Why do prisoners wear jumpsuits?

Answer 1

Prison jumpsuits and one piece jail uniforms serve many useful functions for both the guards and the prisoners in general.

For guards, it helps them keep better control of the prisoners. Usually very loose jumpsuits are used; such outfits can constrict movement by a lot, and often act as a semi-restraint suit for the prisoners. When a prisoner walks for instance, the looseness of the jumpsuit makes it harder for them to move their body and legs in a way that can be considered hostile or violent, especially when they are in restraints. Gravity also makes sure that the entire outfit is at least somewhat bearing down on their shoulders and their entire body in general. While sitting down, it is very difficult to raise their arms to a certain height before the sleeves start weighing the prisoner's arms down. The jumpsuit is like a garment that covers and "imprisons" the body and it's definitely harder to take off or disrobe as well, especially for the prisoners who like to flash themselves at guards, other prison officials, and other prisoners.

Beyond the practical functions of restricting the prisoner's movements, it's also a very distinct uniform that sets them apart from the rest of society. While jumpsuits are sometimes in fashion, and worn in certain professions, most people do not wear them and you see won't many people walking around in a huge, over-sized and extremely loose jumpsuit. If a prisoner escapes, a citizen can quickly spot that seemingly strange person who seems to be wearing a bag or giant rag over his or her body. This was the original reason why prison uniforms were implemented in the first place, and prison jumpsuits are an evolution of this, considering their more distinct look. The jumpsuits also further take away a prisoner's sense of individuality, which can help make them more compliant while locked up and confined. Jumpsuits are often the number one choice for especially maximum security prisoners and solitary confinement.

Prison jumpsuits, unlike many worker, lounge, or fashion jumpsuits; usually have only one chest pocket or no pockets at all, so that prisoners can't hide weapons and other contraband as easily.

For prisoners, a loose jumpsuit, while somewhat restricting, is very comfortable for either short term or long term incarceration. A more comfortable uniform means a more compliant and obedient prisoner. The overall feel of the jumpsuit is more conducive to prisoner life and discourages them from escaping. Even for those prisoners who try to escape while secured in a jumpsuit, it's much harder to move and climb and if the prisoner gets his jumpsuit stuck on the barbed wire fence, he will be stuck there till the guards find him or her and re-capture them. Furthermore, because jumpsuits are harder to take off, this not only gives some extra time for the guards to find a prisoner trying to escape, it also discourages prison rape more. Sure it's still possible to be raped in a prison jumpsuit, but it's much harder to, as the rapists would have to dis-robe their victim entirely before doing their foul deed, instead of just being able to pull down the victim prisoner's pants. Sagging is also a major problem in prison and you can't really sag a jumpsuit.

Super loose jumpsuits as a uniform, while often portrayed in the media and popular culture, is still a relatively new type of uniform in the lifespan of the prison system. They are increasingly being used, especially in "tough on crime" areas. The colors of the jumpsuits vary, and sometimes go according to classification of the prisoner. At other times, all the prisoners wear the same color/pattern jumpsuit. The most prominent example is the orange jumpsuit that is often portrayed in Hollywood and the mainstream media. Red, pink, blue, green, white, and yellow jumpsuits are common alternatives as well, although orange is still the most popular solid color. However, some prison/jail systems are finding that solid orange (as well as other colors) coveralls are often worn by construction workers and the like, hence this sometimes leads to false reporting of escaped prisoners. Because of confusions like this, striped jumpsuits are becoming an ever more popular among jails and prisons. Usually the old time black and white stripes are used, but some institutions have further innovated the uniform to require the prisoners to wear orange and white striped jumpsuits. Such a distinct attire in such a pattern and color are never worn by citizens, making false reportings nearly non-existent.