Is it Permissible to Buy New Clothes During the Three Weeks?

Greetings,

If these are clothes for which one would recite Shehechiyanu, it is advisable to be careful not to wear them for the first time during the Bein HaMetzarim (see Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 551:17). It is correct to be stringent about this until after Tisha B'Av (the Chida in Machzik Berachah 551:23 and in Teshuvot Yosef Ometz 56; as well as ruled in the book Chazon Ovadia, Arba Taaniyot, p. 248).

If these are clothes for which one does not recite Shehechiyanu, they may be purchased until Rosh Chodesh Av. After Rosh Chodesh Av, one should not buy them, even if one intends to wear them after Tisha B'Av (Rema there 551:7 and Mishnah Berurah 551:49; also ruled in the book Or LeTzion, part 3, chapter 26, section 2).

One may also wear new clothes that do not require a Shehechiyanu until Rosh Chodesh Av (Rema there 551:6 and Mishnah Berurah 551:40), and according to the custom of Sephardim, one should only refrain during the week that includes Tisha B'Av, but it is also appropriate for them to be stringent from Rosh Chodesh Av (responsa Yechaveh Da'at, part 1, section 37).

Blessings,

Hillel Meirs