The rules for visitors' clothing and footwear have changed recently (March 2014), and now permit open-toe shoes and flip-flops, shorts of a certain length and sleeveless tops.
However, when visiting an inmate in a TDCJ unit, you should always consider carefully the clothing you ware. Many people say "dress as you would for church", meaning dress in a conservative manner.
Some people, especially those who do not visit their inmate friends or family often, want to make an impression through their clothes. You will not be permitted to visit an inmate if your clothing is see-through, or bares too much skin (it must cover your midrift and your lower back when seated and reaching forwards).
Tops with emblems, slogans or even Disney characters are often not permitted, as these can be used by gangs to pass messages to either the inmate you are visiting or to another inmate in the visitation area. Try to wear plain items, or garments with a simple pattern rather than a specific picture on the front.
Even when it is hot outside, some visit rooms can be chilly, particularly if you end up sitting beneath an air vent. Take a sweater or a cardigan in with you.
Do not wear white clothing. Some units will permit a white top or white bottoms, but visitors are not supposed to wear the same colour as the inmates. This is a simple safety precaution; hostage situations have occurred in the past and you do not want to be mistaken for an inmate by a guard with a rifle from 100 yards away.
If you wear an underwire bra, you will set off the walk-through metal detector. Be prepared to be asked to leave and change your bra before you are permitted to visit, or to be subjected to a more thorough body search.
Remember to check your pockets for prohibited items before you enter the first registration point!