What You Absolutely Cannot Wear to Visit Someone at USP Atwater

USP Atwater enforces Bureau of Prisons dress code rules in the visiting room. Show up in something staff consider inappropriate, provocative, or too revealing, and you'll be turned away. Before making the trip, call USP Atwater to confirm your visit is scheduled and double-check what's currently allowed.

Think conservative, not club. The BOP specifically prohibits revealing shorts, halter tops, bathing suits, and anything see-through. Crop tops and low-cut blouses or dresses won't fly either. Tight or body-hugging clothing is out - that includes leotards and spandex. Miniskirts and any skirt more than two inches above the knee will get flagged. Backless tops and sleeveless garments are also banned. Leave hats and caps at home (or be ready to remove them). And don't wear anything resembling inmate clothing - khaki or green military-style outfits are a no-go.

Practical Checklist

• ✓ Don’t wear revealing shorts; choose longer shorts or pants instead.
• ✓ Don’t wear halter tops; pick a regular top that fully covers your shoulders.
• ✓ Don’t wear bathing suits (even as “clothing”); change into normal street clothes before you arrive.
• ✓ Don’t wear see-through or sheer garments of any type.
• ✓ Don’t wear crop tops; go with a full-length shirt.
• ✓ Don’t wear low-cut blouses or dresses; keep necklines modest.
• ✓ Don’t wear leotards, spandex, or similar form-fitting outfits; choose looser-fitting clothing.
• ✓ Don’t wear miniskirts or skirts that are two inches or more above the knee.
• ✓ Don’t wear backless tops or sleeveless garments.
• ✓ Don’t wear hats or caps in the visiting room; leave them in the car.
• ✓ Don’t wear anything that looks like inmate clothing, including khaki or green military-type clothing.

1. Ask what rule your outfit violated - get the specific reason (for example, too revealing or too similar to inmate clothing).
2. Request clarity for next time - if you’re unsure what counts as acceptable, ask what they want you to change.
3. Change and return, or reschedule - if you can’t fix it that day, you may need to come back another time.
4. Call USP Atwater before your next trip - confirm your visit will be permitted and double-check expectations before you leave home.

• ✓ Keep USP Atwater’s phone number saved so you can confirm your visit ahead of time.
• ✓ Keep backup clothing available (even a basic, conservative outfit) in case you’re turned away for what you’re wearing.
• ✓ Confirm visiting rules before you go so you’re not guessing at the door.