What You Can't Wear to Visiting: Ohio Reformatory Dress Code Explained
Plan your outfit like you'll be wearing it the entire visit - because you will. Whatever you walk in wearing stays on until you leave. The only exception is outerwear like coats and gloves. Don't count on bringing backup clothes either; extra items aren't allowed inside. Undergarments are part of the dress code too. You're required to wear appropriate undergarments (bra, slip, underwear). And expect screening when you arrive - all visitors go through a search at entry, so keeping your outfit simple saves time at the door.
Note: Metal detectors can slow things down - hairpins, underwire bras, certain boots and shoes, clothing with multiple zippers, and excessive jewelry may set off screening and delay entry.
Prohibited Clothing
- ✓ Skin-tight clothing, including jeggings, leggings, spandex, or tights
- ✓ See-through clothing
- ✓ Torn clothing where skin is visible
- ✓ Halter tops, tube tops, cropped tops, or tank tops
The clearest rule: no skin-tight clothing. Leggings, jeggings, spandex, and tights are specifically banned. Beyond that, avoid anything revealing - see-through fabric, tears that expose skin, or tops that don't provide full coverage. On the fence about whether something's too tight or too revealing? Change before you leave. Getting turned away at the door means losing your visit.
For women, the undergarment rule is simple: wear appropriate undergarments (bra, slip, underwear). Remember that whatever you wear into the facility stays on for the whole visit - outerwear like coats and gloves are the only exception. Pick something comfortable and compliant from the start. You can't adjust your outfit once you're inside.
Heads up: Underwire bras may set off metal detectors and delay entry. If you wear one, be ready for extra screening time.
- Call ahead and describe the outfit - if you’re unsure, asking before you drive over can prevent a wasted trip.
- Keep metal to a minimum before you go through screening - hairpins and underwire can set off metal detectors and delay your entry.
- Plan for search procedures at the entrance - all visitors are subject to search, so build in extra time if your clothing or accessories might trigger additional screening.
Even when you've followed every rule, staff will screen you at entry - every visitor goes through a search. For the smoothest check-in, dress conservatively and keep accessories minimal. Less to question means faster entry.
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