Free tool · Visiting
What to wear to a federal prison visit
FCI Schuylkill
Official rules (PDF) En español (PDF)
2 years old. Ask your loved one to check the copy posted in the unit before you drive.
| Skirts and dresses | No dress/skirt exposing the knee or above when seated. |
|---|---|
| Shorts | No shorts except children under 16. |
| Colors to avoid | No khaki clothing (FCI only). |
| Leggings, spandex | No excessively tight-fitting pants. |
| 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 | No footwear exposing toes or heels. No flip-flops, sandals or Crocs. |
| Children | Children under 16 may wear shorts. |
All 14 rules, in the BOP's own words
Length and fit
- No dress/skirt exposing the knee or above when seated.
any dress or skirt that exposes the knee or above while in a seated position,
- No shorts except children under 16.
Only children under 16 years old are permitted to wear shorts.
- No sleeveless blouses, shirts or tank tops.
sleeveless blouses or shirts, tank tops,
- No see-through blouses.
watches, see- through blouses, sleeveless blouses or shirts,
- No excessively tight-fitting pants.
excessively tight fitting pants,
Colors and uniforms
- No khaki clothing (FCI only).
Khaki color clothing (FCI Only),
Bras, underwear and metal
- No watches.
except religious, watches, see- through blouses,
Shoes
- No footwear exposing toes or heels.
footwear exposing the toes or heals, i.e. Flip Flops, Sandals, Crocks etc.,
- No flip-flops, sandals or Crocs.
i.e. Flip Flops, Sandals, Crocks etc.,
Hats, hoods and coats
- No hats, including baseball caps.
hats (including baseball) except religious,
- Religious hats are allowed.
hats (including baseball) except religious,
Children
- Children under 16 may wear shorts.
Only children under 16 years old are permitted to wear shorts.
Everything else
- No sunglasses except prescription.
sunglasses (except prescription),
If they say no
- Lobby Officer uses discretion; IDO or Lieutenant decides questions.
Normally, the Lobby Officer will use his/her own discretion.
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.