11 Best Beekeeper Suits Compared & Reviewed

 

Best Beekeeper Suit Review – Top Rated Models in 2024 with Buying Guide

 

If you plan on getting into the beekeeping business, make sure you have what it takes. Bees are delicate and sensitive creatures, but they will sting you if you won’t wear protective suits. Thus, if you want to be 100% safe when handling them, you’ll have to find the best beekeeper suit on the market. So, after conducting our own thorough research, we have concluded that a reliable product for you would be the Humble Bee 430 Vented. It comes in three sizes and it is made of high-quality materials to ensure proper body ventilation. It features a tailored fit with an elastic waist and offers increased protection against stinging bees and insects. Moreover, the suit comes with cushioned knee pads to prevent injuries and durable double-stitched pockets. If this suit is not available right away, a good alternative would be the Natural Apiary Apiarist All-in-One.

 

 

Comparison Table

 

 

 

11 Best Beekeeper Suits (Reviews) in 2024

 

 

Finding a good beekeeper suit could prove a difficult task, especially if you’re new in the field. And, while we couldn’t test the products on the market ourselves, we did come up with a list of items that may be worthy of your attention. Showcased below you can read everything you need about each of these beekeeping suits for sale.

 

 

1. Humble Bee 430 Ventilated Beekeeping Suit with Round Veil

 

This product comes in three sizes, so make sure to pick the right one according to your height and weight. The unisex design will meet the requirements of both men and women between 6.4 feet tall and 6.6 feet tall, so you won’t have to worry about the suit not covering your body entirely.

The suit is made of 50% cotton and 50% synthetic blend cloth to offer increased protection against insect stings while remaining extremely comfortable and lightweight. It’s also breathable for proper ventilation during the summertime and keeping your body dry and cool, no matter the temperatures outside.

It comes with a self-supporting round veil that can be easily removed for cleaning and storage purposes. Other features of the suit include cushioned knee pads for extra protection against bruises and injuries, as well as durable pockets to keep all your essentials.

 

Pros

The suit is made of high-quality materials that ensure unmatched protection against bee stings while maintaining the optimum body temperature and preventing you from overheating and sweating in the summertime.

It’s lightweight and easy to carry around thanks to the storage canvas case included in the package.

It is available in three sizes but comes with an elastic waist, as well as elastic ankles and wrists to ensure a comfortable and customized fit for everyone.

Unlike other companies, Humble Bee donates 10% of its total earnings to non-profit organizations that promote local beekeeping activities and support the apicultural industry.

 

Cons

While most customers were pleased by the comfortable design and the lightweight materials of this suit, some of them mentioned it won’t protect you from bee stings 100%. Therefore, we suggest wearing a layer of thick clothes underneath to prevent unwanted accidents, especially if you are allergic to bee stings.

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2. Natural Apiary Apiarist Beekeeping Suit All-in-One Fencing Veil Total Protection

 

This product comes available in various sizes ranging from XX-Small to 3X-Large, so finding the perfect fit according to your height and weight shouldn’t take you more than a few minutes. In addition, you can choose from four different colors, including a camouflage print and soft pink, if you want to look more feminine when you’re at work.

It is made of a combination of cotton and polyester to provide increased protection against insect stings without being too heavy. Moreover, it will prevent your body from overheating, so you can rest assured you’ll remain dry and cool throughout the day, no matter the temperatures outside.

The suit features strong YKK zippers for increased strength and reliability, preventing every inch of your skin from getting in contact with dangerous bees.

We also liked the comfortable fit you’re getting thanks to the elasticated forearms and ankles.

 

Pros

If you’re looking for a product that closely follows the anatomical shape of the female body to provide increased comfort and protection, this item from Natural Apiary is the right choice for you.

It is lightweight and durable at the same time, offering improved protection against bee stings, while also allowing your skin to breathe properly, regardless of the hot temperatures outside.

It comes with a detachable veil and perfectly placed pockets that are big enough to store all your essentials, including your wallet, keys, and phone.

Finding the right fit and style for you shouldn’t be hard as this beekeeper suit is available in four colors and patterns, as well as seven different sizes.

 

Cons

Though most customers agreed it looked good and it is comfortable to wear even in high temperatures, some of them mentioned it isn’t thick enough to provide 100% protection against bee stings.

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3. Mann Lake Economy Beekeeper Suit with Self Supporting Veil

 

The suit is made of 60% cotton and 40% polyester, a blend that ensures both comfort and durability. The elastic wrist and ankles allow a perfectly adjustable fit so you can wear the suit the entire day without limiting your freedom of movement.

