The VADOC Dress Code: What You Can (and Can’t) Wear to a Visit

VADOC's baseline clothing rule is simple: your attire has to cover from the neck to the kneecaps. If anything rides up or shifts when you're standing, sitting, or reaching, change before you leave home.

Appropriate underwear is required. Every visitor, every time. Even if your outer clothing already feels modest, this is non-negotiable.

Footwear must be worn at all times during the visit. Pick shoes that stay on comfortably from the moment you walk in until you leave.

Leave your watch at home or locked in your car. Even a basic, non-smart watch is prohibited in the visiting area.

All wearable technology is prohibited in visiting areas. That includes devices like Google Glasses. If it's worn on the body and has any "tech" features, it stays out of the visiting room.

Practical Outfits Tips

• ✓ Choose an outfit that clearly covers from your neck to your kneecaps, without needing to tug, pin, or adjust it
• ✓ Pick a top with enough coverage at the neckline so you stay covered even when you lean forward or sit down
• ✓ Wear pants or a skirt/dress that stays below the knee when you sit
• ✓ Make sure appropriate underwear is on and stays fully covered by your clothing
• ✓ Wear shoes (not barefoot or sock-only) and keep them on for the full visit
• ✓ If you’re unsure about an item, swap it for something more conservative so you don’t lose time at check-in

VADOC provides reasonable visitation accommodations for visitors with disabilities. If you need an adjustment, request it ahead of time so you're not trying to problem-solve at the door.

1. Call the facility before you visit. If you have a mobility impairment, contacting the facility ahead of time helps ensure accommodations are in place when you arrive.
2. Be specific about what you’ll need. Tell them what makes access difficult for you so staff can plan appropriately.