The Shatnez FAQ Page
Updated:
5/10/08
FAQ
What garments are found to have shatnez?
Expensive men's suits made in Italy are the top
offenders. Next comes expensive men's suits from the US. Hand made
suits from anywhere are next. Note that many top brands are now made in countries
other than Italy (Mexico, Croatia, etc.)
Men's suits from what countries are problematic?
Suits from all European countries, especially Italy and
Eastern Europe must be checked before wearing. Suits from Far Eastern
countries like Japan, Hong Kong and Korea are also suspect. Check the
collar for a "Made in ..." label, it's your first warning sign.
Does the contents label mean anything? Most suits list 100% wool.
The contents label reports on the composition of the outside
material and of the inside lining only. Stiffeners and threads are not
described at all. Most pockets are made from cotton and the front canvas
stiffener is a combination of wool, nylon, goat hair and cotton. Still,
read all contents labels and don't buy it if it lists both wool and
linen! Avoid reprocessed wool too.
Do expensive men's suits have more shatnez?
More expensive suits (more than $400) are very likely to
contain shatnez. This is true for American made suits too. Hand
made suits are particularly problematic no matter in which country they are
made.
Aren't women and children exempt from shatnez?
Every garment that is worn must be free of shatnez.
This goes for men, women and children alike. We can't feed our children
traife and putting shatnez on them is the same thing!
I borrowed a coat from a friend. If I don't own the garment do I
still have to check for shatnez?
Yes. The problem is in wearing shatnez, not in owning it.
Do I have to check Purim costumes?
Suits and costumes from Thrift Shops frequently are
well made and have shatnez! If it wasn't well made it wouldn't have
lasted and shatnez is one indicator of a well made garment.
How often do women's garments have shatnez?
Rarely, but then again, many women don't check their
garments and our statistics may be skewed. Because women's garments
contain many more attachments and often are made from complex yarns it's always
appropriate to check them. Speak to the shatnez lab for details.
Better still, bring in your garments and you will learn what needs checking and
what doesn't. Not all wool garments will have to be tested but
essentially anything containing linen should be tested.
I heard that you are allowed to wear a garment once before testing
it. Is this true?
No. Can you eat one hot dog and then afterwards check
for the kosher symbol? This misconception may come from the fact that you
are allowed to try on a garment that has an unknown shatnez status, to
see if it fits before you buy it. In this case you are wearing the
garment only for measurement purposes, not for another benefit. The case
does not apply after you have purchased it and had the garment tailored,
when you are certainly wearing it for benefit.
I heard that "Gold Toe" socks have shatnez. Is that true?
Years ago it was true. The Gold Toe socks that were
wool had gold toe reinforcing of linen. This was listed on the label
too. We haven't seen these for over 10 years now. Check your labels
first before checking your socks. Most seem to be made of acrylic or
cotton.
Is there any problem wearing a linen shirt under a wool jacket? How
about a linen Kittel over a wool suit?
Maybe. Ask your local rabbi.
Do baseball gloves have shatnez?
The padding contains linen and wool but due to the
construction of the glove they are not shatnez. Call the lab for
details or ask your rav.
Can I wear linen pants with a wool jacket?
Yes.
Should I check my garments before I have them tailored or after?
Hard to say. If it's shatnez you can return it or repair
it. Recently we saw seamstresses use linen cotton material to lengthen
skirts and tailors used linen blend strips to repair a torn pant crotch.
What about sweaters?
A number of sweaters have been found to contain shatnez. Please
check sweaters from Hong Kong, Macao etc. because they may contain linen
threads in a number of places.
Published by the Kehilla Shatnez
Testing Service in Los Angeles
Affiliated with the International Headquarters
of Professional Shatnez Laboratories in Lakewood, NJ
A part of Kehilla Kosher of Los Angeles