The Columbian of Clark County, WA provides an overview of the county jail’s dress code. Inmates receive color-coded uniforms including:
- Orange for “violent or unruly” behavior;
- Blue for a “lesser threat,” misdemeanor, or nonviolent charge;
- Green for “suicide” surveillance and for murder suspects.
Different uniform designs
As I mentioned before, the uniform design will probably vary from prison to prison. One of these styles is the one-piece jumpsuit. These are short-sleeved bodysuits that are usually solid color. In almost all cases, these uniforms can be for both men and women.
Another standard design is a two-piece uniform. These really do look more like hospital gowns than anything else. Here, too, the two-piece uniforms consist of a short-sleeved top and pants with an elastic waistband. These often come in muted colors like olive green and khaki. However, they can also come in lighter colors like orange, pink, blue, and canary yellow.
Dress-Out Box
In some correctional facilities, family and friends may send inmates a box of clothes to wear when leaving prison within 30 days of release. Most often, the facility will provide an authorized dress list; For example, prisons do not allow overly revealing clothing, all black or camouflage clothing.
Similar to uniform designs, colors tend to vary from facility to facility. Some facilities have a specific color; This has been attributed to inter-gang violence between inmates. Such prisons therefore offer gang members uniforms of specific colors to prevent them from meeting or seeing each other at any point during incarceration. In addition, specially colored uniforms prevent prisoners from engaging in avoidable violence and protect correctional officers from getting caught in these violent crossfires.
Visiting a loved one: dress code in prison
Most facilities have a dress code, so it is important to know what attire is acceptable when visiting a loved one in prison. Make sure you know the facility’s rules for acceptable attire. Yes, there is a dress code in prison!
There are certain clothes and shoes you can wear and certain clothes and shoes you shouldn’t wear. Also, certain colors may not be allowed in a prison. These rules can also vary from prison to prison, so be sure to check the facility’s website or call them to find out what’s appropriate. Below are some dress codes for visiting a loved one in prison. It’s also a good idea to bring extra clothing in case what you’re wearing isn’t deemed appropriate. What is appropriate for this facility is left to the interpretation of the duty warden. It is important that you understand that you may be refused entry if you are not deemed to be appropriately dressed.