GBCI's Dress Code for Visitors: What You Can and Can't Wear
GBCI can deny your visit based on what you're wearing — even if everything else checks out. Use this guide to pick an outfit (and shoes) that meets the rules before you leave home.
At Green Bay Correctional Institution (GBCI), certain clothing and accessories will get you turned away at the door. Watches aren't allowed. Neither are strapless, tube, or halter-style tops and dresses, or anything exposing your midriff (front or back). Length matters too: shorts must reach fingertip length, and skirts or dresses need to hit fingertip length plus three inches. Spandex or Lycra clothing is restricted - tights or leggings made from these materials are only permitted under attire that meets the length requirements.
Watch check: Wearing a watch? Leave it in the car. GBCI treats watches as unacceptable apparel and can deny you entry.
- Stand in the right position - Use proper posture, let your arms hang straight down at your sides, and extend your fingers.
- Check shorts against your fingertips - If the bottom of your shorts is shorter than fingertip length in that stance, they’re unacceptable and can get you denied.
- Check skirts and dresses with the extra length requirement - Skirts and dresses must be at least fingertip length plus three inches in the same stance; shorter than that can result in denial.
- Confirm before you leave - If you’re unsure, do a quick mirror check in the exact stance above (or measure) so you’re not finding out at the entrance.
Length rule reminder: Shorts use the fingertip test, but skirts and dresses must be fingertip length plus three inches. Check while standing - make sure the fabric isn't riding up.
Footwear is required at all times, and your shoes must meet specific rules. Heels can't exceed three inches (measured at the back), and the heel width needs to be reasonable - no spike or stiletto heels. Shoes must have back support (a solid back or strap), and open-toe styles aren't allowed.
- ✓ Wear shoes (footwear is required at all times)
- ✓ Keep heels at 3 inches or less (measured at the back of the heel)
- ✓ Choose a reasonable heel width (no spike or stiletto heels)
- ✓ Make sure the shoe is supported in the back (solid back or strap)
- ✓ Skip open-toe shoes
A few non-clothing items can also end your visit before it starts. GBCI is tobacco-free - no tobacco products, matches, lighters, or other incendiary devices. Recording equipment isn't allowed either: no cameras, dictation devices, cell phones, or pagers.
Tips Dressing
- ✓ Leave your watch at home (or in your vehicle) before you go in
- ✓ Avoid strapless, tube, or halter-style tops and dresses
- ✓ Make sure your top and outfit don’t expose your midriff (front or back)
- ✓ Do the fingertip test for shorts: proper posture, arms straight down, fingers extended
- ✓ For skirts and dresses, build in extra length: fingertip length plus three inches
- ✓ Treat camisoles and tank tops as underlayers only (wear them under other attire)
- ✓ Don’t wear spandex/Lycra-type clothing as your main outfit; leggings/tights of that material only work under attire that meets the length rules
- ✓ Wear compliant shoes: heel 3 inches or less, no spike/stiletto, supported in the back, and closed-toe
- ✓ Don’t bring tobacco, tobacco products, matches, lighters, or other incendiary devices
- ✓ Leave recording devices out of the facility: no cameras, cell phones, pagers, or other audio/video recording equipment
Dress code violations are one of the easiest ways to lose a visit. Before you leave home, do a quick length check using GBCI's fingertip rules and pick shoes that clearly meet the heel, back-support, and closed-toe requirements. A few minutes of prep can save you a frustrating turnaround at the door.
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