JOSEPH W. TKACH
November 1987
Dear Friend:
Thank you for your recent inquiry. We appreciate the
opportunity to help you with your study of the Bible.
You asked whether it is all right to wear a garment made of
mixed fabrics. This question often arises when people read
Leviticus 19:19 and Deuteronomy 22:11.
Today we would call this a "consumer protection law." Notice
that these verses contain the basic principle that materials of
widely differing character and texture are not to be combined. On
the other hand, these verses do allow a number of combinations
which are within God's laws.
There are two basic kinds of natural fibers from which
today's garments are made. The first is plant cellulose fiber.
Fabrics such as linen and cotton are produced from it. The second
is animal protein fiber. Materials such as wool and silk are in
this category. Because these two basic kinds of fibers differ
markedly in strength, washability, absorption, and so forth, they
should not be mixed.
However, a garment made of a combination of cellulose
materials -- a mixture of cotton and linen, for example -- is
acceptable because the fibers are basically similar. For the same
reason, mixtures of protein fibers (wool, mohair, silk, and so
on) are acceptable.
What about the mixture of synthetic, man-made fabrics, such
as Dacron, nylon, polyester, and rayon, with either cellulose or
protein fibers? Many have not realized that a combination of
synthetic and either plant or animal material does not
necessarily break the biblical principle. Synthetic materials are
usually made to have essentially the same characteristics as the
natural fibers. Otherwise, they would not mix well. The stronger
fibers would cut and tear away from the weaker ones or would not
combine well in other ways. In other words, it is perfectly
acceptable to manufacture fabrics from a combination of fibers
which are naturally or artificially compatible with one another.
It is the mixture of fibers with markedly differing qualities
which this biblical principle concerns.
It should be noted that such combinations produce a cheaper
GARMENT, with respect to quality, than one made with the BEST
grades of pure fibers. On the other hand, a fabric made from
low-grade, natural fibers is usually improved by the addition of
compatible man-made fibers. Any good tailor or seamstress knows
that the best quality clothing is made from 100 percent wool,
cotton, and so forth. Nevertheless, one need not throw away or
destroy clothing which may be of lower quality or a wrong
mixture. Wearing such materials is NOT a sin in itself. Rather,
God does not want manufacturers producing shoddy materials in
order to take advantage of their customers.
A wise principle to follow in selecting either a pure or
mixed garment is to purchase the BEST QUALITY one can afford for
one's family or oneself. God is honored by what we wear. But it
is not wise to go deeply into debt buying better quality than one
can afford.
Thank you again for your inquiry. If there is some
additional way we can be of service, we hope you will let us
know.
PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT
PASTOR GENERAL