Surviving
the Feds
¿Hablas español? Toca aquí

Free tool · Visiting

What to wear to a federal prison visit

FCI Sheridan

Rules dated July 21, 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 Dresses/skirts must touch bottom of kneecap (0 inches above); no slit above knee.
Shorts No shorts or culottes; children under 12 may at staff discretion.
Colors to avoid No khaki outfits resembling inmate clothing. No green outfits resembling inmate clothing. No red or yellow outfits; nothing resembling inmate or staff uniforms.
Leggings, spandex No leggings, jeggings, spandex, leotards, yoga pants unless covered by skirt. No tight or form fitting dresses such as knit or spandex.
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 clothing resembling staff uniforms.
Shoes Shoes need heel or strap; no open-toed shoes. No slipper type shoes, shower shoes, or flip-flops.
Children Children under 12 may wear shorts, max 6 inches above knee.
All 24 rules, in the BOP's own words

Length and fit

  • Dresses/skirts must touch bottom of kneecap (0 inches above); no slit above knee.Dresses or skirts must be no shorter than
  • No shorts or culottes; children under 12 may at staff discretion.strapless dresses, shorts, miniskirt, culottes and spandex
  • No tank tops.Halter tops, hooded clothing, tank tops, strapless tops,
  • No revealing V-necks or suggestive blouses.(i.e., revealing V-Neck, or any garment that reveals the mid-section)
  • Tops must cover stomach, chest, and back; nothing revealing mid-section.Tops will cover the upper body, including stomach, chest/breasts, and back.
  • No halter tops, strapless tops, or strapless dresses.Halter tops, hooded clothing, tank tops, strapless tops,
  • No transparent or see-through clothing.Visitors wearing transparent, revealing, or suggestive clothing will not be admitted into the institution.
  • No tight or form fitting dresses such as knit or spandex.Tight or form fitting dresses such as knit, spandex, or any other material that is form fitting will not be permitted.
  • No leggings, jeggings, spandex, leotards, yoga pants unless covered by skirt.Any “pantyhose” type leggings, Jeggings, Spandex, Leotards, Yoga pants, etc.
  • No pants with holes unless covered by dress/skirt.or pants with holes, will not be permitted unless the lower body is covered by an appropriate length dress/skirt.
  • No sweat shirts/pants or jogging outfits (resemble inmate clothing).Sweat shirts/pants, jogging outfits (pants or jackets) are not allowed

Colors and uniforms

  • No khaki outfits resembling inmate clothing.clothing (i.e., khaki, green, red and yellow outfits (top and
  • No green outfits resembling inmate clothing.clothing (i.e., khaki, green, red and yellow outfits (top and
  • No red or yellow outfits; nothing resembling inmate or staff uniforms.excessively resembles the style or color of inmate clothing
  • No clothing resembling staff uniforms.Clothing that resembles staff uniforms will not be worn.

Bras, underwear and metal

  • No watches or bracelets.No watches/bracelets are allowed.

Shoes

  • Shoes need heel or strap; no open-toed shoes.Shoes must have a heel or be able to strap to the foot.
  • No slipper type shoes, shower shoes, or flip-flops.2. Shower shoes 3. Flip-Flops

Hats, hoods and coats

  • No hooded clothing.Halter tops, hooded clothing, tank tops, strapless tops,

Children

  • Children under 12 may wear shorts, max 6 inches above knee.children under the age of twelve (12) will be allowed to wear shorts. Short pants will be no higher than 6 inches above the knee.

Everything else

  • No sexually suggestive/offensive writing or gang logos.wearing any clothing that contains sexually suggestive/offensive writing, or writing/logos that reference gangs.
  • Shoes required; no bare feet except babies.All visitors must be fully attired, including shoes.

If they say no

  • Visitors failing metal detector due to clothing may change and return.If clothing is preventing a visitor from clearing the metal detector they may return to their vehicle for a change of clothing.
  • Clothing deemed inappropriate for prison not authorized.Any clothing not noted above that is deemed inappropriate for wear in a correctional facility will not be authorized.

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.