Bee Suits and Jackets

A beekeeping suit is a one-piece protective garment that covers the whole body from neck to ankles, usually with a veil attached by a zip; a beekeeping jacket is a shorter, cooler model with a veil that covers only the torso and arms. Which one to choose depends on the temperament of the colonies, the work to be done, the climate and the beekeeper's experience. A good suit or jacket is light-coloured, loose-fitting and closes without leaving any gaps.

Beekeeping suit or jacket?

Both protect the body against bee stings; the difference is the area covered and how comfortable they are to use.

For a new beekeeper, starting with a full suit is the safest route. As you gain experience and get to know the temperament of your colonies, a jacket becomes a practical second garment for hot days and short jobs. When wearing a jacket, the trousers should be thick and light-coloured, and the ankles should be closed off.

What fabric should a beekeeping suit be made of?

Cotton and cotton-blend fabric

The most common suit fabric. It breathes and stands up to frequent washing. It should be tightly woven and thick; thin, loosely woven cotton lets a sting through where it presses against the skin. Polyester-cotton blends crease less and dry quickly.

Ventilated (multi-layer) fabric

Fabrics consisting of a porous, foam-like middle layer between two outer mesh layers. Air passes through, but because the total thickness is greater than the length of a bee's sting, the sting cannot reach the skin. They give great comfort in hot climates and during the summer harvest; they are more expensive, and the seams should be checked carefully.

Fabric choice in summary

• Cool region and short sessions: A thick cotton suit is enough.
• Hot region and long sessions: A ventilated suit or jacket makes a real difference.
• Defensive colonies: Ventilated or thick fabric, with a thin long-sleeved garment underneath.

What features should a good beekeeping suit have?

• Colour: White, cream or light khaki. Dark colours and fuzzy surfaces increase defensive behaviour in bees; light colours stay cool in the sun.
• Loose fit: The suit can be bought one size larger. A sting goes through fabric pressed against the body; a loose suit also does not strain the zips and seams when bending and getting up.
• Veil attachment: A removable veil attached with a double zip is the most practical solution; the veil can also be washed separately.
• Covered zips: The ends of the zips are the most often overlooked gap; they should be covered with a Velcro flap.
• Elasticated wrists and ankles: A thumb loop stops the sleeve riding up; elastic or a zip at the ankle makes it easy to pull over boots.
• Pockets: They should have flaps or zips; bees get into open pockets. A tool pocket on the leg is handy for the hive tool.
• Strong seams: The crotch, armpits and knees are under the most strain; choose double stitching.

How do you put on a suit or jacket?

1. Start with footwear: Put on high boots; pull the suit over the boots, or seat the ankle elastic over the tops of the boots.
2. Close the zip: Pull the body zip all the way up and close its flap.
3. Attach the veil: Bring the veil zips together in the middle from both sides and cover the ends with the flap. With a separate veil, tuck the fabric skirt inside the collar.
4. Gloves: Pull the cuffs over the sleeves.
5. Check: Raise your arms and bend over; no gap should open anywhere. Doing this check before you reach the hive prevents surprises in the middle of an inspection.

How do you wash and care for a beekeeping suit?

• Wash it often: Stings lodged in the fabric and the alarm pheromone that clings to it draw bees to that spot at the next inspection. Wash the suit regularly during the busy season.
• Remove the veil: The veil gets crushed in the machine; take it off and wash it by hand.
• Wash without fragrance: Do not use perfumed detergent or fabric softener.
• Propolis and wax stains: Scrape them off before they dry; propolis stains can be softened with alcohol and then washed.
• Repairs: Sew up small tears and opened seams straight away; replace a broken zip.
• Storage: Store hanging in a dry, airy place; a suit left damp goes mouldy, and a honey-stained suit attracts ants and mice.
• Spare: Keep a second suit or jacket, both for between washes and for visitors.

Common mistakes with suits and jackets

• Buying a tight suit: The fabric stretches tight at the knees and back and stings get through.
• Wearing dark or fuzzy clothing underneath and leaving the suit open: Bees go for dark fabric.
• Wearing thin tracksuit bottoms instead of jeans with a jacket: The risk of stings to the legs increases.
• Working in a dirty suit: The smell of old stings triggers new attacks.
• Wearing too many layers in the heat: Heat stress affects concentration; in hot regions, choose ventilated clothing and drink plenty of water.