Best Beekeeping Suits That’ll Keep You Safe

It is not heroic to get stung, which is why it is important to get one of the great beekeeping suits that keeps you sting-free and safe, especially as a beginner.

As someone with more than a few dozen stings on my belt (I don’t mean to brag), I can assure you that a good (and professional) beekeeping suit is vital, not just a good idea. So, you need to suit up with a good sting-proof suit.

10/30/2024 09:10 am GMT

The 8 Best Professional Beekeeping Suits Reviewed

Before we go into the top beekeeping suit reviews, let’s have a quick glance at the bee suit checklist:

• Keeps the bee stings away
• Allows you to work comfortably
• Keeps you cool and ventilated, especially in warm temperatures
• Aesthetic coolness is a bonus
• Easy to get into and out of

The following beekeeping suits are recommended as among the best on the basis of this short checklist, each with its pros and cons.

They are all available online, so feel free to check them out.

1. RELIANCER – Beekeeping Jacket with Gloves & Fencing Veil Hood

Pros:

• Total Protection: Covers all skin areas, including the head and ankles, with additional goatskin gloves for arm protection.
• Ventilation & Comfort: Made from a ventilated cotton-polyester blend that keeps the wearer cool while maintaining a safe gap to prevent stings.
• Non-Flammable and Detachable Veil Hood: The veil hood is detachable and designed with a black mesh that offers excellent front and side visibility. It includes double metal zippers and Velcro for easy on-and-off use while ensuring a tight seal. The hood’s self-supporting structure is reinforced with a soft steel rim to maintain its shape, and the non-flammable mesh protects against flash flames when using your bee smoker.
• Aesthetic Design: On top of a cool experience and sealed-off openings at the wrist and ankle, this is an aesthetically appealing suit for both professionals and beginner beekeepers alike.
• Durability: In truth, aesthetics isn’t particularly important, but if combined with a good fabric, high elasticity bands, stitching, and a good-quality veil, you have an award-winning package that offers maximum sting protection. Many users reported effective protection and comfort even in hot conditions.
• Pricing: Very competitive. You get more bang for your bucks!

Cons:

• Sizing Issues: Several users found the suit too short, especially for taller individuals, leading to exposed ankles or discomfort. (Note: A sizing guide is provided in the product description. We recommend you check it out before ordering.)
• Material and Durability: A few users reported that the suit material was too thin, allowing bees to sting through it in some cases. There were also a few complaints about poor stitching and zippers, with some suits tearing after minimal use. Despite being marketed as sting-proof, several customers reported getting stung, particularly through thinner areas or this may also be attributed to wrong sizing or improper fit.

Overall, we would give this one a 10/10 score. Ain’t it obvious, considering that it’s our Top Pick!

2. Natural Apiary Zephyros Protect Beekeeping Suit

Pros:

• 3-Layer Sting Protection: This is the high-end version of the Apiarist Beekeeping suit but with lots of little extras, such as Velcro and color variety. It uses 3 fabric layers to create a 5mm gap to stop bee (and wasp) stings from reaching your skin.
• Non-Flammable Mesh: The veil is made of non-flammable material, providing safety from smoker flames.
• Comfortable Fit: The ventilated fabric, tailored with elasticated wrists, waist, and thumb loops for flexibility and comfort, makes it comfortable in hot climates. To be honest, I was sure that you’d had to pack up your fashion sense when you’re on the beekeeping mission, but this proves I was wrong. It meets all the criteria we set earlier since it allows you to work and remain free of bee stings, stays cool with 100% cotton material, and allows you to slip in and out of it without much of a hustle.

Cons:

• Sizing Issues: Some users reported that the sizing runs small. Please make sure to check out the product’s sizing guide before purchasing.
• Pricing: The major limitation is that it may stretch your budget a little. That said, it’s quite durable, so it will prove to be a worthwhile investment over time.

This would have scored 10/10 where it not for its price. But since we’re more of conservative spenders, we’ll give this one a 9/10.

3. VIVO New Professional Beekeeping Jacket with a Veil (BEE-V105)

Pros:

• Affordable: The wonderful people at Vivo have brought us this bee jacket with a veil that is economical. Many users found it to be a great value for the price.
• Lightweight Material: The fabric is breathable, keeping you cool on hot days while offering sting protection. It keeps you cool while keeping the stings out.
• Protective Hood: The zip-off hood is convenient for beekeeping and offers good visibility. Putting on the veil with the hood attached to the jacket is quite simple. The polyester fabric helps to keep you cool during the sunny spells that make up the busiest beekeeping period.
• Elastic Sleeves: Tight wrist openings enhance arm protection.
• Multi-purpose Use: Also effective against mosquitoes and other insects.

