Free tool · Visiting
What to wear to a federal prison visit
USP Big Sandy
3 years old. Ask your loved one to check the copy posted in the unit before you drive.
| Skirts and dresses | Skirts not two inches or more above the knee; no long slits. |
|---|---|
| Shorts | No shorts or skirts worn above the knee. |
| Colors to avoid | No khaki-colored clothing. |
| Leggings, spandex | No Lycra or spandex clothing. No tight or form-fitting clothing. |
| Bras and metal | No underwire bras, body piercings, or excess metal that fails detector. |
| Camouflage, military | No camouflage clothing. |
| Shoes | No open-toed shoes. No slippers or crocs. |
| Children | Not in the written rules. |
All 24 rules, in the BOP's own words
Length and fit
- Skirts not two inches or more above the knee; no long slits.
slits in the middle or side; skirts two inches or more above the knee,
- No shorts or skirts worn above the knee.
shirts, or dresses; shorts or skirts worn above the knee.
- No sleeveless blouses or tank tops.
visit. Visitors may not wear: any revealing clothing such as sleeveless,
- No deep V-neck blouses, shirts, or dresses.
(including see through shirts with a shirt underneath); deep v—neck blouses,
- No midriff shirts; shirts tucked in or belted for ages 4 and up.
halter tops or midriff shirts (shirts will be tucked in or belted for all
- No strapless or bareback blouses.
strapless or bareback blouses, tank top shirts; dresses or skirts with long
- No halter tops.
halter tops or midriff shirts (shirts will be tucked in or belted for all
- No see-through clothing, even with a shirt underneath; no fishnet.
(including see through shirts with a shirt underneath); deep v—neck blouses,
- No tight or form-fitting clothing.
miniskirt or wrap around skirts; tight, form—fitting or see through clothing
- No Lycra or spandex clothing.
Lycra or spandex clothing; athletic shorts/sweat suits (cloth material) or
- No swimwear.
wind suits; athletic jerseys; swimwear; slippers, crocs, open toed shoes; or
- No athletic shorts, sweat suits, or wind suits.
Lycra or spandex clothing; athletic shorts/sweat suits (cloth material) or
Colors and uniforms
- No khaki-colored clothing.
any khaki or camouflage in color clothing. Jackets cannot be used to cover up
- No camouflage clothing.
any khaki or camouflage in color clothing. Jackets cannot be used to cover up
Bras, underwear and metal
- No underwire bras, body piercings, or excess metal that fails detector.
to include body piercings, excess metal on clothing, and under wires in bras
- No metal items, including body piercings, that won't clear detector.
an unauthorized shirt. All metal items which will not clear the metal detector
Shoes
- No open-toed shoes.
wind suits; athletic jerseys; swimwear; slippers, crocs, open toed shoes; or
- No slippers or crocs.
wind suits; athletic jerseys; swimwear; slippers, crocs, open toed shoes; or
Hats, hoods and coats
- No caps, hats, or scarves of any kind.
Other prohibited clothing includes: caps, hats, and scarves of any kind; long
- No coats, sweaters or jackets with hoods attached.
coats, sweaters and jackets that have hoods attached or extended below the
- No long coats below knee; jackets cannot cover unauthorized shirts.
any khaki or camouflage in color clothing. Jackets cannot be used to cover up
Everything else
- No gang or club symbols; no sexual or offensive language.
knee; clothing of any type which would symbolize club or gang activity or
- No miniskirts or wrap-around skirts.
miniskirt or wrap around skirts; tight, form—fitting or see through clothing
- No athletic jerseys.
wind suits; athletic jerseys; swimwear; slippers, crocs, open toed shoes; 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.