Free tool · Visiting
What to wear to a federal prison visit
FCI Manchester
Official rules (PDF) En español (PDF)
2 years old. Ask your loved one to check the copy posted in the unit before you drive.
| Skirts and dresses | No mini skirts or long splits; no inch limit given. |
|---|---|
| Shorts | No shorts for anyone over age 12. |
| Colors to avoid | No khaki clothing. No dark brown clothing. |
| Leggings, spandex | No spandex/Lycra pants or shorts, yoga pants, jeggings, leggings. No excessively tight fitting clothing of any kind. |
| Bras and metal | No items failing metal detector, including piercings and underwire bras. |
| Camouflage, military | No camouflage clothing. |
| Shoes | No open-toed shoes. |
| Children | Children 12 and under may wear shorts. |
All 22 rules, in the BOP's own words
Length and fit
- No mini skirts or long splits; no inch limit given.
Mini Skirts or Skirts/Dresses with long side or front splits
- No shorts for anyone over age 12.
Shorts (Male and female over age 12 years)
- No sleeveless dresses or shirts.
• Sleeveless Dresses/Shirts
- No low cut shirts.
• Low cut shirts
- No halter tops/dresses or strapless dresses/shirts.
Halter Tops or Halter Dresses
- No excessively tight fitting clothing of any kind.
Excessively tight fitting clothing of any kind
- No spandex/Lycra pants or shorts, yoga pants, jeggings, leggings.
Spandex/Lycra Pants or Shorts (yoga pants , jeggings , leggings)
- No athletic attire: sweatpants, track, jogging or wind suits.
Athletic Attire (sweatpants , "tracku or running pants , j ogging or wind suits)
Colors and uniforms
- No khaki clothing.
Khaki or Dark Brown Clothing
- No dark brown clothing.
Khaki or Dark Brown Clothing
- No camouflage clothing.
• Camouflage Clothing
Bras, underwear and metal
- No items failing metal detector, including piercings and underwire bras.
excess metal on clothing , hair accessories & underwire bras
- No watches; jewelry worn is allowed but none carried in.
Jewelry Worn (No jewelry will be carried in)
Shoes
- No open-toed shoes.
• Open-toed shoes
Hats, hoods and coats
- No bandanas, scarves, caps, or hats.
Caps or Hats (with the exception of religious head wear)
- Religious head wear is allowed.
Caps or Hats (with the exception of religious head wear)
- No shirts with hoods or hoodies.
Shirts with Hoods/Hood i es
- Sweater, light jacket, or coat allowed but removed in visiting room.
Sweater , Light Jacket , or Coat (Must remove upon entering Visiting Room)
Children
- Children 12 and under may wear shorts.
Shorts (Male and female over age 12 years)
Everything else
- No clothing with obscene or controversial prints or language.
Any clothing item that displays Obscene or Controversial Screen Print/Obscene
- No blouses or apparel revealing in nature.
Blouses and/or Other Apparel Revealing in Nature
If they say no
- Improper attire is a listed reason for visit denial.
under age without parent/guardian, improper attire , other
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.