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Free tool · Visiting

What to wear to a federal prison visit

FCI McDowell

Rules dated December 14, 2022 (4 years old)

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

These rules contradict themselves. When two rules disagree, dress by the stricter one.

Skirts and dresses Skirts/shorts/dresses no shorter than 2 inches above mid-knee; no slits above knee.
Shorts Shorts no shorter than 2 inches above mid-knee; no sweat shorts.
Colors to avoid No khaki or tan pants, shirts, jackets, or coats. No clothing available to inmates through commissary.
Leggings, spandex No pantyhose-type leggings, spandex, or leotards unless covered by a dress/skirt. No tight or form-fitting dresses such as knit or spandex.
Bras and metal Avoid metal clothing; underwire bras cannot be removed before detector.
Camouflage, military Not in the written rules. Many prisons ban both; leave them home.
Shoes No open-toe footwear or shoes without a back. No flip flops.
Children Length rule applies only to persons over 10 years of age.
All 27 rules, in the BOP's own words

Length and fit

  • Skirts/shorts/dresses no shorter than 2 inches above mid-knee; no slits above knee.Skirts , shorts or dresses must not be shorter than two
  • Shorts no shorter than 2 inches above mid-knee; no sweat shorts.Skirts , shorts or dresses must not be shorter than two
  • No tank tops or sleeveless shirts.chest/breasts , and back . Tank tops ae not permissible .
  • Tops must cover stomach, chest/breasts, and back.Tops will cover the upper body , including stomach ,
  • No halter tops or strapless dresses/tops.st rapless dr essed/tops , spande x clothing and sleeveless s h i r ts) . Hats , bandanas ,
  • No see-through material.Clothing made of see - through material will not be
  • No tight or form-fitting dresses such as knit or spandex.age . Tight or form fitting dresses such as knit ,
  • No pantyhose-type leggings, spandex, or leotards unless covered by a dress/skirt.Any " pantyhose " type leggings , Spandex , leotards ,
  • No pants with holes unless covered by an appropriate dress/skirt.etc ., or pa n ts with holes , will not be permit t ed
  • No sweat pants or sweat shorts.through the commissary such as sweat pants , sweat

Colors and uniforms

  • No khaki or tan pants, shirts, jackets, or coats.Any khaki or tan colored pants , shirts , jackets or
  • No clothing available to inmates through commissary.Any clothing accessible to the inmate population

Bras, underwear and metal

  • Avoid metal clothing; underwire bras cannot be removed before detector.metal , i . e . underwire bras , cannot be removed before passi n g through the

Shoes

  • No open-toe footwear or shoes without a back.Open toe footwear(i . e ., flip flops , shoes without a
  • No flip flops.Open toe footwear(i . e ., flip flops , shoes without a

Hats, hoods and coats

  • No hats, visors, head wraps, headbands, bandanas, or scarves.Head - wear such as hats , visors , head wraps or
  • Religious headwear is allowed.headbands (wi th exception to religious head - wear) will
  • No hooded jackets or shirts.not be permitted . Sunglasses , or any hooded jackets or

Children

  • Length rule applies only to persons over 10 years of age.inches above the mid - knee for persons over 10 years of

Everything else

  • No suggestive or offensive words or pictures.offensive words or pictures will not be · permitted.
  • No wrap-around dresses, skirts, or tops.permitted. Dresses , skirts , or tops that wrap around
  • No plain white T-shirts.sh orts , and plain white t -shirts are not permitted .
  • No footwear with rolling wheels.back , etc . ) may not be worn . Footwear with rolling
  • No sunglasses or watches of any kind, including smart watches.Watches of any kind will not be worn (i . e . apple
  • No provocative or excessively revealing attire.revealing attire will not be permitted in the

If they say no

  • Visit may be denied if supervisors find dress inappropriate.a n d scarves are not a u thorize d . Visitors may be denied a visit if supervisory
  • IDO and/or Operations Lieutenant resolve clothing discrepancies.may be resolved by the IDO and/or OPS Lieut enant .

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 us.