Lo Tilbash: But What About For Protection?
It is generally forbidden for a man to wear a woman's garment, or vice versa, a concept known as "lo tilbash", but colloquially referred to simply as "begged ish" and "begged isha."[1] The commentators teach that the primary reason that cross-dressing is forbidden is due to the concern that such behavior could lead to promiscuity and immorality.[2] One may not even wear garments of the opposite gender when in the privacy of one’s home.[3] It is permitted to wear clothing that is not gender specific.[4]
The prohibition of lo tilbash does not apply when the article of clothing is worn for protection.[5] As such, a man may wear a raincoat that is intended specifically for women when it is raining outside as long as it is clear to onlookers that his only intention in wearing the coat is to avoid getting wet.[6] It is also permitted for a man to use an umbrella that is clearly feminine in style.[7] So too, a man is permitted to wear clothing intended for a woman (and vice versa), when the purpose for doing so is to keep warm in the cold.[8] Indeed, in some places it is so cold that not wearing gloves could lead to the loss of a finger from frostbite, and therefore, a man should be sure to wear gloves in such places even if the only ones available are feminine in nature.
A man is permitted to wear an apron in order to protect his clothes when he is cooking, even if it is an apron that is clearly designed for women. Sunglasses that are worn for protection, as opposed to fashion or style, may also be worn even if they are truly intended for the opposite gender.[9] A woman is permitted to wear men’s pajamas if doing so is more comfortable for sleeping.[10] It is interesting to note that socks are not subject to the prohibition of lo tilbash and one may freely wear socks intended for members of the opposite gender.[11] A man is generally forbidden to remove bodily hair that is characteristic of women to remove.[12]
On Purim there is a tendency to be lenient with the prohibition of lo tilbash and to allow cross-dressing and wearing costumes intended for the opposite gender.[13] Nevertheless, most authorities oppose this practice and rule that there is no difference between Purim and the rest of the year regarding lo tilbash.[14] One should educate one’s children not to wear clothing of the opposite gender, as well.[15]
Although not entirely related to the topic of lo tilbash, it is worth mentioning that a woman is permitted to wear feminine ski pants when skiing. This is because ski pants are not a tight fitting garment and do not outline any part of the body. As such, wearing them is not a violation of tzniut.[16]
[1] Devarim 22:5; YD 182.
[2] Rashi, Devarim 22:5; Ibn Ezra, Devarim 22:5. This prohibition might be related to the prohibition against idol worship, as well. See Rambam, Sefer Hamitzvot, 39; Moreh Nevuchim 3:37; and Sefer Hachinuch 542.
[3] Darkei Teshuva, YD 182:7; Minchat Yitzchak 2:108:3; Btzel Hachochma 5:126:3; Shevet Hekehati 2:258
[4] Maharsha, Nedarim 49b; Ohalei Yaakov 70; Darkei Teshuva, YD 182.
[5] Yabia Omer, YD 6:14:4.
[6] Taz, YD 182:4.
[7] Shevet Halevi, YD 61; Chochmat Adam 90:1.
[8] Shach, YD 182:7; Taz, YD 182:4; Igrot Moshe, YD 2:61; Shraga Hameir 7:124.
[9] Rivevot Ephraim 4:212.
[10] Yabia Omer, YD 6:14:6; Shevet Hakehati 3:233:2; Rivevot Ephraim 5:534:1.
[11] Rivevot Ephraim 5:534:2.
[12] YD 182:1; Shach, YD 182:3.
[13] Rema, OC 696:8; Mishna Berura 696:30.
[14] Shach, YD 182:7; Aruch Hashulchan, OC 696:12.
[15] Minchat Yitzchak 2:108:2. See also Igrot Moshe, EH 4:62:4.
[16] For more on women wearing pants see: Minchat Yitzchak 2:108; Tzitz Eliezer 11:62; Shevet Halevi 2:63, 6:118; Yabia Omer 6:14.