Bad news: You're going to jail.
Good news: You're going as a visitor, not a guest of the state — but now you've gotta figure out what to wear!
The Fulton County Sheriff's Office recently sent out a reminder about proper jail attire (more on that later), which got us thinking: What's the correct attire for correctional facilities? What's too little? What's too much? Can you wear a bathing suit?
Find below a roundup of dress codes at select metro Atlanta jails — and keep in mind that missteps could prevent you from seeing your locked up loved one.
(TL;DR: Jails ain't night clubs. More is better. Wear drawers, and don't bring purses. And leave your shoes on. Always leave your shoes on.)
CHEROKEE COUNTY JAIL
Per the sheriff's office website: "Proper attire is required. No low-cut blouses, tank tops, short skirts or dresses, tight shorts, or any other form of provocative dress will be allowed. Shirt and shoes must be worn."
CLAYTON COUNTY JAIL
Per the sheriff's office website (in part): No "sheer, mesh, netted ... or see-through clothing." No "sleeveless, spaghetti straps or tank top attire." No sagging pants. No low-cut tops. No "shorts, skirts, skorts or slit dresses" that are more than two inches above the knees.
Also avoid "red, orange or yellow jumpsuits, or any clothing which is similar to inmate clothing."
COBB COUNTY JAIL
Per the sheriff's office website: "All visitors must be dressed appropriately and conservatively. Halter and/or tank tops, see-through clothing, bare midriffs and spaghetti straps are not allowed. Shorts/skirts (no more than two inches above the knee) are acceptable and shoes must be worn at all times."
DEKALB COUNTY JAIL
Per sheriff's office spokeswoman Cynthia Williams: "Unless an individual visiting the DeKalb County Jail is dressed in a manner that violates the state laws regarding 'indecent exposure,' they are not prohibited from entering the jail visitation center because of the way they are dressed."
FULTON COUNTY JAIL
As mentioned above, the Fulton County Sheriff's Office issued a friendly reminder of jail dress etiquette last week. It came with helpful visuals like these:
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GWINNETT COUNTY JAIL
Per the sheriff's office website: "Proper attire will be required for all visitors. Inappropriate clothing such as halter tops, swimwear, revealing clothing, sleepwear, or any clothing that may be deemed unacceptable will not be permitted."
Appearing "under the influence of any intoxicant" and exhibiting "unruly behavior" are also frowned upon.
HALL COUNTY JAIL
Per the sheriff's office website: No "low cut shirts, tank tops, muscle shirts, spaghetti straps, sleeveless shirts, midriff shirts, fish net shirts, mesh material, light colored shirts that can be seen through, sheer shirts and shirts with holes or tears." Skirts and dresses must be knee-length, and "visitors will not be allowed to use other materials to cover inappropriate dress."
GEORGIA STATE PRISONS
Bonus info! Per the Department of Corrections website: "Male visitors will be required to wear shirts and full-length trousers. Females may wear trousers, or if a female visitor wears a dress, skirt or other similar garment, it may NOT be more than two inches above the knees. Furthermore, all female visitors must wear foundation type garments such as bras, panties, and slip."
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