Question:
Is it unethical to purchase or wear (such as when given as a gift) fake brand name clothing?
Perhaps the people who made it are considered stealing and whoever buys or wears it is participating?
Answer:
Hello,
Purchasing fake brand clothing etc., it problematic, because it essentially encourages the thieves to continue doing their unethical practice, as if people wouldn’t buy it, they would look for a different business. It is true that one who buys from them is in a way participating in their crime. However, if one got the item as a gift, as far as he is concerned, if it would be real or fake, he didn’t buy it, therefore that would seem to be permitted.
Best wishes
Sources:
ב"ק קי"ח ע"ב, ור"מ הל' גניבה פ"ה, וע חו"מ ס' שנ"ו סע' א'.