Lincoln Correctional Center dress code: what you can and can’t wear to a visit

Lincoln Correctional Center expects visitors to dress appropriately for a prison environment, and there are a few non-negotiables. Dresses, shorts, and skirts must extend to the knee. All visitors must wear underwear, and female visitors must wear a bra. If you’re unsure whether something meets the standard, choose the more conservative option - coverage matters here, and staff can refuse a visit if clothing doesn’t comply.

Skip anything that’s sexually explicit, offensive, or degrading - graphics, slogans, and “joke” shirts can get you turned away even if the rest of your outfit seems fine. Clothing also can’t advertise or suggest items in a way that signals a Security Threat Group or other illegal activity. That includes symbols or messaging that could be read as gang-affiliated communication or anything that could create a safety or security issue inside the facility.

Borderline Tips

• ✓ Sheer or see-through fabrics - even if it “looks fine” in your mirror, it can be considered non-compliant under facility rules.
• ✓ Shorts/skirts that don’t reliably hit the knee - if you have to tug them down, assume they won’t pass.
• ✓ Low-cut or revealing tops - anything that could expose cleavage or shift and reveal more than intended can get you refused.
• ✓ Shirts with sexual, offensive, or degrading words/images - don’t risk it.
• ✓ Clothing that could be read as gang- or illegal-activity related - avoid symbols or messaging that could be interpreted that way.

1. Choose knee-length by default - pick dresses, shorts, or skirts that clearly extend to the knee so you’re not relying on “close enough.”
2. Bring a simple cover-up - a jacket or extra layer can help if you realize you need more coverage.
3. Do a quick sit-and-move check before you leave - bend, sit, and reach to make sure nothing rides up or reveals more than you expect.

If staff decide your clothing is sexually explicit, offensive, degrading, or otherwise not appropriate for the visiting environment, your visit can be denied. That’s why it helps to treat the dress code like a pass/fail checklist - if there’s a question mark, change before you go.

If you’re turned away, your fastest fix is usually to change into compliant clothing and try again (or reschedule if you can’t). For personal items you can’t bring inside, small lockers are available in the Visiting Center, so ask about using one if you need to secure something before you re-enter.