Q. There is commonly Hefker clothing offered in yeshiva after Rosh Chodesh. May one take it even though it is 9 days since it will be gone when one returns for Elul Zeman?

A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that the Yeshiva or institution should well publicize to students and parents, that at the end of the Zeman or school year, whatever is left will be considered abandoned and Hefker, as the institution has to clean, repair and prepare for the next year.

However, collecting and acquiring even used clothing should be avoided even if they are intended for use after the Nine Days. (Remah O.H. 551: 7). Mishna Berura (ibid. 45: 49) includes even inexpensive items, or trivial articles of clothing such as a pair of socks, a belt, a yarmulke, or a kerchief, are included. (Nechamas Yisrael 13: 3 quoting Horav C. Kanievsky zt”l).
Igrois Moshe (O.H. 3: 80) prohibits a new taalis or a taalis koton.
Nitei Gavriel (931: 9) mentions that linen and towels are considered “clothing” and are prohibited to be purchased as during the Nine Days.

Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is also that if he does not have any intention to do a ‘Kinyan’ or acquire the objects now, he may take them and put them away for use after Tisha Beav.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a