Centered Image

Guide to Choosing the Right Beekeeping Suit

Selecting the ideal beekeeping suit can be challenging due to the abundance of poorly constructed suits that lack safety features and essential qualities. After all, it's important to explore the different bee suit options available, including features like professional-grade hoods, veil netting, and additional storage pockets, to ensure you choose the right protective gear for your needs.

Every beekeeper requires protection from bee stings because, as you know, those stings can be painful. Proper protective gear is a must when working with bees. Wearing a beekeeping suit is as essential for your safety as buckling your seatbelt in a car—accidents can happen unexpectedly, and the right equipment helps prevent harm. A beekeeping suit serves as a barrier, preventing bee stingers from reaching the beekeeper’s skin, and is considered a fundamental piece of equipment. This is why it is included in our list of 5 essential items every beekeeper should have.

Beekeeping suits come in many varieties, making it confusing to determine which one offers the best protection and which ones are overpriced or unsafe. In this guide, we will help you explore the various bee suit options on the market so you can make an informed decision.

Why Beekeeping Suits Matter

Beekeeping suits play a vital role in protecting beekeepers from stings and creating a safer environment for working with bees. A well-made suit can significantly reduce the risk of stings while keeping the wearer comfortable. While some experienced beekeepers have survived many years without wearing protective gear, this is not recommended due to the risk involved.

Whether you’re a hobbyist or a commercial beekeeper, having a dependable suit is crucial. Even experienced beekeepers can make mistakes, and wearing a suit helps prevent harm when errors occur. It not only shields you from painful stings but also helps you work with confidence and efficiency in the apiary. Investing in a quality beekeeping suit is a wise choice for safety and peace of mind.

Key Features to Look for in a Beekeeping Suit

Most people purchase their bee suits online, often relying on poor photos or inaccurate size charts. We’re here to help you make an informed decision so you end up with a suit that meets your needs.

We offer several other detailed guides, including comprehensive information about the essential beekeeping equipment to get started.

At its core, a beekeeping suit should protect the wearer from stings and fit comfortably during use. Modern suits are designed for maximum convenience, featuring accessible zippers, reinforced pockets, and easy maintenance to make beekeeping safer and more practical. Deep pockets allow beekeepers to carry essential tools and personal items while working.

You might expect these basic criteria to be easy to find when shopping for a bee suit, but that’s often not the case.

One popular veil style is the fencing veil, which offers excellent protection and comfort thanks to its roomy, detachable design that enhances visibility and airflow.

For the best results, shop from reputable sources to ensure you get high-quality suits and accessories tailored to your needs.

Mobility While Wearing a Beekeeping Suit

When suited up, it’s important that you can move freely. A well-designed suit provides enough space for comfortable movement and easy access to tools, ensuring you can work efficiently around your hives. Beekeepers often bend, lift, reach, and move around their hives, so the suit should allow full mobility while providing complete protection. The crotch and shoulder areas should never feel tight or restrictive. If these areas limit movement, the suit likely isn’t the right size.

Because of this, many beekeepers order a size larger than usual. However, since suits vary in design and sizing, this approach can sometimes cause issues.

Guarding Against Bee Stings

A beekeeping suit protects against bee stings by providing a barrier between the beekeeper and the bees, offering superior protection compared to other protective options. However, not all suits are stingproof. The fabric quality and construction determine how sting-resistant the suit is, with cheaper suits often featuring thin fabric and poor stitching.

Thin or tight-fitting suits increase the risk of getting stung as bees can penetrate closer to the skin. Single-layer suits typically do not provide full sting protection.

Fabric density is measured by GSM (grams per square meter). Low-quality suits often have a GSM of around 100, while high-quality suits have a GSM of 160 or higher.

Manufacturers rarely disclose fabric details, so if a suit is very cheap or lacks clear information, consider it a warning sign.

Different Types of Beekeeping Suits

All beekeeping suits should include a veil and enough fabric to cover the head, body, arms, and legs. A well-designed hood is essential for protecting the head from bee stings. The veil and suit design should provide full protection for the face, ensuring safety during beekeeping activities. Secure ankle closures are important to prevent bees from entering the suit at the ankles. Beekeeping suits are available in sizes suitable for both adults and children. Hands and feet are usually left uncovered. Most veils are attached via a zipper and can be removed.

A veil that cannot be detached is often a sign of a low-quality suit. Beekeeping suits are commonly made from cotton, polyester, nylon, or ventilated materials. These fall into two categories: non-ventilated and ventilated suits.

