David Wade dress code: what 'one inch above the knee' means and what happens if you're turned away
Planning a visit at David Wade? The
David Wade's visiting areas aim for a family-friendly atmosphere. That's the standard staff apply when checking your outfit: does it fit the setting without drawing unwanted attention? If your clothing doesn't meet that expectation, staff can turn you away.
The "one inch above the kneecap" rule covers skirts, shorts, skorts, culottes, and dresses. At David Wade, any of these with a hemline shorter than one inch above your kneecap is considered inappropriate. Here's a quick gut check: if the bottom edge sits noticeably higher than your kneecap, you're in risky territory. Length isn't everything, though. A revealing slit can get the same item denied - even if the rest of the garment looks long enough at first glance.
- ✓ Skirts/shorts/skorts/culottes/dresses that land at the kneecap or lower (or no more than about one inch above it)
- ✓ Skirts/shorts/skorts/culottes/dresses that are shorter than one inch above the kneecap
- ✓ Any of the above with a revealing slit
- Expect to be denied if staff consider the clothing improper - if your outfit doesn’t meet the dress standard, you won’t be allowed into the visit as-is.
- Change and come back - you’ll be given the chance to change into appropriate clothing and return to the visiting area.
- Use the facility’s alternative clothing if you don’t have a backup - if you don’t have appropriate clothes to change into, the facility will offer Department-approved alternative clothing items at no cost.
Note: If your clothing is considered improper, you can be turned away - but you may be allowed to change and return. If you don’t have anything else to wear, Department-approved alternative clothing is offered at no cost.
Want to avoid a wasted trip? Keep "family-friendly" in mind and treat the kneecap measurement as your hard line. For skirts, dresses, shorts, skorts, and culottes, choose something that's clearly no shorter than one inch above the kneecap. Check the details too, not just the hem. A slit that opens high or gapes when you walk can still count as revealing. If you're unsure, bring a backup option - a longer layer is better than gambling on getting through.
- ✓ Wear skirts/shorts/skorts/culottes/dresses that fall at the kneecap or lower (or no more than about one inch above)
- ✓ Avoid “revealing slit” styles, especially ones that open higher when you sit or walk
- ✓ Bring a backup option so you can change quickly if staff say your outfit doesn’t meet the standard
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