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What to Wear When Visiting Someone at PNM: Dress Code Rules Explained

Planning a visit to the Penitentiary of New Mexico (PNM)? What you wear matters—show up in the wrong outfit and you could be turned away at the door. Here's the NMCD dress code in plain language so you know exactly what to expect.

• 2 min read • cd.nm.gov
What to Wear When Visiting Someone at PNM: Dress Code Rules Explained

PNM follows the statewide NMCD

NMCD facilities must provide written visitation info that includes the dress code - so if you're unsure what's allowed, ask your loved one to look for it. One thing to watch for: some locations restrict certain clothing colors based on inmate uniforms. A color that's fine at one facility could get you turned away at another.

Tip: Before you drive out, confirm whether PNM has any facility-specific restrictions (like restricted clothing colors) on top of the NMCD dress code.

Keep it simple: wear trousers and a shirt with sleeves. NMCD rules require both at all times, and tank tops aren't allowed. Don't wear a plain white undershirt or muscle shirt as your outer layer - those are prohibited. Shorts are off-limits too, including beach-style shorts and cut-offs.

Undergarments are required and can't show through your clothes. Avoid anything sheer - even if it technically covers you, visible undergarments can still get you turned away.

Footwear is required, but flip-flops, beach thongs, and slippers aren't allowed. Steel-toed boots are also prohibited. Open-toed shoes are fine - just avoid the beach-style flip-flop type.

Reminder: Stick with conservative, straightforward clothing. If your outfit could be seen as promoting gangs, drugs, or alcohol, swap it out before you go - better to avoid a preventable denial.

Kids age 8 and older follow the adult dress code. Children 7 and younger follow the same rules but get one exception: they can wear shorts as long as they're no shorter than three inches above the knee.

All children - including infants - must be fully clothed. Babies can wear a diaper, but not only a diaper. Bring a full outfit that keeps them comfortably covered for the whole visit.

What to Wear When Visiting Someone at PNM: Dress Code Rules Explained

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  • ✓ Wear trousers and a shirt with sleeves (not a tank top, and not a plain white undershirt as your outer shirt)
  • ✓ Avoid shorts, beach-type shorts, and cut-offs
  • ✓ Choose compliant footwear (no flip-flops/beach thongs, no slippers, no steel-toed boots)
  • ✓ If you’re traveling far, keep a spare sleeved shirt and backup shoes in the car in case your first choice gets flagged

Before you leave: Ask your loved one to check the facility’s written visitation information for the approved dress code, and confirm whether PNM has any added restrictions for visitors.

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