|
SUBJECT: Mixed Fabrics
QUESTION: “Is it wrong
to wear clothing of mixed fabrics?”
ANSWER:
The physical law found in
Deuteronomy 22:11 and Leviticus 19:19 against wearing a
garment of wool and linen mixed is still binding. This
command is a PHYSICAL, not a SPIRITUAL, MATTER.
Although the Scripture
mentions by name only wool and linen, this principle applies
to other fabrics: linen and wool are named specifically
because they were the main materials the Israelites had for
cloth-making. Wool does not absorb perspiration readily, as
does linen. Wool also retains body heat. That’s why you
don’t want to wear it in summer.
The command pertains to
garments in which two materials are woven together. A
cheapened quality is often the result. Apparently this is
one reason for God’s command. He wants us to own and use
the best quality within our means.
When one buys a garment of
mixed material he or she receives inferior quality. This
constitutes a waste of money and also detracts from personal
appearance.
It is not necessary to throw
away mixed materials that you already have. (Some
people would have nothing left to wear if they did)
To do so would be quite rash. Just be careful to select
appropriate material the next time you purchase clothing.
Any extra garments of mixed
fabrics may be given to worldly charities. Notice the
example in Deuteronomy 14:21. The same principle would
apply in this matter!
It is not wrong to wear one
garment of linen and another of wool at the same time.
Neither is it wrong to own a wool coat with a rayon lining;
the rayon lining is not woven with the wool and will not
cheapen the wool of the coat. The same applies to cotton
pockets in trousers that are made of wool or other
materials, also probably to the pure rayon or nylon band
that is sewed around the neck of some T shirts. One should
not buy socks with nylon reinforced heel and toe because in
such socks the two materials are interwoven.
You are likely to more
frequently encounter the problem of mixed fabrics in socks,
suits, sweaters, sport shirts, and blankets. There is no
difficulty in selecting dress shirts, underwear, hats, or
scarves because they are usually made of one material.
The question may arise
whether it is wrong to buy materials that are a mixture of
wool and angora, or cashmere and wool. There is absolutely
nothing wrong with this type of mixture. Both are natural
and are animal products of good quality. However,
combinations of silk and cotton are not proper. They are of
two different kinds.
The question of synthetics
and natural fibers is another facet of this question.
Synthetics of some types are
not the best for body health and comfort. Nylon,
especially, is not conductive to comfort in some of its
uses. Dress shirts, socks, and blouses of nylon greatly
hinder the health-giving circulation of air, hold in body
heat, and reduce body comfort.
A good health test to use
when buying synthetic material or a ready-made garment is to
hold the material up, hold your hand about six or eight
inches from the material and blow through it. If you can
feel the air you can be pretty sure that air is going to
come through and circulate around your body when you have
such material on.
Usually a synthetic material
that is woven very tightly is not good, but one that is
woven more loosely might tend to be much better. This is
where each individual must use his or her own judgment about
whether or not the material is suited for him. Some people
know what type of material their body is suited for – some
cannot even wear any type of synthetic material.
Next, is it good to wear a
fabric that is a mixture of natural and synthetic fibers?
Synthetics differ markedly
from wool. Synthetics are chemically treated vegetable
products – usually cellulose. Wool, by contrast, is an
animal product. The physical law in Deuteronomy regarding
wool and linen would apply here. Mixtures of wool and
synthetics are not good.
BUT, since many synthetics
are chemically processed vegetable products, cotton and
synthetic combinations constitute another questions
entirely. Bemberg rayon, for example, is made of cellulose
from cotton linters. Rayon may be made from chemically
treated wood pulp or cotton. On the other hand, orlon is
derived from such basic raw materials as coal, air, water,
petroleum, limestone and natural gases.
In purchasing garments of a
synthetic and natural blend, you might notice that before
too long the synthetic – being much stronger than the
natural fiber – will tear the natural fibers of the fabric.
This is not always the case, but it does happen in some
instances. The rule in such blends or mixtures is this: if
the characteristics of the synthetic do not differ markedly
from the natural cotton (or
linen), then the combination is not prohibited.
If ---AS IS OFTEN THE CASE – they do differ markedly in
strength, washability, absorption, etc., then they should
not be used.
Combinations of one
synthetic with another are to be judged on the same basis.
If the characteristics are similar, it would not be wrong to
purchase them.
REMEMBER, THIS IS A PHYSICAL
LAW – NOT A SPIRITUAL LAW. ONLY IF YOU LUST AFTER WHAT GOD
SAYS YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE, DOES IT BECOME A SPIRITUAL SIN.
Let us not go to extremes in this matter. Not all
combinations are wrong.
Keep in mind that the
genuine article is always of better quality than the
artificial.
You can usually find a
natural fabric without too much trouble. You may have to
pay a little more, but don’t you think it is worth it?
back to the top |