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Free tool · Visiting

What to wear to a federal prison visit

FCI Pollock

Rules dated January 2023 (3 years old) · from the prisoners' handbook; no visiting rules posted

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

Skirts and dresses Dresses no shorter than top of knee (0 inches); no miniskirts or slits above knee.
Shorts No shorts (children under 12 may at staff discretion).
Colors to avoid No khakis resembling inmate clothing. No grey sweats. No clothing resembling inmate clothing style or color.
Leggings, spandex No spandex.
Bras and metal Female visitors must wear a bra.
Camouflage, military Not in the written rules. Many prisons ban both; leave them home.
Shoes No open-toe sandals.
Children Children under 12 may wear shorts at staff discretion.
All 23 rules, in the BOP's own words

Length and fit

  • Dresses no shorter than top of knee (0 inches); no miniskirts or slits above knee.Dresses will not be shorter than the top of the knee.
  • No shorts (children under 12 may at staff discretion).sleeveless tops/dresses, shorts, miniskirts,
  • No sleeveless tops or dresses.overalls, sleeveless tops/dresses, shorts,
  • No low-cut shirts or blouses.low cut shirts & blouses, halter-tops,
  • No garments revealing the mid-section.garments which reveal the mid-section,
  • No halter tops.low cut shirts & blouses, halter-tops, transparent or
  • No transparent or sheer clothing.transparent or sheer clothing,
  • No spandex.Capri-pants, or spandex.
  • No grey sweats.khakis, grey sweats)

Colors and uniforms

  • No khakis resembling inmate clothing.resembles the style or color of inmate clothing (i.e., khakis, grey sweats)
  • No grey sweats.(i.e., khakis, grey sweats) will not be allowed into the institution.
  • No clothing resembling inmate clothing style or color.resembles the style or color of inmate clothing

Bras, underwear and metal

  • Female visitors must wear a bra.Female visitors are required to wear a bra.
  • All visitors must wear undergarments.All visitors will wear under garments.

Shoes

  • No open-toe sandals.hats, open-toe sandals, shoes, low cut shirts & blouses,
  • No open-toe sandals.open-toe sandals, shoes,

Hats, hoods and coats

  • No hats.The following items are NOT allowed: hats, open-toe sandals, shoes,

Children

  • Children under 12 may wear shorts at staff discretion.children under the age of twelve may be allowed to wear shorts.

Everything else

  • No derogatory, sexually suggestive or gang-related logos.Clothing with derogatory, sexually suggestive, or gang-related logos will not be allowed.
  • No overalls.sheer clothing, overalls, sleeveless tops/dresses,
  • No culottes or capri pants.miniskirts, culottes, Capri-pants, or spandex.
  • No bare feet except babies; footwear required.No bare feet will be permitted {excluding babies}.

If they say no

  • Ops Lieutenant/IDO decide on inmate-like clothing and children's shorts.At the discretion of the Operations Lieutenant or Institution Duty Officer,

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.