Free tool · Visiting
What to wear to a federal prison visit
USP Hazelton
Official rules (PDF) En español (PDF)
| 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
- 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 us.