Surviving
the Feds
¿Hablas español? Toca aquí

Free tool · Visiting

What to wear to a federal prison visit

FMC Rochester

Rules dated July 12, 2023 (3 years old)

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

Skirts and dresses Shorts and skirts not above top of knee standing (0 inches).
Shorts Shorts must reach the top of the knee when standing.
Colors to avoid No khaki pants, shirts, or skirts. No green pants, shirts, or skirts. No orange pants, shirts, or skirts. No grey sweatpants, sweatshirts, or thermals.
Leggings, spandex No spandex clothing. No 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 No camouflage clothing.
Shoes No open-toed or open-heeled shoes; shoes required. No sandals or slip-ons.
Children Younger children may wear outerwear year-round.
All 30 rules, in the BOP's own words

Length and fit

  • Shorts and skirts not above top of knee standing (0 inches).* Shorts and skirts which are higher than the top of the knee when standing
  • Shorts must reach the top of the knee when standing.* Shorts and skirts which are higher than the top of the knee when standing
  • No tank tops or sleeveless shirts.* Halter tops/sleeveless shirts
  • No plunging necklines exposing back, cleavage or chest (V-necks, scoop necks).* Plunging necklines that expose back, cleavage or chest (i.e., V-necks, scoop necks)
  • No halter tops.* Halter tops/sleeveless shirts
  • No transparent clothing.* Transparent clothing
  • No tight clothing.* Tight clothing
  • No spandex clothing.* Spandex clothing
  • No holes in clothing.* Holes in clothing
  • No grey sweatpants or sweatshirts.* Grey sweatpants, sweatshirts, thermals

Colors and uniforms

  • No khaki pants, shirts, or skirts.* Green, khaki, or orange-colored pants, shirts, or skirts
  • No green pants, shirts, or skirts.* Green, khaki, or orange-colored pants, shirts, or skirts
  • No orange pants, shirts, or skirts.* Green, khaki, or orange-colored pants, shirts, or skirts
  • No grey sweatpants, sweatshirts, or thermals.* Grey sweatpants, sweatshirts, thermals
  • No camouflage clothing.* Camouflage clothing

Bras, underwear and metal

  • All visitors must wear undergarments.It is necessary for all visitors to wear undergarments and shoes.
  • No watches in the visiting room.Paperwork Watches Food

Shoes

  • No open-toed or open-heeled shoes; shoes required.* Opened toed or open heeled shoes, (i.e., sandals or slip-ons for both male & female).
  • No sandals or slip-ons.* Opened toed or open heeled shoes, (i.e., sandals or slip-ons for both male & female).

Hats, hoods and coats

  • No hats or caps; no scarves.* Hats or caps
  • No hooded sweatshirts, coats, or clothing that conceals head/face.* No hooded sweatshirts/coats, clothing with hoods.
  • Coats/jackets/sweaters only Oct 1-June 1; stored during visit.Jackets, coats, or sweaters will only be allowed during the months of October 1 through June 1.
  • Hats/scarves with wigs for chemo/hair loss need physician documentation.Hats and/or scarves with wigs utilized for

Children

  • Younger children may wear outerwear year-round.Younger children will be allowed appropriate outer wear year-round.

Everything else

  • No wording showing gang affiliation or profanity.* No attire with questionable wording, (i.e., gang affiliation, profanity, etc.)
  • No wrap-around skirts.* Wrap-around skirts
  • No shirts hanging less than 3 inches below belt line.* No shirts that hang less than 3 inches below the belt line.
  • Apparel must cover body from shoulders to upper knee.adequately cover the areas of their body from shoulder height to upper knee will not be allowed to visit.

If they say no

  • Visitors not in proper attire will be denied a visit.Visitors who are not in proper attire will be denied a visit.
  • Questionable clothing cleared by IDO or Operations Lieutenant.* Any questionable clothing will be cleared through the Institution Duty Officer or the Operations

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.