Michigan Jail Dumps “Orange Is the New Black” Jumpsuits

Saginaw sheriff says jail uniforms have been popularized by Netflix show, sends wrong message

A Michigan sheriff says he's trading his inmates' orange jumpsuits for black-and-white stripes, in part due to pop culture.

Saginaw County Sheriff William Federspiel tells The Saginaw News that all-orange jumpsuits are increasingly viewed as fashionable, especially because they're seen on popular TV shows such as the Netflix smash hit "Orange Is the New Black."

Federspiel says "some people think it's cool to look like an inmate of the Saginaw County Jail ... wearing all orange jumpsuits out at the mall or in public." He says inmates sometimes work in public, and he doesn't want there to be any confusion.

"Until there is a new show that's black and white horizontal stripes is the new black, I'm going to this look. If you don't like the clothes that I give you, don't return," Federspiel said.

Federspiel says he has his own reality show dealing with inmates behind bars. The move to black and white stripes will save the county about $800.

Copyright The Associated Press
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