Women must not wear men's clothing

This mitzvah prohibits women from adopting men’s garments or accessories. The Torah frames the prohibition for both genders, each addressed separately to stress its seriousness. Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 12:10) explains that the practice of gender-swapping clothing was associated with idolatrous festivals and immorality. The Talmud (Nazir 59a) clarifies that the issue is not clothing itself, but the intent — dressing for purposes of deception, licentiousness, or idolatry. Rashi (Deut. 22:5) explains that women dressing as men could gain access to spaces or activities reserved for men, leading to immorality. Ramban (Deut. 22:5) emphasizes that Hashem established clear distinctions between male and female in both nature and garments; erasing these boundaries undermines Divine order. Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 543) explains that the mitzvah upholds modesty, moral clarity, and family integrity by protecting the lines Hashem established.

Commentary & Classical Explanation

• Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 12:10): Prohibits women from wearing men’s clothing, connecting the practice to idolatry and immorality.
• Talmud (Nazir 59a): Clarifies that the prohibition focuses on intent — whether for immorality, deception, or pagan purposes.
• Rashi (Deut. 22:5): Explains that a woman dressing as a man creates opportunities for sin and transgression.
• Ramban (Deut. 22:5): Sees this mitzvah as safeguarding creation’s design and sanctity of gender boundaries.
• Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 543): Frames the mitzvah as protecting modesty and preventing moral corruption.

Contrast with Mitzvah 70 (Men must not wear women’s clothing)

• Both mitzvot are parallel and derived from the same verse.
• Rambam treats them as one lav applying equally to men and women, while Sefer HaChinuch counts them separately to stress their unique applications.
• Each mitzvah addresses the risk of blurring roles from opposite directions, together reinforcing boundaries.

Parallel to Laws of Modesty and Family Integrity

• Just as arayot (forbidden relationships) establish boundaries in intimacy, this mitzvah establishes boundaries in external appearance.
• Ramban links both to Hashem’s creation of male and female “zachar unekeivah bara otam” (Genesis 1:27).
• The Talmud (Moed Katan 17a) warns that removing distinctions opens the door to broader moral decline.