Surviving
the Feds
¿Hablas español? Toca aquí

Free tool · Visiting

What to wear to a federal prison visit

FCI Oakdale I

Rules dated April 1, 2014 (12 years old)

12 years old. Ask your loved one to check the copy posted in the unit before you drive.

These rules contradict themselves. When two rules disagree, dress by the stricter one.

Skirts and dresses Dresses/skirts not above knee (0 in.); attachment says not above mid-thigh.
Shorts No shorts.
Colors to avoid No tan or khaki slacks or shirts.
Leggings, spandex No spandex. No tight-fitting or contoured attire.
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 No fatigue-colored slacks or shirts.
Shoes No open-toe or open-back shoes. No shower shoes, slippers, or house shoes.
Children Not in the written rules.
All 24 rules, in the BOP's own words

Length and fit

  • Dresses/skirts not above knee (0 in.); attachment says not above mid-thigh.Dresses or skirts above knees
  • No shorts.No sleeveless blouses, tank tops, halter tops No shorts
  • No sleeveless blouses or tank tops.Sleeveless blouses, tank tops, halter tops
  • No low-cut blouses revealing cleavage.See-through clothing or low cut blouses revealing cleavage
  • No clothing exposing the mid-section.Clothing exposing the mid-section
  • No halter tops.Sleeveless blouses, tank tops, halter tops
  • No see-through clothing.See-through clothing or low cut blouses revealing cleavage
  • No tight-fitting or contoured attire.Spandex, tight fitting, contoured type attire
  • No spandex.Spandex, tight fitting, contoured type attire
  • No slippers or house shoes.Shower shoes, slippers, house shoes, open toe, or open back shoe
  • No sweat suits or wind suits.Sweat suits or wind suits

Colors and uniforms

  • No tan or khaki slacks or shirts.No tan colored khaki or fatigue colored slacks or shirts
  • No fatigue-colored slacks or shirts.Tan or fatigue colored slacks or shirts

Bras, underwear and metal

  • No watches (attachment).Sweat suits, wind suits, or watches

Shoes

  • No open-toe or open-back shoes.Shower shoes, slippers, house shoes, open toe, or open back shoe
  • No shower shoes, slippers, or house shoes.Shower shoes, slippers, house shoes, open toe, or open back shoe

Hats, hoods and coats

  • No head coverings, hats, caps, or scarves.Head coverings, hoods, hats, caps, scarves, wigs, unless medically
  • Head coverings allowed if medically documented or for religious events.documented or associated with religious events.
  • No hoods.Head coverings, hoods, hats, caps, scarves, wigs, unless medically
  • No wigs unless medically documented or religious.Head coverings, hoods, hats, caps, scarves, wigs, unless medically

Everything else

  • No loose, sagging, or dragging gang-associated apparel.Excessively loose fitting, sagging, or dragging apparel which may appear
  • Visitors must dress appropriately for a business setting.All visitors will be dressed appropriately for a business setting.

If they say no

  • Inappropriately dressed visitors will be denied entrance.appropriately for the visiting room, the visitor will be denied entrance
  • Operations Lieutenant decides on questionable attire.be notified and will make the decision whether or not to allow the visitor to

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.