Surviving
the Feds
¿Hablas español? Toca aquí

Free tool · Visiting

What to wear to a federal prison visit

FCI Phoenix

Rules dated March 1, 2019 (7 years old)

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

Skirts and dresses Skirts and dresses must be knee length or lower; no side slits.
Shorts No shorts, except children 12 and under.
Colors to avoid No khaki when visiting the FCI. No dark green when visiting the camp (SCP).
Leggings, spandex No spandex garments. No skin-tight clothing.
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 or bare feet. No sandals.
Children Children 12 and under may wear shorts.
All 24 rules, in the BOP's own words

Length and fit

  • Skirts and dresses must be knee length or lower; no side slits.Mini-Skirts (all skirts and dresses must be knee length or lower)
  • No shorts, except children 12 and under.shorts (except children 12 and under),
  • No sleeveless shirts or tank tops.sleeveless shirts, tank tops, shirts with hoods,
  • No plunging necklines.shirts/blouses with plunging necklines,
  • No bare midriffs.e. Bare Midriffs
  • No halter tops or backless shirts/dresses.spandex garments, backless shirts/dresses, body suits, see-through clothing,
  • No see-through clothing; if skin tone shows, it's see-through.See-Through Clothing (if skin tone can be seen through garment, it is defined as “see- through”)
  • No skin-tight clothing.Skirts/dresses with slits up the sides or skin-tight clothing
  • No spandex garments.spandex garments, backless shirts/dresses,
  • No bathing suits.h. Bathing Suits
  • No jogging or sweat suits.jogging or sweat suits, shirts/blouses with plunging necklines,

Colors and uniforms

  • No khaki when visiting the FCI.inmate clothing (i.e., khaki color for the FCI and dark green for the SCP).
  • No dark green when visiting the camp (SCP).inmate clothing (i.e., khaki color for the FCI and dark green for the SCP).

Bras, underwear and metal

  • No watches.Watches, hats, ball caps, food items, gum, candy,

Shoes

  • No open-toe shoes or bare feet.hats, caps, sandals, or open toe shoes.
  • No sandals.hats, caps, sandals, or open toe shoes.

Hats, hoods and coats

  • No hats or caps.hats, caps, sandals, or open toe shoes.
  • No shirts with hoods.sleeveless shirts, tank tops, shirts with hoods,
  • Jackets/coats may be worn depending on weather.When appropriate, and depending on weather conditions, jackets and/or coats may be worn into the visiting room.

Children

  • Children 12 and under may wear shorts.Shorts (Except on children 12 and under)

Everything else

  • No offensive wording, logos, or drug references.clothing with offensive wording, logos, or drug references,
  • No sexually suggestive clothing or body suits; shirts required.Visitors may not wear sexually suggestive clothing, miniskirts, halter tops,

If they say no

  • Inappropriately dressed visitors will not be allowed to visit.Visitors arriving at the institution dressed in an inappropriate manner shall not be allowed to visit.
  • List not all-inclusive; IDO/Operations Lieutenant make final call.This list is not all-inclusive and is subject to staff discretion.

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.