The elastic thumb holds allow holding down your sleeves when necessary in order to get maximum protection against stings. Also, the heavy-duty zippers located at the ankles help you easily put the suit on and taking it off.

It comes with a self-supporting collapsible veil enhanced with two layers of fabric to provide increased protection against wasps, bees, and other insects.

The suit also benefits from four large pockets in the front, out of which two can be closed and used to store your personal belongings such as wallet, keys, and phone. The remaining two pockets located around the hip area are large enough to put your tools in.

 

Pros

The item is made of durable and breathable fabrics, protecting you from bee stings while letting your body breathe properly at the same time.

It comes with elasticated bands at the wrist and ankles for a comfortable and customized fit, according to the needs of each customer.

The elastic thumb is designed to help you hold the sleeves down whenever you’re near bees to completely cover your body and prevent painful stings.

The suit also features high-quality zippers at the ankles to allow you to easily put it on in a matter of seconds.

 

Cons

It is only available in a size 2X-Large, so it may fit loose if you’re not tall and heavy enough. We suggest ordering only after seeing the manufacturer’s sizing guide and comparing it to your own dimensions.

Some customers also mentioned the suit is quite heavy, which may interfere with your movement at some point.

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4. Bees & Co U84 Ultralight Beekeeper Suit with Fencing Veil

 

Designed for both men and women, this unisex bee suit is comfortable to wear by anyone who’s above 6.2 feet tall. It is made of durable and lightweight fabrics that ensure proper skin ventilation, allowing your body to remain cool and dry, no matter the temperatures outside.

The item comes with vented pockets that are large enough to store all your essentials, including keys, phone, wallet, and some beekeeping tools.

The cotton knee pads are designed for extra cushion, providing comfort to your knees and preventing them from bruises and injuries when bending or kneeling. The product also features reinforced double-stitching to prevent wearing and breaking after a couple of uses. Moreover, the heavy-duty zippers allow you to put the suit on and take it off fast.

It ensures maximum freedom of movement but make sure to wear a thick layer of clothing underneath for improved protection against insect bites and stings.

 

Pros

It is one of the lightest beekeeper suits in the industry, weighing just two pounds, which ensures improved freedom of movement while also protecting you from bee stings.

It is made of breathable fabrics that offer maximum ventilation, ensuring your body remains cool and dry throughout the day, even in the hot summer days.

The suit comes with large vented pockets to store your essentials and tools safely.

It also features heavy-duty zippers that won’t break or corrode, as well as cotton knee pads to protect your knees from injuries when kneeling, sitting or bending.

 

Cons

According to some of the customers, the product is a little loose, so we don’t recommend wearing it unless you’re at least 6 feet tall. However, the item is available in other smaller sizes too, so make sure to check the manufacturer’s sizing guide for the right fit for your body type and height.

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5. Bees & Co U74 Natural Cotton Beekeeper Suit with Fencing Veil

 

The item is available in two sizes, XX-Small and XX-Large, so make sure to measure yourself carefully and compare the results with the ones provided in the sizing chart for a close fit.

The suit is made of high-quality and lightweight fabrics that ensure maximum freedom of movement, allowing you to perform your daily beekeeping activities with great comfort.

It comes with elasticated cuffs and an elasticated waistband for an adjustable fit, according to your body type. Also, the elastic thumb loops will make sure the sleeves are down and you get full protection against insect stings.

What we liked about this lightweight suit is that it comes with three large pockets that allow you to store all your essentials such as phone, keys, and wallet, and some small tools. The zippers are made of heavy-duty materials, and won’t corrode or break easily either.

 

Pros

The item is made of lightweight materials which ensure improved freedom of movement and great flexibility whenever you’re moving or working with your bees. And, since it doesn’t weigh more than two pounds, it is easy to store and transport as well.

It comes with elasticated cuffs and waistband for a comfortable and adjustable fit, regardless of your body shape or weight, while the elastic thumb loops will ensure the sleeves of the suit remain in place at all times.

The product features three large pockets to store all your essentials, as well as cotton knee pads for extra cushion and protection against bruises and injuries.

You’ll also find two leg pockets specifically designed for storing your tools.

 

Cons

The product is only available in two sizes, XX-Small and XX-Large, so make sure to carefully check the manufacturer’s sizing guide prior to ordering to get the right fit for you.