Cons:

• Thin Fabric: Due to the lightweight material, the fabric used in this one runs a little thinner. Although it works quite well, I wouldn’t recommend it if you have an aggressive hive.
• Inconsistent Fit: Some buyers found the sizing too small or awkward, especially around the neck area.

We would rate this one a 9/10, too!

4. Humble Bee 410 Polycotton Beekeeping Suit with Round Veil

Pros:

• Durable Material: Many beekeepers have raved about this one. Its made from a 50% cotton and 50% synthetic blend with strong brass zippers and double-stitched pockets for long-lasting use.
• Effective Protection: This bee suit covers all our needs while remaining breathable in warm weather.. It succeeds at its primary task, keeping stingers away from your skin.
• Comfortable Fit: The thing I really love about this suit is the panoramic view you get from the attached veil. It comes with a brimmed hat, which is what the veil is attached to. That round veil, as it is called, stays away from your face without the aid of a baseball cap. Elastic waist, wrist, and ankle bands keep the suit secure. Add to that the thumb and foothold that keeps the limbs from exposure, and you have a true winner in this suit.
• Size Availability: These bee suits vary in size from an XXS to an XXXL. That covers individuals from the 5-foot mark all the way to 6 ft 6”. They fit great and cater to a large number of people.
• Supporting a Worthy Cause: Purchasing this beekeeping suit is not just a practical choice, but also a way to give back. The company contributes to non-profit organizations focused on promoting local beekeeping and bee conservation, helping sustain vital bee populations and the future of beekeeping.
• A Little Extra: You also have added the benefit of pockets in which you can carry your hive tool and whatever else you need.

Cons:

• Veil Durability: There seems to be only one concern with the veil, and that is regarding its material. The material, being stiff in nature, can tear quite easily. This isn’t hard to repair, but it can cause considerable inconvenience.
• Inconsistent Sizing: While some people have reported sizing issues, these are rare instances. Be sure to check the sizing chart to find the one that would fit you best.

The suit is quite pricey but completely worth it. A 9/10!

5. Oz Armour Beekeeping Suit with Fencing & Round Brim Hat

Pros:

• High Protection: The 3-layered mesh fabric provides strong protection against bee stings, and the patented plastic insert keeps the veil away from the face to prevent stings. Plus, the overlapping neck zippers ensure that all bee entrances are cut off.
• Comfortable and Durable Design: Includes reinforced stitching and zippers for durability, and elastic bands on the waist, ankles, and wrists for a snug fit.
• Multiple Features for Convenience: As usual, the round-brim hat is a big hit for me. It boasts of excellent features such as the fencing hood that opens from the front, allowing you to make extra motions such as drinking in the middle of your apiary. It likewise sports leg-high zippers that allow for easy wearing and removal. Plus, it has ample pockets for tools and other items.
• Sizing Variety: Offers specialized stout sizing for various body types, ensuring a better fit.

Cons:

• Inconsistent Sizing: Many users mentioned that the suit runs small, requiring them to order one or two sizes bigger than their regular size. Just like with any other clothing purchase, be sure to check the sizing chart before purchasing.
• Zipper Issues: In a few instances, some customers have reported problems with the zippers, citing difficulties with zipping up or the zippers getting stuck.
• Hot under Warmer Conditions: While the suit’s double-layer air mesh fabric allows airflow, some users noted the suit still gets warm when there’s no breeze or when worn for extended periods.
• Price: Unfortunately, it is a little pricey.

We would give this one an 9 out of 10, mainly because it’s expensive and above the price range for recreational and beginning beekeepers.

6. VIVO New Professional Cotton Full Body Beekeeping Bee Keeping Suit, with Veil Hood (BEE-V106)

Pros:

• Average Pricing: Vivo has convinced me that when the purse strings are a little tight, they have a solution for you. Well-designed for beginners with good value for money.
• Full-body protection: With a collapsible veil, it offers good visibility and protection. The elastic wrist and ankle openings offer a snug fit to keep bees out.
• Breathable: As this beekeeping suit is made from cotton, you can be sure that it breathes quite well, suitable for working even on hot weather. The lightweight material helps keep you cool while working on your apiary.
• Easy to clean: Both the hood and the suit are hand washable, making it easier to clean after a hard day’s work.
• Extra Feature: We must say that most of us really like the pockets, particularly on the chest, because they are sealable.

