Jail Uniform Color Codes And Their Meanings
Published July 21, 2023
People behind bars have always been required to wear jail uniforms. The design and color of these uniforms vary greatly. How come? The answers might surprise you.
In this guide, I’ll teach you everything you need about what inmates wear. After all, this information may be helpful in the future. You’ll never know when you need to visit an inmate or come across a wanted individual on the run and still wearing their assigned jail uniform.
History Of Jail Uniforms
In the past, jails were not places where people went to get rehabilitated for their crimes so they could reintegrate into society. Instead, they were places of punishment where people would go to suffer for the crimes they committed.
Inmates were corporally punished in many ways. However, they were also punished mentally by way of humiliation. Often, that humiliation will come from their uniform, sometimes made of stinky, dirty, tattered, and uncomfortable fabric.
Fortunately, the criminal justice system has drastically improved over the decades. Jails are now where criminals are no longer allowed to wear embarrassing or dirty uniforms. Now, they’re made to wear their uniforms mainly for identification and security purposes.
Modern Uniforms
With so many jails in the United States, it’s only natural for uniforms to vary per facility.
The most common style of uniform is the short-sleeved solid jumpsuit. Nevertheless, lots of jails also make their inmates wear two-piece uniforms. Such jail uniforms have short sleeves along with gartered pants. Often, they come in somewhat muted colors such as blue, khaki, or olive.
Jail Uniform Color Code in the USA
It’s common for jails to make their inmates wear uniforms that designate their gang affiliation. But what do the different colors of jail uniforms mean? Here are some general associations that are sometimes followed, although they may differ in every facility:
Khaki/Yellow
Khaki and yellow uniforms are usually used to designate “low-security” inmates. It’s usually worn by the general population of low to medium-security correctional facilities.
Red
Red uniforms are typically reserved for dangerous “high-risk” individuals. As such, they’re often worn by terrorists, drug lords, serial killers, and other prolific criminals.
Some facilities also designate red uniforms for celebrity inmates to single them out. Why? A jail where a celebrity experiences an altercation will undoubtedly draw out lousy publicity.
White
White jail uniforms are frequently reserved for segregated inmates. However, they can sometimes be designated for those on death row awaiting execution.
Green/Blue
Green and blue jail uniforms are usually reserved for those deemed “low-risk.” That said, it’s not uncommon for them to be worn by inmates on work detail.
Pink
Unfortunately, some jails in the United States still resort to humiliation as a punishment. Such jails use pink uniforms to break down the masculinity of their inmates.
White Stripes & Black/Orange
White-striped or black and orange uniforms are the standard color of jail uniforms in the United States. These uniforms have no official designation and can be worn by anyone.
(Related: Can You Bail Yourself Out Of Jail?)
Summing it Up
A jail uniform color code is an essential visual indicator within corrections facilities. These color-coded uniforms help prison staff and inmates quickly identify roles and security levels. These codes promote order, safety, and effective management within the prison environment by assigning specific colors to various categories.
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About The Author
Meet Rei Bayucca, an accomplished writer with a passion for exploring a wide range of industries. Through her skilled and thoughtful writing, Rei aims to inspire and educate readers with content that stimulates the mind.