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6. Humble Bee 431 XXXL Ventilated Beekeeping Suit with Fencing Veil

 

Available in two sizes, this bee keeper suit is an affordable option for those who want protection and comfort at a reasonable price. It is made of 50% cotton and 50% synthetic fabrics to provide improved comfort and excellent protection against insect stings.

In addition, the suit comes with synthetic ventilation panels that enhance air circulation, keeping your body cool and dry throughout the day, no matter the temperatures outside.

The product features elastic waist, wrists, and ankles to ensure an adjustable fit regardless of your body type. Moreover, the thumb and foot hold will keep the suit in place at all times. The suit comes with large zippers at the top and bottom to help you easily put it on without wasting more than a few seconds.

There are also three large pockets available to help you store all your essentials, including tools, phone, and wallet.

 

Pros

The unisex design fits both men and women perfectly and the elastic waist, wrists, and ankles ensure a customized look according to your weight and body type.

The product is made of high-quality materials that provide extra comfort and improved breathability, allowing your skin to remain cool and dry throughout the day, even in the summertime.

The cushioned knee pads are designed to offer increased protection for your knee area, preventing injuries and bruises caused by frequent kneeling or bending while handling beehives.

What we also liked is that the suit is delivered in a canvas carrying bag that makes it easy to transport and store whenever you’re not using it.

 

Cons

There are only two sizes available, so we recommend you carefully check the manufacturer’s sizing guide to make sure the one you’re ordering is the right fit for your height and weight.

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7. Humble Bee 510 Polycotton Beekeeping Smock with Round Veil

 

The jacket is available in six sizes, ranging from Small to 3X-Large, meaning you can easily find the right fit for you, according to your personal specifications.

The product is made of cotton and synthetic fibers that provide the perfect blend for increased comfort and protection against bee stings. The smock is designed to withstand all temperatures and weather conditions while preventing your skin from sweating or overheating.

It comes with an elastic waist and wrists for a tailored fit, as well as thumb holds to allow you to keep the sleeves down and comfortably wear the smock for the entire day. You’ll also find four large pockets located in the front so that you can store all your personal items and beekeeping tools safely and within easy reach.

The product is delivered in a thick canvas carrying bag that will protect the smock from harmful sun rays and dust while making transportation and storage simple and efficient.

 

Pros

Since it is available in six different sizes, you’ll find the perfect fit for you in no time.

The product is lightweight and durable, providing increased protection against insect stinging and allowing you to work outside the entire day.

The breathable fabrics ensure maximum freedom of movement and air ventilation, keeping your skin cool and dry throughout the day, no matter the temperatures outside.

Apart from the customized fit, the smock comes with four pockets located in the front, large enough to store your personal objects like phone, keys, and wallet, as well as the necessary tools for your activity.

 

Cons

The smock only protects the upper part of your body from insect stings, which means you’ll have to purchase matching bottoms if you want to prevent any unpleasant events regarding stinging bees, wasps or yellow jackets.

The product doesn’t feature a zipper and the veil is non-removable, which means it will take more time for you to put it on and take it off.

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8. Humble Bee 432 XXL Ventilated Beekeeping Suit with Square Veil

 

This suit is specifically designed to keep your skin cool and dry in the hot summer days thanks to the synthetic ventilation panels. It is made of a unique combination of synthetic fibers and cotton to provide comfort and improved protection against bee stings.

The item is lightweight and breathable and comes with a foldable square veil that ensures easy transportation. Moreover, when purchasing the suit you’ll also receive a thick canvas carrying bag that makes for easy and comfortable transportation and storage.

It comes with a tailored fit thanks to the elastic wrists, ankles, and waist, while the heavy-duty metallic zippers will allow you to get dressed and underdressed in a matter of seconds.

The cushioned knee pads are designed to provide increased protection against bruises and injuries and help you enjoy maximum freedom of movement in your work without worrying about knee pains.

 

Pros

The product comes with a foldable square veil that not only protects your face and eyes from bee stings but is also easy to clean and store whenever you’re not using it.

The suit allows a customized fit according to your body weight and type, thanks to the elastic waist, wrists, and ankles, while the foot and thumb holds are specifically designed to keep the product in place throughout the day.

We also liked the durable zippers made of brass that won’t corrode or break easily, facilitating the dressing and undressing process.

Last but not least, this beekeeping suit for sale is equipped with double-stitched pockets that are large enough to hold all your essentials, including some working tools.

 

Cons

According to some of the customers who purchased the product, it runs small, so make sure to order the right size for you after you checked the manufacturer’s sizing guide.

