Prison uniforms serve as a symbol of punishment and deterrence, while also making it easier for people to identify inmates and preventing their escape attempts. Therefore, the requirement for criminal clothing samples is that they must help distinguish prisoners from ordinary people easily.
The reason why prisoner clothing is black and white striped
In the 17th and 18th centuries, many European countries required inmates to go barefoot during their imprisonment to differentiate them from the general public. In the 19th century, the first dedicated prisoner uniforms with a black and white striped design emerged, and this pattern subsequently became popular in prisons worldwide.
Why is prisoner clothing black and white striped? Beyond the low cost, this design was chosen because it is visually striking from a distance and difficult to replicate. The color contrast and visibility of the stripes, even at night, make it very hard for inmates to escape or blend in with ordinary crowds. Consequently, when there is a prison break, law enforcement can easily track their movements.
This pattern not only makes inmates easily recognizable but also symbolizes prison bars. (Image: Getty Images).
The black and white striped uniform also serves as a psychological punishment for inmates. In fact, these stripes mimic the appearance of prison bars, making the wearer feel imprisoned. They not only endure physical confinement due to limited space but also feel trapped in their own bodies.
This form of punishment leans towards the psychological, aiming to remind inmates to feel ashamed of their past behaviors.
Prison uniforms also promote discipline and order within the prison environment. They create a sense of uniformity and equality among inmates, reducing the risk of disputes related to gangs.
Although black and white stripes are the most popular prison uniform pattern worldwide, several countries have replaced it with different designs. Since the mid-20th century, many prisons in the United States have abandoned this pattern because they do not want to psychologically torment criminals. The black and white stripes make inmates feel ashamed and inferior, which can hinder their reintegration into society upon release.
Some countries still maintain the striped design for prisoners, combining white with another high-contrast color such as red, orange, or sky blue. These colors help prison staff easily identify inmates and signal alarms if they spot someone attempting to escape, even from a distance.
In a few countries, muted-colored outfits are used for inmates instead of bright colors like orange, yellow, or red to avoid overlapping with the uniforms of certain professions in society, particularly labor workers.
