Surviving
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Free tool · Visiting

What to wear to a federal prison visit

USP Hazelton

Rules dated June 30, 2026 (this year)

Skirts and dresses Dresses not shorter than top of knee (0 inches above); no slits above knee.
Shorts No shorts (children under 12 may at staff discretion).
Colors to avoid No khaki-colored clothing resembling inmate clothing. No clothing resembling inmate style or color, at staff discretion.
Leggings, spandex No spandex. No skin-tight clothing.
Bras and metal Avoid metal buttons or undergarments with metal supports. Female visitors must wear a bra.
Camouflage, military No camouflage clothing.
Shoes No open-toed shoes. No sandals.
Children Children under 12 may wear shorts at staff discretion; babies barefoot.
All 28 rules, in the BOP's own words

Length and fit

  • Dresses not shorter than top of knee (0 inches above); no slits above knee.Dresses will not be shorter than the top of the knee.
  • No shorts (children under 12 may at staff discretion).sandals, spiked heel shoes, halter tops, sleeveless tops or dresses, shorts,
  • No sleeveless tops or dresses, or tank tops.sandals, spiked heel shoes, halter tops, sleeveless tops or dresses, shorts,
  • No low-cut or V-neck tops.low-cut, V-neck, tank tops, any garment which reveals the mid-section, or
  • No garment that reveals the mid-section.low-cut, V-neck, tank tops, any garment which reveals the mid-section, or
  • No halter tops.sandals, spiked heel shoes, halter tops, sleeveless tops or dresses, shorts,
  • No transparent or sheer clothing.The following items WILL NOT be allowed: Hats, watches, transparent or sheer
  • No skin-tight clothing.Clothing items will not be skin tight or sexually suggestive in nature.
  • No spandex.miniskirts, culottes, Capri pants, or spandex.
  • No jogging or sweat suits; no sweatshirts/sweatpants resembling inmate clothing.inmates wear similar clothing in the institution, jogging and/or sweat suits

Colors and uniforms

  • No khaki-colored clothing resembling inmate clothing.color of inmate clothing (i.e., khaki-colored clothing) will not be allowed
  • No clothing resembling inmate style or color, at staff discretion.Operations Lieutenant or Institution Duty Officer, resembles the style or
  • No camouflage clothing.Camouflage clothing is not allowed to be

Bras, underwear and metal

  • Female visitors must wear a bra.All female visitors are required to wear a bra.
  • All visitors must wear underclothing.All visitors will wear underclothing garments.
  • Avoid metal buttons or undergarments with metal supports.shirt with metal buttons or undergarments with metal supports.
  • No watches.The following items WILL NOT be allowed: Hats, watches, transparent or sheer

Shoes

  • No open-toed shoes.clothing, bib overalls (due to clearing security devices), open-toed shoes or
  • No sandals.sandals, spiked heel shoes, halter tops, sleeveless tops or dresses, shorts,

Hats, hoods and coats

  • No hats.The following items WILL NOT be allowed: Hats, watches, transparent or sheer
  • Approved religious headgear (e.g., yarmulke) allowed after inspection.Approved religious headgear (such as a Yarmulke) may be worn in

Children

  • Children under 12 may wear shorts at staff discretion; babies barefoot.Institution Duty Officer, children under the age of twelve (12) will be

Everything else

  • No derogatory, sexually suggestive, or gang-related logos.derogatory, sexually suggestive, or gang-related logos is allowed.
  • No bib overalls (metal detector issues).clothing, bib overalls (due to clearing security devices), open-toed shoes or
  • No spiked heel shoes.sandals, spiked heel shoes, halter tops, sleeveless tops or dresses, shorts,
  • No miniskirts, culottes, or Capri pants.miniskirts, culottes, Capri pants, or spandex.
  • No bare feet (except babies).No bare feet will be permitted (excluding babies).

If they say no

  • Operations Lieutenant or IDO decides what resembles inmate clothing.Any other clothing that, at the discretion of the

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 us.