"tip" to mourners (Jewish Laws)

I feel rather peculiar writing this.

In one sense it's necessary, and in the other it is contrary to the halacha.

OK, the story is that a few times I've been asked to "cut the female mourner's clothes" at a funeral.

It's generally simple, though traumatic. I do a small cut the neckline, over the heart, with a very sharp knife and then the mourner is supposed to rip it a bit. It's more modest than it sounds. Also, many people wear more than one layer of clothes, and if necessary, the edges are pinned together with a safety pin during the week of shiva.

But what's the "tip?" If you're in any position to plan what to wear, please wear a woven fabric, or natural fibers like cotton. Don't wear strong, sturdy synthetic knits, like Lycra, which can be very difficult to cut. The finish on some of those tops make cutting dangerous because of the force which must be used. Giving advice about what clothes to wear during shiva is so contrary to the principle that clothes are just "material" and not important, norishkeit.

While I'm at it...
Ladies, if you're going to be sitting in a low chair, you may need a longer than normal skirt, or at least a cover.

Oy, I wish this post was about more cheerful things.

Shavua tov