Full Suits Compared to Jackets and Veils

Beekeeping protective clothing mainly comes as full suits or beekeeping jackets with veils. While full suits cover the entire body and offer the highest level of protection from stings, a jacket provides coverage for the upper body and head but leaves the legs exposed, making it less protective than a full suit. Choosing the right protective clothing, whether a full suit or a jacket, is essential for beekeepers to perform their job safely and comfortably. Full suits are preferred by commercial beekeepers or those frequently working with bees, while jackets and veils suit occasional beekeepers or those working in controlled settings. Your choice depends on your activity level and comfort preferences.

Cotton, Polyester, and Nylon Suits

These suits are generally the most affordable and widely available, but quality can vary greatly. Many inexpensive options found on sites like Amazon have poor construction.

When selecting a beekeeping suit, beekeepers should choose one made from materials suitable for their climate and level of activity. These single-layer fabrics range from thin to canvas-thick. Thicker fabric offers better protection, but bees can still sting through. 

A major downside to these suits is heat retention. They tend to be very hot, causing the wearer to sweat. Moist fabric sticks to the skin and increases sting risk. For this reason, these suits are less popular among beekeepers.

Wearers often layer a shirt and long pants underneath for added protection, but this adds to the heat and discomfort.

Ventilated Beekeeping Suits

Ventilated suits have gained popularity among beginners and professionals alike. They provide good sting protection and are nearly sting-proof. For complete protection, pair ventilated suits with beekeeping gloves made from soft, durable materials, such as goat skin, which offer both safety and dexterity during hive inspections.

These suits use mesh fabric that allows air flow to keep the beekeeper cool. The mesh is thick enough to prevent stings but breathable. One advantage is that they can be worn without additional clothing underneath, which is beneficial in hot weather.

There are different types of ventilated mesh suits, and the quality varies.

Three-Layer Ventilated Mesh

This is the highest quality mesh used in ventilated suits. It consists of three layers of different mesh types totaling about 5mm in thickness, which is nearly twice the length of a bee’s stinger, making them almost sting-proof. For maximum protection, a three-layer ventilated suit is best paired with a quality pair of gloves, ideally made from goat skin for comfort and suitability during beekeeping activities. Quality can be hard to judge from photos, but if a full ventilated suit costs under $100, be cautious.

Foam Air Mesh or 3D Mesh

This was the first type of mesh used in ventilated suits and offers decent protection. However, it lacks durability and tends to wear out within a couple of years. The foam material can also irritate skin when worn without a shirt.

Beekeeping Suit Colors

Traditionally, beekeepers wear white suits, gloves, and even paint hives white. The belief is that bees dislike dark colors, associating them with predators like bears.

In practice, color choice has little impact on bee behavior. Dark suits may absorb more heat, but this difference is often minimal. Dark suits also hide dirt better.

Our white suits and jackets require frequent washing due to dirt accumulation, while olive green suits maintain a cleaner appearance. Feel free to choose a color you prefer; bees don’t mind.

Essential Features of a Quality Beekeeping Suit

  • Large pull rings and YKK zippers for easy opening and closing
  • Durable, high-quality veil that is clear and long-lasting
  • Triple-layer fabric for durability, comfort, and cooling
  • Multiple pockets for carrying tools and personal items
  • Overlapping zippers on the chest and veil for sting-proof sealing
  • Front-opening veil for quick access to take a quick drink or honey sample without removing the veil
  • Extra-long leg zippers to put on the suit without removing boots
  • High-quality Velcro and elastic bands that last and prevent bee entry
Professional Triple Layer Ventilated Beekeeping Suit All Features

Sting Stopper Beekeeping Suits

Our Sting Stopper suits are among the best on the market. We have refined them over several years, incorporating customer feedback to improve fit and add useful features.

These suits include all the above features and more. We promote them not just because we sell them, but because they truly offer superior protection and comfort.

We continue to innovate with smart designs tailored to beekeepers’ needs and have received excellent reviews.

You can use our sizing chart online, which recommends the best fit based on your measurements and preferred looseness.

We have a retail store in Birmingham where you can shop and try on the suits. If you can’t come to our store, you can use our smart sizing chart, where you enter your body dimensions, and it will recommend a size for you based on your dimensions and how loose or tight you want the suit to fit you.

