Free tool · Visiting
What to wear to a federal prison visit
FPC Alderson
Official rules (PDF) En español (PDF)
4 years old. Ask your loved one to check the copy posted in the unit before you drive.
| Skirts and dresses | No miniskirts; no inch limit given; cover body to upper knee. |
|---|---|
| Shorts | Shorts allowed but must at least touch the top of the knee. |
| Colors to avoid | Visitors may not dress like the inmate-issued uniform. |
| Leggings, spandex | Not in the written rules. Many prisons still turn leggings away. |
| Bras and metal | Female visitors must wear a bra. |
| Camouflage, military | Not in the written rules. Many prisons ban both; leave them home. |
| Shoes | No open-toed shoes for any visitor. |
| Children | Not in the written rules. |
All 15 rules, in the BOP's own words
Length and fit
- No miniskirts; no inch limit given; cover body to upper knee.
may not wear miniskirts, halter tops, or
- Shorts allowed but must at least touch the top of the knee.
however, the shorts, at a minimum, must touch the top of the knee
- Sleeveless shirts allowed if they do not reveal undergarments; no tank/muscle shirts.
Visitors are permitted to wear shorts and sleeveless shirts
- No tube tops, tank tops, or (women) halter tops.
Tube tops, tank tops, hats, caps, sunglasses
- No see-through clothing of any kind.
see-through clothing of any kind
- No slacks or jeans slit or cut to reveal buttocks.
slacks or jeans slit or cut to reveal buttocks
- Bathing suits are inappropriate.
see-through blouses, bathing suits, miniskirts
Colors and uniforms
- Visitors may not dress like the inmate-issued uniform.
Visitors will not dress in a manner that resembles the inmate-issued uniform.
Bras, underwear and metal
- Female visitors must wear a bra.
Female visitors must wear a bra
- Lack of proper undergarments is inappropriate.
a lack of proper undergarments
Shoes
- No open-toed shoes for any visitor.
No visitor, male or female, will wear open-toed shoes.
Hats, hoods and coats
- No hats, caps, or doo-rags.
Tube tops, tank tops, hats, caps, sunglasses (unless prescribed), doo-rags, and muscle shirts are not permitted.
Everything else
- No revealing or possibly offensive clothing; sun dresses OK if not revealing.
Any clothing that is considered to be revealing or possibly offensive to other visitors will not be allowed into the Visiting Room.
- No sunglasses unless prescribed.
sunglasses (unless prescribed)
If they say no
- Clothing exposing shoulder-to-upper-knee areas means refused entry.
Any apparel that does not adequately cover or which exposes the primary areas of the body from shoulder height to the upper knee area will result in that visitor being refused entrance
What almost every prison bans
- Short skirts and dresses (each prison sets its own length)
- Sleeveless tops
- See-through or mesh clothing
- Shorts (kids are often an exception)
- Hats (religious head coverings usually allowed)
- Khaki, or anything like the inmate uniform
- Open-toe shoes
- Backless, strapless or halter tops
- Tight or form-fitting clothing
- Sweatpants and sweatshirts
- Leggings and spandex
- Flip-flops and sandals
- Offensive words, gang colors or symbols
- Low-cut tops
- Camouflage
- Anything showing the stomach
An outfit that passes almost everywhere: jeans or slacks with no holes, a plain t-shirt with sleeves (no words, not khaki or green), closed-toe shoes, a sports bra, no hat.
From each prison's visiting rules on bop.gov, checked November 2, 2026. Turned away for something not in the rules? Tell Scooter.