What to wear

The four base rules

• No clothing that resembles what incarcerated people wear — blue denim, blue chambray, reception-center attire
• No clothing resembling law enforcement or military attire, including raingear
• Dress conservatively and modestly
• Nothing that can't clear a metal detector and can't be removed — underwire bras, metal buttons

Specific restrictions

• No strapless, halter, bare-midriff, sheer, or transparent clothing
• Nothing exposing more than 2 inches above the knee
• No very tight or form-fitting clothing
• No wigs or hairpieces without prior medical approval
• No hats or gloves without prior approval, except in genuinely bad weather
• No shower shoes

If you get turned away

Most facilities have a Friends Outside Visitor Center that lends clean used clothing — but it isn't always staffed or funded to be open. Bring a spare outfit in the car as backup. If you disagree with an officer's read of your clothing, you can ask to speak with the Visiting Sergeant or Lieutenant, who makes the final call.

Children under 36 inches tall are exempt from the color and material rules, but still need to clear the metal detector.