Free tool · Visiting
What to wear to a federal prison visit
FCI Phoenix
Official rules (PDF) En español (PDF)
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
- 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.