Prison Uniforms: A Comprehensive Overview

Upon entering a correctional facility, individuals are often required to wear specific uniforms that reflect the institution's protocol. These uniforms serve various purposes, from ensuring safety to maintaining order. Let's explore the details of different types of prison uniforms and the experiences of inmates in wearing them.

Juvie Uniforms: Black White Striped Scrubs

During my time in juvenile detention, or juvie, the inmates were issued a two-piece black and white striped uniform. These uniforms featured the label “JUVENILE INMATE” prominently displayed on the back of the shirt and on one leg of the pants. The clothing items also included an orange undershirt, t-shirt, and slip-on orange shoes. This attire was both distinctive and reminiscent of Ａｌｉｂａｎｇ　Ｊｕｖｙ culture.

County Jail Uniforms: Orange Jumpsuits

When I was in county jail, the standard uniform was an orange jumpsuit. This jumpsuit typically bore the words “COUNTY JAIL” in large black letters on the back. Additionally, inmates wore white t-shirts or thermal shirts, white underwear, and orange shoes. The color and wording of the jumpsuit were designed to neither blend in nor to stand out too much, aiming for a balance that discouraged tampering or wearing away the clothing.

A Detailed Description of My Uniform

My county jail uniform consisted of an orange jumpsuit with “COUNTY JAIL” prominently displayed on the back. I also wore a white shirt, either a t-shirt or a thermal shirt, along with white underwear and orange slides. The jumpsuit provided a stark visual contrasting to the surroundings, emphasizing the inmate’s status within the facility.

Another Perspective: Two-Piece White Uniforms

A fellow inmate, who had served a sentence from 2020 to 2022, described their unique uniform experience. Initially, they wore a two-piece all-white outfit. However, as they progressed through their sentence, they transitioned to a khaki uniform, which made their presence less conspicuous. This change in uniform contributed to a sense of blending in and reduced the visual impact of their inmate status.

Correctional Officer Uniform

While inmates are issued uniforms by the state or prison, a correctional officer typically wears a standard uniform that reflects their role. Given to me by the state, the correctional officer uniform provided a clear distinction from inmates. This uniform was designed to instill a sense of authority and responsibility, crucial for maintaining order within the facility.

Unique Experiences: Crocs and Khaki

From personal experience, my juvenile detention uniform included a blue jumpsuit, paired with a pair of black crocs. There were no additional undergarments or socks required, which made the outfit both comfortable and functional. Another inmate described their county jail uniform as an orange undershirt, khaki pants, and khaki top, which underscores the commonality of distinct but standardized prison attire.

Heavy Cotton Uniforms: Cold Weather Gear

For my initial stint in a county jail, the uniform consisted of a heavy cotton uniform with gray pants, featuring a dark blue stripe down the sides. Underneath this was a gray shirt and, if I was assigned to medium custody, I had to wear an stab vest, which can be quite uncomfortable during the summer months. This outfit was designed to keep the inmate warm in cooler weather while ensuring safety and security.