Free tool · Visiting
What to wear to a federal prison visit
MDC Guaynabo
Official rules (PDF) No Spanish version posted
8 years old. Ask your loved one to check the copy posted in the unit before you drive.
| Skirts and dresses | No mini-skirts or dresses shorter than 2 inches above the knee. |
|---|---|
| Shorts | Visitors may not wear shorts. |
| Colors to avoid | No khaki pants or shirts like inmate issue. No olive pants or shirts like inmate issue (Attachment 2). |
| Leggings, spandex | No culottes or spandex tights. |
| Bras and metal | No clothing with metal that sets off detector, e.g., jumpsuit hooks. |
| Camouflage, military | No camouflage or black/blue BDUs like tactical team uniforms. No clothing similar to officer or tactical team uniforms (BDUs). |
| Shoes | No open-toe shoes. No sandals or slippers. |
| Children | No bare feet, except babies. |
All 21 rules, in the BOP's own words
Length and fit
- No mini-skirts or dresses shorter than 2 inches above the knee.
shorts, mini-skirt or dresses (shorter than 2” above the knees), culottes or spandex
- Visitors may not wear shorts.
to wear shorts. No bare feet will be permitted (excluding babies).
- No sleeveless shirts.
Transparent clothing, halter tops, sleeveless shirt, blouses above the waistline,
- No blouses above the waistline.
Transparent clothing, halter tops, sleeveless shirt, blouses above the waistline,
- No halter tops.
Transparent clothing, halter tops, sleeveless shirt, blouses above the waistline,
- No transparent clothing.
Transparent clothing, halter tops, sleeveless shirt, blouses above the waistline,
- No culottes or spandex tights.
shorts, mini-skirt or dresses (shorter than 2” above the knees), culottes or spandex
Colors and uniforms
- No khaki pants or shirts like inmate issue.
watches, jewelry, clothing that is similar to that issued to inmates (i.e., khaki
- No olive pants or shirts like inmate issue (Attachment 2).
f. Clothing that is similar to that issued to inmates (i.e., khaki , olive pants, shirts, etc.) or similar to
- No camouflage or black/blue BDUs like tactical team uniforms.
(camouflage/black or blue BDU’s), any clothing that has metal which will set the
- No clothing similar to officer or tactical team uniforms (BDUs).
pants, shirts, etc.) or similar to officer’s uniform, including the Tactical Teams
Bras, underwear and metal
- No clothing with metal that sets off detector, e.g., jumpsuit hooks.
metal detector off. (i.e., jumpsuit’s with metal hooks). Visitors are not permitted
- No watches or jewelry of any kind.
e Jackets, watches, jewelry of any kind.
Shoes
- No open-toe shoes.
tights; apparel of a suggestive or revealing nature; sandals or slippers no open toe
- No sandals or slippers.
tights; apparel of a suggestive or revealing nature; sandals or slippers no open toe
Hats, hoods and coats
- No removable headwear such as hats and scarves.
shoe, removable head wear such as wigs, hats and scarfs. Such items must be
- No jackets.
removed for inspection prior to being admitted into the institution; jackets;
- Wigs must be removed for inspection before entry.
shoe, removable head wear such as wigs, hats and scarfs. Such items must be
Children
- No bare feet, except babies.
to wear shorts. No bare feet will be permitted (excluding babies).
Everything else
- No apparel of a suggestive or revealing nature.
b. Apparel of a suggestive or revealing nature;
If they say no
- IDO or Operations Lieutenant consulted before denying entrance over attire.
Officer and/or the Operations Lieutenant before a visitor is denied entrance.
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.