Warning Signs When Buying a Bee Suit

  • Poor-quality photos indicate a lack of attention to detail.
  • Inaccurate or unhelpful size charts
  • Non-removable veils
  • Suits sold as part of kits with tools or hives to mask low quality
  • No established company website or presence beyond Amazon
  • Use of American flag graphics claiming “Made for Americans” without actual US manufacturing
  • Photoshopped images of models wearing suits, showing a lack of real beekeeper insight
  • Overemphasis on carrying bags to distract from the suit quality
  • Overseas sellers with no intent for long-term customer support

Beginner-Friendly Options

For those just starting in beekeeping, finding the right protective gear can make all the difference in building confidence and enjoying the hobby. Beginner-friendly beekeeping suits are designed with comfort and simplicity in mind. Look for bee suits made from soft fabric that feels gentle against the skin and offers flexibility for easy movement. Features like smooth-running zippers make it simple to put on and take off your suit, even if you’re new to the process.

A round veil is an ideal choice for beginners, as it provides a wide, unobstructed view of your bees and hives, helping you stay aware and safe while working. Many beginner beekeeping suits also include deep pockets, perfect for carrying hive tools and other essentials, so you can keep everything you need close at hand. When selecting your first bee suit, prioritize protection, comfort, and user-friendly features to ensure you feel safe and supported as you learn the ropes of beekeeping.

Beekeeping Suits for Different Seasons

Beekeeping suits aren’t one-size-fits-all—your choice should reflect the season and climate in which you’ll be keeping bees. In hot weather, a ventilated bee suit made with breathable mesh fabric is a must-have. These suits help beekeepers stay cool and protected from stings, even during the hottest days in the apiary. For colder months or chillier climates, a thicker, insulated bee suit provides the warmth and protection needed to work comfortably with your bees.

Commercial beekeepers, who spend more time inspecting hives, often prefer suits with extra protection, such as reinforced knees and elbows, to handle the demands of frequent use. When choosing a bee suit, consider the fabric, level of ventilation, and any additional features that will help you stay comfortable and protected throughout the year. Selecting the right suit for each season ensures you can keep bees safely and efficiently, no matter the weather.

Caring for Your Beekeeping Equipment

Taking good care of your beekeeping suits, gloves, and veils is essential for maintaining their protective qualities and ensuring your safety. Regularly inspect your bee suits for any signs of wear, such as tears or loose stitching, and check gloves and veils for damage that could compromise protection. Most beekeeping suits are machine washable, but always remove veils and other delicate parts before washing to prevent damage.

Use mild detergents and avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could weaken the fabric or mesh. After cleaning, allow your equipment to dry thoroughly before storing it in a clean, dry place. By keeping your beekeeping gear clean and well-maintained, you help prevent the spread of diseases among your bees and ensure that your protective gear continues to keep you safe during every hive inspection.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right beekeeping suit is essential for a safe and enjoyable beekeeping experience. With a variety of options available—including beginner-friendly suits, ventilated suits for hot weather, and insulated suits for colder climates—beekeepers can find the perfect suit to match their needs and environment. By focusing on protection, comfort, and ease of use, you can ensure that you stay safe and confident while working with your bees.

Remember, proper care and maintenance of your beekeeping suit and equipment will extend their lifespan and keep you protected from stings and other hazards. Whether you’re a seasoned commercial beekeeper or just starting, investing in the right bee suit and looking after your gear will help you enjoy all the rewards of beekeeping while staying safe and comfortable in any season.

Featured collection

Frequently Asked Questions About Beekeeping Suits

Do Beekeeping Suits Effectively Prevent Stings?

When worn properly, beekeeping suits offer the best protection against stings from honey bees, wasps, hornets, and mosquitoes. A high-quality suit greatly reduces sting risk.

Is Wearing a Beekeeping Suit Always Necessary?

You don’t have to wear a full suit. Many beekeepers use jackets with veils paired with pants or jeans. This setup is common and offers good protection.

What is the Best Beekeeping Suit Available?

The Sting Stopper beekeeping suit is widely regarded as one of the top options on the market.

How Should I Choose a Beekeeping Suit?

Since most suits are purchased online, look for reputable companies with clear photos and accurate size charts to find the right fit.

How Much Should I Expect to Pay for a Quality Bee Suit?

Expect to spend around $140 or more for a durable, long-lasting suit. Cheaper suits often don’t provide adequate protection or longevity.

What Materials Make the Best Beekeeping Suits?

High-quality cotton suits or three-layer ventilated suits are the most popular choices, offering durability and comfort. Cotton suits should be made from thick fabric for effective protection.