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Free tool · Visiting

What to wear to a federal prison visit

MDC Guaynabo

Rules dated October 16, 2018 (8 years old)

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

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.