Cons:

• Sizing: Unfortunately, these come in 3 sizes only – Medium, XL, and XXL, so these may not be an option for some. They may not have accounted for girth in their recommendation. Additionally, some previous customers have reported that the sizes run small and encountered problems with fit, especially around the crotch area.
• Veil Design: The veil is closer to a fencing veil than a round veil, which may require the use of a baseball cap under the veil to keep it away from your face and for better visibility.

Overall, a great beekeeping suit for a good price. 9/10!

7. DAIKOYE Store’s Bee Suit with Glove and Bee Hive Tool

I’m going to break the mold here and review this one as a set.

Pros:

• Affordable Pricing: First, the price for this package is a steal at the time we write this review. It’s a great entry-level suit, with adequate protection for those just starting beekeeping or needing a suit for occasional use.
• Protective from Stings: The high elasticity at vulnerable areas like wrists and ankles and the extra thick collar provide extra protection from stings, making it safer for users. The hood’s shape helps keep the veil away from your face, thus keeping your nose sting-free. The suit provided solid protection from bees, wasps, and other stinging insects, even in aggressive situations.
• Includes Additional Tools: The suit package comes with useful tools such as a hive tool, brush, and gloves, making it a complete kit for beginner beekeepers. These additional components are vital to beekeeping, and it is possible to lose them over time, so even if you have them, getting yourself an extra one of each wouldn’t hurt.
• Comfortable Fit: With the correct size, this suit offers comfort, especially with the elastic bands at the wrists, ankles, and waist that ensure a snug fit. It is a lightweight garment, which you’ll need during the summer, and comes highly praised for its quality polyester cotton blend.
• Easy to Use: This beekeeping suit is as easy to put on as it is to take off.

Cons:

• Correct Sizing: As with most online purchases, getting the right size seems to be a challenge. Reviews from some customers mention that this bee suit runs smaller than expected. This seems to affect all the brands across the board, so feel free to engage the seller (or consult the brand’s sizing chart) in order to make sure you get one that fits you well, as opposed to subjecting yourself to a wedgie every time you put it on.

Being an affordable beekeeping starter kit, especially for beginners, this one scores 9.5/10!

8. Beekeeper Suit with Glove & Ventilated Hood by LONGADS Store

Pros:

• Good Sting Protection: This professional suit for beekeepers was designed to protect you from stinging bees and the quality of the suit was pushed way up. Many users reported not getting stung, even when surrounded by aggressive bees or wasps. Elastic bands on the wrists and ankles help ensure bees can’t enter.
• Competitive Pricing: Several users found the suit cost-effective, providing good protection at a relatively low price.
• Durable Material: The suit is made of thick, durable fabric, often compared to canvas, but softer. As a cotton and polyester blend, it breaths and keeps you cool as it protects you from what we shall call “the enemy.”
• Comfort and Flexibility: Many users found the suit comfortable, flexible, and lightweight enough for easy movement. With the correct sizing, the suit fits well, allowing a full range of movements.
• Good Visibility: The detachable fencing veil is framed, which keeps it very far away from your face. It also provides a spacious interior, allowing for better views both on the front and sides of the face.

Cons:

• Sizing Issues: Again, as with all the others we mentioned above, there are reports from a few number of users that this suit runs smaller than expected. The seller has provided a size chart to guide you on the correct size before you purchase. Now, that’s being proactive.

It comes with goatskin gloves, giving extended protection to the arm area. With this extra for the price, it’s a 9 out of 10!

What to Look For in Professional Beekeeping Suits

Sting Proof Protection

The presence of beekeeping suits won’t deter the bees from trying to get at you. Oh no, they have way more drive.

To be honest, I wouldn’t mind getting stung if the venom came with a healthy dose of that self-confidence.

That one bee that attacks you does so intending to make a difference. Now multiply that by about 10,000.

That’s a force to reckon with and a dose of venom that will kill you. Your suit needs to keep that sting away from your skin.

It can do that with the fabric or even how it fits. Sometimes, the folds of the beekeeping suit help to protect your skin from contact.

Keep it Ventilated and Cool

The most active time for beekeepers is between spring and fall.

As it gets hotter, the work you have to do in the apiary increases, and you’ll spend more time in the suit with your bees. The last thing you want is to overheat and pass out.

You need a fabric that breathes even while it protects you from the thousands of bees, making it no secret that they want you gone.

