for Jews to wear their own design or style of clothing.[8]]
Uniforms:[9] It is permitted to wear work uniforms. Thus if all the doctors wear a certain uniform in order so it be recognizable that they are doctors, then it is permitted to wear it.
Elegant clothing:[10] Similarly, if the clothing is worn because it is elegant [and not frivolous or haughty] or for other reasons, then it is permissible to be worn by Jews.
Wearing second hand clothing of a gentile
Question:
I heard that it’s forbidden or discouraged for one to wear clothing that was worn in the past by a gentile? Is this true? I would like to buy some secondhand clothing from a thrift shop which receives its clothing mainly from a Gentile clientele.
Answer:
There is no issue with wearing clothing that was worn by a Gentile.
Explanation:
Although we find a number of hazards relating to the wearing of clothing, and a number of restrictions relating to the items of the Gentile, nowhere do we find recorded restriction or hazard against wearing clothing that was once worn by a Gentile. I believe this is a misconception that derives from the idea that one should not dress like a Gentile, which is in reference to a Gentile wardrobe and style of dress, and not to a physical article of clothing that the Gentile happened to have worn in the past.
[1] Michaber 178:1; As the verse states “and in their ways you shall not follow” and “Guard yourself lest you follow them”. [Kitzur ibid]
[2] Rama 178:1
[3] Michaber ibid; as a Jew should be different than the gentiles also in their dress. [Rama ibid]
[4] Kitzur ibid: “clothing that are worn for haughtiness”
[5] Rama ibid: “This is only forbidden if the clothing of the gentiles are worn by them for sake of frivolity [pritzus] or it is a gentile custom that has no logic behind it, as in such a case there is room to suspect that the custom derives from the Emorite customs, and that it derive from practices of idolatry passed down from their forefathers.”; Beis Yosef 178; Maharik Shoresh 88
[6] Rama ibid; Beis Yosef 178; Maharik Shoresh 88
[7] Kitzur ibid; Ketzos ibid
[8] Igros Moshe Y.D. 1:81
[9] Rama ibid
[10] Rama ibid