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Free tool · Visiting

What to wear to a federal prison visit

FCI El Reno

Rules dated October 19, 2017 (9 years old)

9 years old. Ask your loved one to check the copy posted in the unit before you drive.

Skirts and dresses No miniskirts or clothing ending at or above the knee.
Shorts No clothing ending at the knee or above, so no shorts.
Colors to avoid Avoid clothing that could be confused with inmate khaki.
Leggings, spandex No hip huggers (FCI visitor handout). No form-fitting clothing or body suits.
Bras and metal Female visitors must wear a bra, no exceptions.
Camouflage, military Not in the written rules. Many prisons ban both; leave them home.
Shoes No open-toed shoes or high heels.
Children Dress rules apply to minors over age ten.
All 17 rules, in the BOP's own words

Length and fit

  • No miniskirts or clothing ending at or above the knee.or clothing which ends at the knee or above.
  • No clothing ending at the knee or above, so no shorts.see-through clothing, or clothing which ends at the knee or above.
  • No sleeveless shirts or tank tops.halter tops, sleeveless shirts, tank tops,
  • No halter tops or backless shirts/dresses.Visitors may not wear miniskirts, halter tops, sleeveless shirts, tank tops, backless shirts/dresses, body suits,
  • No see-through clothing.form fitting, see-through clothing,
  • No form-fitting clothing or body suits.body suits, sweat-suits or sweatpants, form fitting,
  • No hip huggers (FCI visitor handout).body suits, hip huggers, see-through clothing,
  • No clothing with holes that show skin.Any clothing with holes in the material that allows the viewing of flesh-tones will not be allowed.
  • No sweat-suits or sweatpants.suits, sweat-suits or sweatpants, form fitting,

Colors and uniforms

  • Avoid clothing that could be confused with inmate khaki.could easily be confused with inmate clothing (i.e., khaki).

Bras, underwear and metal

  • Female visitors must wear a bra, no exceptions.Female visitors must wear a brassiere and other undergarments without any exception.
  • Female visitors must wear undergarments.Female visitors must wear a brassiere and other undergarments without any exception.

Shoes

  • No open-toed shoes or high heels.It is prohibited for a visitor to wear open-toed shoes or high heels, for visitor safety.

Children

  • Dress rules apply to minors over age ten.Visitors, including minors over age ten, will dress appropriately

Everything else

  • No sexually provocative clothing, including minors.Visitors (including minors) wearing sexually provocative clothing will be prohibited from admission to the institution visiting room.

If they say no

  • A visit may be terminated to maintain good taste.A visit may be terminated in order to maintain good taste and consideration for others.
  • Questionable attire referred to IDO and/or Operations Lieutenant.Any questionable attire will be referred to the Institution Duty Officer and/or the Operations Lieutenant prior to denial of the visit.

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.