Sources that clothes should be treated respectfully

Question

I have developed a sensitivity towards treating clothes respectfully. An example is I try not to throw clothing all over the floor (cleanliness aside). I was wondering if there are any sources which discuss the idea of treating clothes respectfully, as either a matter of halacha or derech eretz.

I am coming from various sources that I have seen which seem to indicate that clothing is something to treat properly. For example:

1. Dovid HaMelech was punished (see Rashi ad. loc) for cutting King Shaul's clothing. Despite the fact that one could argue this was because the clothes belonged to the King, Chazal seem to speak in broad terms.

2. There seems to be great value given to clothing the naked. Hashem is praised for clothing the naked, a bracha was instituted regarding it, it's considered a mitzvah. I would think that this would attach some importance to the clothes themselves, as they're a tool to help others.

3. Rabbi Yochanan would refer to his clothing as that which honors him. I would imagine it's appropriate to honor that which honors you.

I found this teshuvah online, which says that a person shouldn't throw their clothes on the floor disrespectfully, but no source was given.

(To clarify, I'm not looking for sources specifically about clothes on the floor. That's just an example.)

Answer 1

Indeed the prohibition of baal tashschit (not destroying/treating objects respectfully) does apply to clothing as well.

The gemara in Shabbat 105b cites a baraita

One who rends his garments in his anger, or who breaks his vessels in his anger, or who scatters his money in his anger, should be like an idol worshipper in your eyes, as that is the craft of the evil inclination.

The Rambam in Hilchot Melachim 6:10 writes

This prohibition does not apply to trees alone. Rather, anyone who breaks utensils, tears garments, destroys buildings, stops up a spring, or ruins food with a destructive intent transgresses the command 'Do not destroy.' However, he is not lashed. Instead, he receives stripes for rebellious conducts instituted by the Sages.

Regarding tearing kria (tearing a vestment in mourning), chabad.org notes

There are limitations to what is considered “needless” destruction. Observance of a mitzvah, like tearing clothes in mourning, or preservation of human life or health, overrules bal tashchit when the two come into conflict.

Answer 2

The rabbis of din.org.il were asked where one can find the halachic source prohibiting treating clothes disrespectfully.

They answered:

לא מצאנו בהלכה דין זל "ביזוי" במה שמתבטא בשימוש לא יפה וכד’, אלא רק שאין לזרוק לאשפה דבר שאפשר להשתמש בו, וכן לא לשבור דבר שראוי לשימוש, והוא גם בכלל איסור בל תשחית

אבל מותר להשתמש בבגדים בתשמישים מגונים, כגון לשטוף בהם רצפה וכיוצא בזה

We have not found in halacha a law regarding "disrespect" [of clothing] in terms of usage in a not nice manner etc. Rather, only that one may not throw in the trash something which can still be used, and also not to destroy something usable, which also falls under the prohibition of bal taschchit.

But it is permited to use clothing for degrading purposes, for example to clean the floor with them, and other similar uses.

(my translation)