Free tool · Visiting
What to wear to a federal prison visit
FPC Duluth
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 skirts/dresses above the knee (0 inches); no miniskirts. |
|---|---|
| Shorts | No shorts. |
| Colors to avoid | Not in the written rules. |
| Leggings, spandex | No spandex. No tight-fitting or extremely loose-fitting clothing. |
| Bras and metal | Not in the written rules. Some prisons ban underwire bras anyway, and the penalty can be more than being sent home. Wear a sports bra or a bra with no wire. |
| Camouflage, military | No camouflage. |
| Shoes | No open-toe shoes. No thongs or sandals. |
| Children | Not in the written rules. |
All 18 rules, in the BOP's own words
Length and fit
- No skirts/dresses above the knee (0 inches); no miniskirts.
skirts/dresses above the knee, camouflage, shorts
- No shorts.
shorts and clothing with any inappropriate or graphic language are not authorized.
- No sleeveless attire.
Sleeveless attire is not allowed.
- No tube or strapless tops.
tube or strapless tops,
- No see-through blouses.
attire, see through blouses, bathing suits, miniskirts, tube or strapless
- No tight-fitting or extremely loose-fitting clothing.
Spandex, tight fitting, or extremely loose-fitting clothing will not be allowed.
- No spandex.
Spandex, tight fitting, or extremely loose-fitting clothing will not be allowed.
- No bathing suits.
see through blouses, bathing suits,
Colors and uniforms
- No camouflage.
camouflage, shorts and clothing with any
Bras, underwear and metal
- Proper undergarments required.
and a lack of proper under garments.
Shoes
- No open-toe shoes.
No open toe shoes, thongs or sandals will be worn.
- No thongs or sandals.
No open toe shoes, thongs or sandals will be worn.
Everything else
- No clothing with inappropriate or graphic language.
clothing with any inappropriate or graphic language are not authorized.
- No capri pants.
Capri pants or skirts/dresses above the knee,
- No slacks or jeans slit or cut to reveal buttocks.
slacks or jeans slit or cut to reveal buttocks,
- No soiled workout attire.
At no time will soiled work out attire be authorized within the visitation area.
If they say no
- Clothing not covering shoulder to upper knee means refused entry.
will result in that visitor being refused entrance into the Visiting Room.
- Visiting Center Officer determines inappropriate attire.
A determination of inappropriate attire will be made by the Visiting Center Officer.
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 us.