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Free tool · Visiting

What to wear to a federal prison visit

USP Big Sandy

Rules dated December 18, 2023 (3 years old) · from the prisoners' handbook; no visiting rules posted

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

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.