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9. Mann Lake Economy Beekeeper Jacket with Self Supporting Veil

 

If you’re looking for the perfect jacket to protect you when working with bees, perhaps this one from Mann Lake is a good solution. It is made of lightweight and durable fabrics, designed to withstand all weather conditions while keeping your skin dry and cool throughout the day.

The 60% cotton and 40% polyester combo is a winner because it offers improved protection against bee stings while feeling soft on your skin, and absorbing excess moisture at the same time.

It features elasticated bands at the wrists and waist for a fully tailored fit, regardless of your body type, weight or height. In addition, the two layers of fabric at the back of this hood offer improved protection.

The detachable and collapsible veil is great for when you have limited storage space. We also liked that the jacket comes with four large pockets to store all your personal belongings and even some of the required tools for work.

 

Pros

Lightweight and breathable, this product provides the perfect combination of increased comfort and protection against bee stings.

It features an elastic band at the waist and the wrists for an adjustable fit according to your needs, regardless of your body type or height.

The self-supporting collapsible veil offers improved protection against nasty stings and is also easy to transport and store whenever you’re not using it.

The jacket comes with four large pockets located in the front to help you safely store all your personal belongings and beekeeping tools.

 

Cons

Although made of thick fabrics that offer improved protection, the product is only able to cover the top part of your body so, if you want to stay away from stings 100%, make sure to purchase a pair of matching beekeeper pants.

Some customers who ordered the jacket mentioned it runs larger than expected, so you may want to consider ordering a size down.

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10. Natural Apiary Max Pro Beekeeping Jacket

 

This jacket comes in no less than eight sizes, so you can rest assured you’ll find the perfect fit for you, regardless of your body type, weight or height. It is made of 100% fine weave cotton to provide extra strength and comfort while absorbing excess moisture and leaving your skin cool and dry throughout the day.

The elasticated waist and wrists offer a customized fit according to your needs, while the heavy-duty metal zippers allow you to easily put on and take off the jacket, as well as the head veil. The item is enhanced with extra Velcro seals for unbeatable security, protecting every inch of your upper body from nasty bee stings.

What we also liked about this particular product is that it features four pockets in the front, large enough to store all your personal belongings and even some beekeeping tools.

 

Pros

It is made of lightweight and durable materials, providing improved protection and comfort when wearing it.

The breathable fabric ensures maximum air ventilation, absorbing extra moisture and allowing your skin to remain dry and cool no matter how hot it is outside.

The product comes with a detachable head veil that is designed to protect your face and eyes from nasty bee stings. It can be easily removed, cleaned, and stored whenever you’re not using it.

The jacket features heavy-duty metallic zippers that won’t break or corrode in time, as well as four large pockets to keep all your essentials within reachable distance.

 

Cons

Although most customers agreed on the fact that the jacket is comfortable and made of thick materials to prevent insect stings, some mentioned you have to wear a hat underneath to be able to put on the veil and protect your face as well.

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11. Mann Lake CV105 Honey

 

Are you looking for the perfect kids’ beekeeping suit to keep them protected while learning more about bees? This one from Mann Lake could be the right choice and can even fit a petite woman.

It is made of heavy-duty materials to ensure maximum protection against bee stings, while also providing increased freedom of movement. The relaxed fit of the item makes it not bind when you bend over so you can move as freely as you want.

The suit comes with an elasticated waistband and wrists to help you achieve the perfect tailored fit, no matter your body type. In addition, there are two large pockets with Velcro closures perfect for storing your personal belongings such as phone, wallet, and even some small working tools.

The high-quality zippers won’t break or corrode and will help you get dressed and undressed in a matter of seconds.

 

Pros

The suit is specifically tailored for children and petite adults, so it can make a thoughtful present for those who love bees and want to learn more about looking after them.

It is made of a special blend of polyester and cotton to ensure maximum protection against stinging while also being comfortable to wear the entire day.

The breathable fabrics increase air ventilation so your skin remains cool and dry no matter the temperatures outside.

The suit comes with metallic zippers and two large pockets with Velcro closures to keep your essentials in place.

 

Cons

Before ordering this product we suggest to check the manufacturer’s sizing guide and make sure the fit is the right one for you or your child.

Some of the customers who ordered the suit mentioned you may have to wear a hat underneath in order to keep the veil in place.

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Yearly Guide & Report

 

Finding the best beekeeping suit isn’t as easy as you may think, especially if you have no experience in the field. Therefore, we suggest taking your time, consulting with specialists, and checking out the following buying guide to identify the main features your suit should have in order to be a good match for you.

