Free tool · Visiting
What to wear to a federal prison visit
FCI Elkton
Official rules (PDF) En español (PDF)
8 years old. Ask your loved one to check the copy posted in the unit before you drive.
| Skirts and dresses | Avoid skirts above the knee (0 inches above knee). |
|---|---|
| Shorts | Avoid shorts above the knee. |
| Colors to avoid | No khaki clothing that matches inmate jumpsuits. No orange clothing that matches inmate jumpsuits. No gray sweatshirts or sweatpants. Avoid anything easily confused with inmate clothing. |
| Leggings, spandex | Avoid form-fitting 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 | Not in the written rules. |
| Children | Not in the written rules. |
All 11 rules, in the BOP's own words
Length and fit
- Avoid skirts above the knee (0 inches above knee).
which are sexually suggestive (i.e., shorts, skirts, above the knee, or form
- Avoid shorts above the knee.
which are sexually suggestive (i.e., shorts, skirts, above the knee, or form
- Avoid form-fitting clothing.
fitting clothing) or could easily be confused with inmate clothing (i.e., gray
- No gray sweatshirts or sweatpants.
sweatshirts or sweatpants, khaki or orange clothing that matches the
Colors and uniforms
- No khaki clothing that matches inmate jumpsuits.
sweatshirts or sweatpants, khaki or orange clothing that matches the
- No orange clothing that matches inmate jumpsuits.
sweatshirts or sweatpants, khaki or orange clothing that matches the
- No gray sweatshirts or sweatpants.
sweatshirts or sweatpants, khaki or orange clothing that matches the
- Avoid anything easily confused with inmate clothing.
fitting clothing) or could easily be confused with inmate clothing (i.e., gray
Everything else
- Avoid sexually suggestive clothing.
Visitors will dress appropriately and avoid clothing styles
If they say no
- Visit may be terminated to maintain good taste.
A visit may be terminated in order to maintain good taste and
- Questionable attire referred to IDO before visit is denied.
Questionable attire will be referred to the IDO prior
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 us.