There’s no question that fashion is a form of self-expression. From ripped jeans to crop tops to political slogans on T-shirts, what someone wears often tells a story about who they are. But in some states across the U.S., that story might come with a legal price tag.
Whether based on outdated laws, public decency statutes, or local ordinances, certain outfits can actually result in fines—and even jail time. These laws may surprise those who believe clothing should always be a matter of personal choice, not a legal issue.
1. Louisiana: Sagging Pants Can Cost You
In Louisiana, wearing sagging pants that expose underwear isn’t just a fashion faux pas—it can be a punishable offense. Several cities in the state, including Shreveport and Jefferson Davis Parish, have implemented ordinances targeting this style. The laws were originally passed in the early 2000s under the guise of promoting public decency. Offenders have faced not only fines but, in some cases, arrest and court appearances. Although challenged as discriminatory, the laws still exist in various forms throughout the state.
2. South Carolina: Indecent Exposure Includes Swimwear
South Carolina enforces strict public decency laws that can turn a day at the beach into a legal headache. In places like Myrtle Beach, wearing thongs or other revealing swimwear is considered indecent exposure. Violators can be fined or even arrested, depending on how the law is interpreted by local authorities. These regulations are often enforced during peak tourist seasons. What counts as “indecent” is subjective and varies by jurisdiction, which creates confusion for visitors and locals alike.
3. Tennessee: Dress Code for Drag and Adult-Themed Clothing
Tennessee made headlines for passing laws aimed at restricting adult-themed performances and attire in public spaces. The legislation targets not only drag shows but also costumes and outfits deemed “harmful to minors” if worn in public. Critics argue the law is vague and could apply to a wide range of attire, including certain Halloween costumes or concert outfits. Those found in violation could face significant fines and even misdemeanor charges. The debate over the law’s enforcement continues to stir controversy across the state.
4. Illinois: Mask Laws Still on the Books
Illinois has a little-known law that prohibits wearing masks in public with the intent to conceal one’s identity. While initially created to combat crime and violent demonstrations, the law has occasionally been used to challenge protestors and performers. This restriction can affect costume wearers, including those participating in public parades or demonstrations. Violators can face fines, especially if they resist identifying themselves when questioned by police. Exceptions exist for holidays like Halloween, but even those have limits depending on location.
5. Arizona: Revealing Clothing and Public Nudity
In Arizona, public nudity laws are strict and broadly defined. The statutes prohibit exposing one’s genitals, buttocks, or female breasts in a way deemed offensive to the average person. This can apply even if the exposure is accidental or minimal, like a wardrobe malfunction. Phoenix and other major cities have enforced these rules at public events and pool parties. Fines and misdemeanor charges are possible for anyone who doesn’t comply with the state’s modesty expectations.
6. Florida: Cross-Dressing Laws and Local Ordinances
Though rarely enforced today, Florida still has remnants of older laws that targeted cross-dressing in public. These rules originated during the mid-20th century and were used to police gender expression. Some cities still have vague decency ordinances that can be interpreted in ways that penalize non-traditional dress. In certain counties, even costumes worn during pride parades have been flagged as inappropriate. Fines and citations are possible when clothing is deemed to “disturb the peace.”
7. Alabama: No Nudity, Even in Art
Alabama maintains one of the most conservative legal approaches to nudity, including artistic or performance-based nudity. The law doesn’t differentiate between artistic expression and indecent exposure, making things tricky for performers, dancers, and even art exhibits. A person can be fined or arrested for wearing clothing that reveals too much skin in public, regardless of context. This has led to debates about censorship and the fine line between expression and legality. Local ordinances often echo the state’s strict interpretation of public decency.
8. New York: Mask Ban and Face Coverings
New York had a law dating back to the 1800s that prohibited groups from wearing masks in public—a statute originally intended to combat political mobs. Though often ignored, it resurfaced in public protests where authorities cited the law to disperse masked demonstrators. It was repealed in 2020, but several cities within the state still enforce rules against obscuring the face during demonstrations. Certain types of face coverings, like full-face Halloween masks or ski masks, can still lead to fines. Event organizers sometimes caution attendees to remove masks or face removal by law enforcement.
9. North Carolina: Gang Affiliation Through Clothing
North Carolina has implemented laws and school policies that prohibit certain types of clothing associated with gang culture. This includes colors, symbols, or styles that authorities believe signify gang membership. These rules have made their way into public spaces like malls and parks, especially in areas with a history of gang violence. The laws are controversial because they can target individuals based on racial or cultural stereotypes. Fines and removal from public premises are common penalties under these rules.
10. Mississippi: Too Much Skin Could Mean a Fine
In Mississippi, local laws in places like Gulfport and Biloxi prohibit clothing that reveals too much skin or is considered provocative. These ordinances are especially enforced during spring break or large events where the crowd skews young and rowdy. Bikini tops, see-through shirts, and short shorts have all been flagged by authorities as unacceptable in certain public areas. Offenders might be fined or asked to change their clothes or leave the venue. The rules are inconsistently enforced but remain on the books.
11. Texas: Decency Laws and Festival Attire
Texas allows municipalities to create their own decency laws, and some have used that power to regulate clothing at festivals, parks, and public events. In cities like Dallas or Fort Worth, attendees at concerts or parades have been cited for wearing outfits deemed too revealing. Some music festivals issue dress codes as a precaution against possible enforcement. Violators may be fined or escorted out of public spaces if they refuse to comply. The standards are often vague and open to the discretion of law enforcement.
12. Georgia: Sagging Pants Bans Still Stand
Several Georgia cities, including Atlanta suburbs like Forest Park and Dublin, have passed ordinances that ban sagging pants. The laws often target youth and are justified as efforts to promote respect and community standards. Penalties include fines and sometimes mandatory court appearances. Despite criticism from civil rights groups, many of these laws are still enforced today. Supporters argue the bans improve public decency, while critics see them as tools of over-policing.
Fashion and Fines
Across these twelve states, clothing can lead to more than a judgmental glance—it can result in legal consequences. From sagging pants to masked faces to drag attire, public dress is still regulated in ways that surprise many Americans.
These laws vary widely in enforcement and clarity, often depending on the city, occasion, and even the officer on duty. In some cases, the laws are relics of older eras that continue to shape modern policing. As debates continue over personal freedom and public decency, the intersection of fashion and the law remains a complicated one.
Have you ever seen someone get fined—or warned—for what they wore in public?
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