Free tool · Visiting
What to wear to a federal prison visit
FCI Fairton
Official rules (PDF) No Spanish version posted
| Skirts and dresses | Skirts no more than 3 inches above the knee. |
|---|---|
| Shorts | Shorts no higher than 3 inches above knee; no bike or short shorts. |
| Colors to avoid | No khaki, tan or beige clothing similar to inmate attire. No green military-type clothing. No orange clothing similar to inmate attire. |
| Leggings, spandex | No spandex pants or skirts, tights, or leotards. No tight or revealing clothing. |
| Bras and metal | No large metal belt buckles. |
| Camouflage, military | No military-type clothing in inmate-like colors. |
| Shoes | No shower shoes, flip flops, or beach shoes. |
| Children | Not in the written rules. |
All 25 rules, in the BOP's own words
Length and fit
- Skirts no more than 3 inches above the knee.
shorts/pants, short skirts (no more than 3 inches above the knee), or
- Shorts no higher than 3 inches above knee; no bike or short shorts.
revealing front/backless clothing , shorts (must be
- No sleeveless garments.
sleeveless garments , halter or tube tops , low cut
- No low-cut blouses/dresses revealing the chest.
blouses/dresses(revealing the chest area) ,
- No halter or tube tops or backless clothing.
sleeveless garments , halter or tube tops , low cut
- No transparent clothing or see-through blouses.
transparent clothing, bathing suits , swimming wear,
- No tight or revealing clothing.
(i . e ., spandex) ; severe l y l ow -cut tops ; extremely high cut skirts ; halter
- No spandex pants or skirts, tights, or leotards.
spandex pants , skirts , tights, or leotards , hooded
- No shirts or pants with holes.
shirts , shirts or pants with holes on the garment ,
- No bathing suits or swimwear.
transparent clothing, bathing suits , swimming wear,
- No sweat pants or sweat shirts.
metal belt buckles , watches , sweat pants/sweat
Colors and uniforms
- No khaki, tan or beige clothing similar to inmate attire.
khaki clothing (orange , tan , beige , or green
- No green military-type clothing.
military type clothing) similar to inmate attire ,
- No orange clothing similar to inmate attire.
khaki clothing (orange , tan , beige , or green
- No military-type clothing in inmate-like colors.
military type clothing) similar to inmate attire ,
Bras, underwear and metal
- No large metal belt buckles.
no higher than 3 inches above the knee) , large
- No watches.
metal belt buckles , watches , sweat pants/sweat
Shoes
- No shower shoes, flip flops, or beach shoes.
shoes , flip flops, and beach shoes .
Hats, hoods and coats
- No hats or head coverings.
shirts of any kind , hats or head covering (other
- Religious head coverings allowed.
than those worn for religious purposes) , shower
- No hooded shirts of any kind.
shirts of any kind , hats or head covering (other
Everything else
- Pants may never be tucked into shoes or boots.
visitor pants authorized to be tucked inside any
- No provocative or revealing clothing.
to wear clothing which is neither provocative nor
If they say no
- Violators must leave and return in appropriate clothing.
visitor , the visitor will be instructed to leave
- Operations Lieutenant and IDO make final decision on questioned apparel.
and they wi ll make the final dec i s i on .
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.