Free tool · Visiting
What to wear to a federal prison visit
FCI Big Spring
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 | Shorts/skirts not 2 inches or more above knee, standing or sitting. |
|---|---|
| Shorts | No athletic shorts; other shorts must meet the 2-inch length rule. |
| Colors to avoid | No khaki-colored clothing for visitors age 10 and up. |
| Leggings, spandex | No Lycra or spandex clothing. No tight or form-fitting clothing. |
| Bras and metal | No underwire bras, body piercings or metal that sets off detector. |
| Camouflage, military | No camouflage clothing for visitors age 10 and up. |
| Shoes | No open-toed shoes. No shower shoes or flip-flops. |
| Children | Clothing list applies to children 4 and over; colors to age 10+. |
All 25 rules, in the BOP's own words
Length and fit
- Shorts/skirts not 2 inches or more above knee, standing or sitting.
Shorts or skirts may not be worn when they are 2" inches above the knees when standing or sitting;
- No athletic shorts; other shorts must meet the 2-inch length rule.
Athletic shorts/sweat pants (cloth material)/wind suits; Athletic Jerseys
- No sleeveless shirts, blouses or dresses, and no tank tops.
Sleeveless, strapless or bareback shirts, blouses, or dresses;
- No deep V-neck blouses, shirts or dresses.
Deep v-neck blouses, shirts or dresses;
- No midriff shirts; shirts tucked in or belted for ages 4+.
Halter tops or midriff shirts. Shirts will be tucked in or belted for all visitors ages 4 and over;
- No strapless or bareback tops/dresses, no halter tops.
Sleeveless, strapless or bareback shirts, blouses, or dresses;
- No see-through clothing, even over another shirt; no fishnet.
Tight, form-fitting or see through clothing. This includes see through shirts with a shirt underneath;
- No tight or form-fitting clothing.
Tight, form-fitting or see through clothing. This includes see through shirts with a shirt underneath;
- No Lycra or spandex clothing.
Lycra or spandex clothing;
- No swimwear.
material)/wind suits , At hl etic Jerseys , swimwear , slippers , or
- No slippers.
material)/wind suits , At hl etic Jerseys , swimwear , slippers , or
- No athletic shorts, sweat pants, wind suits, or athletic jerseys.
Athletic shorts/sweat pants (cloth material)/wind suits; Athletic Jerseys
Colors and uniforms
- No khaki-colored clothing for visitors age 10 and up.
Any clothing Khaki or Camouflage in color for visitors age IO and up;
- No camouflage clothing for visitors age 10 and up.
Any clothing Khaki or Camouflage in color for visitors age IO and up;
Bras, underwear and metal
- No underwire bras, body piercings or metal that sets off detector.
body piercing , excess metal on clothing, and under wires in bras
Shoes
- No open-toed shoes.
Shower shoes, "flip-flop" type shoes, or any o pen toed shoes;
- No shower shoes or flip-flops.
Shower shoes, "flip-flop" type shoes, or any o pen toed shoes;
Hats, hoods and coats
- No caps, hats, or scarves of any kind.
Caps, hats, and scarves of any kind;
- No coats, sweaters or jackets with hoods attached.
Long coats, sweaters and jackets that have hoods attached or extend below the knee;
- No long coats/jackets below knee; jacket can't cover banned shirt.
A jacket cannot cover up an unauthorized shirt;
Children
- Clothing list applies to children 4 and over; colors to age 10+.
CLOTHING NOT AUTHORIZED (TO INCLUDE CHILDREN AGES 4 AND OVER}:
Everything else
- No gang symbols or sexual/offensive language on clothing.
Clothing of any type which would symbolize c lub or gang activity or gang affiliation;
- No miniskirts, wrap-around skirts, or skirts with long slits.
Dresses, skirts, or mini-skirts with long slits in the middle or s ide;
- No revealing, immodest or provocative clothing.
Persons who dress immodestly or provocatively may be
If they say no
- Improperly dressed visitors may be denied or have visit terminated.
Operations Li eutena n t and/or IDO to determine whether to deny or
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.