Free tool · Visiting
What to wear to a federal prison visit
FMC Lexington
9 years old. Ask your loved one to check the copy posted in the unit before you drive.
| Skirts and dresses | Not in the written rules. |
|---|---|
| Shorts | No short shorts. |
| Colors to avoid | No khaki-colored pants. |
| Leggings, spandex | Not in the written rules. Many prisons still turn leggings away. |
| Bras and metal | Not in the written rules. Some prisons ban underwire bras anyway, and the penalty can be more than being sent home. Wear a sports bra or a bra with no wire. |
| Camouflage, military | Not in the written rules. Many prisons ban both; leave them home. |
| Shoes | No open-toe shoes; footwear required. No flip-flops. |
| Children | Not in the written rules. |
All 8 rules, in the BOP's own words
Length and fit
- No short shorts.
Khaki colored pants, short shorts, halter tops,
- No halter tops.
short shorts, halter tops, and other clothing of a suggestive or revealing nature
Colors and uniforms
- No khaki-colored pants.
Khaki colored pants, short shorts, halter tops,
Shoes
- No open-toe shoes; footwear required.
No flip flops or open toe shoes, footwear must be worn by all visitors.
- No flip-flops.
No flip flops or open toe shoes,
Hats, hoods and coats
- No hats, scarves or bandannas.
Hats, scarves and bandannas will not be permitted in the Visiting Room.
- Coats allowed if screened through the x-ray machine.
Coats may be worn into the visiting room provided they have been screened through the x-ray machine.
Everything else
- No suggestive or revealing clothing.
other clothing of a suggestive or revealing nature will not be permitted in the visiting room.
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.