Materials used

When it comes to the materials used to manufacture a beekeeper suit, you can either opt for full cotton or a blend of polyester fibers and cotton. No matter your choice, you should be comfortable and able to breathe properly in your suit since you’ll be using it for many hours.

If you ask us, a suit made of cotton and polyester would be the proper choice because it provides the perfect combination between protection and breathability. Cotton is a natural and breathable fabric that absorbs excess moisture, leaving your skin cool and dry throughout the day, no matter how hot or humid it is outside.

On the other hand, polyester is mainly used for creating a protective barrier against insects and preventing them from stinging you. Thus, no matter if you opt for cheap bee keeper suits or invest in high-quality items, make sure they serve their main role of keeping you safe from insects.

 

Size and fit

After deciding on the best material for your own requirements, it’s high time you thought about the overall fit of your suit.

A good suit should be big enough to cover your entire body without being too baggy either. It should provide maximum freedom of movement, especially around high-pressure areas such as your arms, back, and knees. However, an item that is too big will not only become heavier but also harder to wear and might even slow you down or stop you from performing your job duties.

Finding the right size starts with getting your measurements as accurately as possible. After that, compare them to the ones provided by the manufacturer’s sizing guide and decide on the right fit for you. If you fall in-between sizes it is always recommended to order a size up to ensure improved mobility.

You can also go through some online beekeeper suit reviews and read the opinions of other customers and see if the item you want to order is true to size or you need to pick a different size than the one you usually wear.

 

Adjustable features

If the size you ordered doesn’t fully match your body type, you can always adjust the fit with the help of the elasticated wrists and waists that most beekeeper suits have.

These elements ensure you enjoy maximum freedom of movement as you are able to breathe properly, without worrying about the suit being too tight around the waistline or your wrists.

 

Length

Another aspect to take into account is the overall length of the suit. You can opt for a full bodysuit or a jacket and a matching pair of pants. Each item comes with its own perks and downsides, so you need to find the right one for your needs.

Full suits are great because they cover the entire area of your body, protecting every inch of skin and preventing it from being stung by an insect. Most of them come with long zippers and an adjustable fit around the waist and wrists, so you get to wear a comfortable item all day long. In addition, they are easy to put on and take off.

On the other hand, jackets only protect the upper part of your body from insects, so, unless you wear really thick denim pants, you’ll also need a pair of protective pants. However, if you are allergic to insects, don’t have experience in how to handle bees or have sensitive skin, we always recommend wearing a full suit instead of just a protective jacket.

 

Head protection

Your head is a very sensitive area that can be easily targeted by wasps, bees, and yellow jackets. Therefore, we suggest you look for a suit that comes with a protective veil as well.

Most of these veils are detachable and collapsible for easy transportation and storage whenever you’re not using them, so they are a convenient choice.

However, no matter their shape, these head masks will often require that  you wear a hat or a cap underneath to make sure they fit your head correctly and won’t fall off whenever you’re moving. Though they may not be the most comfortable headpieces, protection veils are mandatory if you want to cover your eyes, face, and neck from nasty bee stings.

 

Knee protection

Being a beekeeper implies a lot of sitting and kneeling so, unless you want to think about knee injections and supplements before retirement, it is best to wear high-quality protective gear.

Luckily, most suits come with reinforced knee pads to absorb shocks and provide increased comfort when working on the hives. These pads are made with cushions that will prevent knee injuries and bruises, and help you remain in good health for longer.

 

Zippers

The quality of the zippers is extremely important as they are the ones that ensure your suit protects you against insects.

Thus, you should look for suits made with heavy-duty zippers, preferably metallic, that won’t break or corrode after a while. Plastic zippers are more prone to breaking so you’ll have to replace them more often.

Zippers also ensure the easiness of dressing the suit, so we recommend purchasing products that have full front zippers to help you easily put them on and take them off in just a few seconds.

 

Pockets

You also shouldn’t neglect the usefulness of pockets. Whether we’re talking about a full suit, a simple jacket or even a homemade bee keeper suit (which we don’t actually recommend), your protective gear should always have pockets.

Chest pockets usually come with zippers, studs or Velcro closures that allow you to keep your personal belongings safe, without worrying about dropping them when you’re on the move. You can use them to keep your phone, wallet, keys, and other small items. Many products will also feature large pockets that are perfect for storing your tools.

 

 

Bibliography:

1) Protective clothing information

2) History of the beekeeping suit

3) The health and safety of beekeepers

4) Interacting with bees