Most beekeeping suits are a blend that helps with the fabric’s ability to breathe and ventilate.

The lighter colors also reflect heat as opposed to absorbing it, so you will want to keep your beekeeping suit option to lighter shades.

Flexibility and Comfort

Don’t forget, these bee suits are your work clothes. You need to be able to get things done in them.

This is why most beekeepers appear to be wearing low-tech space suits.

Having a suit that’s a size or two bigger allows you to do the work without worrying about ripping or having parts of the beekeeping suit ride up and expose your flesh.

You need to be able to see clearly, grip your tools comfortably, bend, and carry supers with ease.

Quick Wardrobe Change

You will often put on the bee suit on top of your other clothes, so you don’t want to be struggling.

Once, a bee found its way into my suit, and it felt like it took years just to locate my zip!

I was very new to beekeeping at the time, so I can tell you that having to run around looking for a Good Samaritan to let me out of my suit whilst in a panic was no picnic.

Even if that doesn’t happen to you, you will find that a comfortable beekeeping suit to have on is one that’s easy to get both on and off.

What Makes Up a Professional Bee Suit?

There are four primary components to a good suit for keeping bees: a hat and veil, jacket, pants, and gloves.

Hat and Veil

Your noggin is your most precious asset. It’s also quite sensitive.

A sting on your crown can be distracting, to say the least. Your head is also where all the soft flesh of your face is located. A sting on the tip of your nose or around your eye would definitely stall your progress.

More experienced beekeepers will comfortably slap on a hat and veil and make their way to a hive without the rest of the suit. This is not recommended, obviously, but they have been handling bees a lot longer and wouldn’t do it unless they were comfortable with it.

You may have noticed the veil of a bee suit is usually black. If it were as white as the rest of the suit, the glare from the sun would make working during the summer that much harder.

Since most of your work in the hive will be during daylight, a dark-colored bee veil is ideal. The hat not only protects your head but is a support structure for the veil.

Since the veil has pretty large spaces between the fibers, it is important to keep it from touching your face. If you don’t, it will make it very easy for a bee to get to you.

Jacket 

In many cases, the jacket will be attached to a hat and a veil. Here, you need to ensure that you’re sealed in, so to speak. It helps if you have a bit of elastic around the wrists and waist. Bees are like ninjas.

If there’s a way in, they’ll find it. With that in mind, you’ll want a zip that goes up under the veil. Most manufacturers will provide some protection around the area of convergence in the form of a flap that has a Velcro strap.

Still, on the jacket, you want a good-quality zip. Wardrobe malfunctions could be catastrophic if they happen while you’re standing over a strong, maybe aggressive colony. In addition to that, look at the stitching that holds the garment together.

I cannot emphasize enough how determined these girls are to make you hurt when you’re after their hard-earned honey.

When most beekeepers buy beekeeping suits, they don’t plan to trade them in when the fall line comes out.

It will have to survive several wash cycles and friction from the nature of the work that you do. Look at the seams. Will they hold every time you get into a squat as you set down supers?

Gloves

Although there are those who find them difficult to work with, they probably started off with them and weaned them off as they gained experience. The key thing to remember is that you are trying to keep yourself focused on the matter of beekeeping.

Getting stung on your finger, though, is not as distracting as one on your eyelid. However, it is still quite painful and can cause you to be clumsy, putting you at greater risk.

Not all suits will come with gloves, so prepare to seek these out as individual items. We’ve also covered the best beekeeping gloves here. You wouldn’t believe the deals you can score on buying gloves separately.

Pants

If you think that bees won’t go that low, you are sadly and gravely mistaken. Even if you opt to have the jacket and veil, it is in your best interest to get yourself some long pants and possibly tuck them into your socks if you don’t have a full suit.

I don’t need to get into details on what damage they could do to the lower part of your body.

I’m sure we both know I’m not thinking about toes here. However, since I did mention toes, get yourself a good pair of boots. They are comfortable, easy to move around regardless of terrain, and bee-proof.

Final Words About Getting a Good and Professional Beekeeping Suit

As you shop for a good and professional bee suit, you must remember that function and comfort overrule aesthetics.

If it protects you and keeps you on your feet while allowing you flexibility of movement, the only other determinant should be price.

Buying the best beekeeping suits is the least complicated activity you will undertake in your beekeeping adventure, so enjoy it.

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• Bee Bearding: Should You Be Concerned When Your Bees Beard?
• The Real Cost of Beekeeping for the First Year (Plus How to Save)