New clothing during the year of aveilut
Question
i'm just about to finish the shloshim for my father. questions: (I"M a married female), I know that there are some nuances in the halacha about wearing new clothing during the year of aveilut. here are the questions: and please elaborate if they are HALACHA versus "accepted practicites" 1. I had purchased (and tried on) some clothing to wear for a wedding - prior to his petirah (and obviously am not going to the wedding). Can I wear this new, and tried on dress once the shloshim is over or do i need to wait the full year? 2. Can I purchase (and wear) clothing that I bought at a second had store? 3, What is the halacha about wearing new shoes? (i had purchased them prior to the petirah)
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question
According to Halacha one may not wear new clothing throughout the first year, However, if one wants to wear a new dress, like in your case, one should give it first to someone else to wear (a few minutes is enough). same too with the shoes you bought.
When buying from a second-hand shop one can be lenient and wear it during the year of Aveilut.G
Garments worn close to the skin may be worn without someone else first wearing them.
I will note that this article follows Ashkenazi custom. There may be some differences in Sefardic custom. I trust that I have answered your questions.
May G-d comfort you among the mourners of Jerusalem.
Source
YD 389:1,3; Aruch Hashulchan, YD 389:11; Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 211:10; Teshuva M’ahava 3:413