US-Keepers 3-Layer Ultra Ventilated Bee Suit for Men & Women – Premium Beekeeping Suit with Bee Gloves & Two Detachable Beekeeping Veils (White 2XL)

I wasn’t sure I would like being a beekeeper so I started out with a cheap cotton suit for like $40-50. It was decent protection but if the bees were agitated, you’d better have another layer under it or they could still get to you. It was also hella hot. If I had it to do over, I would have started with a better suit. I recently bought the US Keepers 3 layer vented suit on Amazon. I was pleased with the fit and it came with both the round and fencing veil for about $140. It would have made my first year so much easier had I ponied up for the better suit to start with. Part of the issue as a new beekeeper is that the bees can sense your anxiety and can react negatively to it. With the better suit, you are less prone to worry about stings so you can focus more about what you are doing, being more fluid and careful, thus disturbing them less. And, because you aren’t as hot, you aren’t trying to rush through before you stroke out. Great suit for the money. The only thing I would chage is to possibly make the brim on the round veil cover just a hair larger. It fits fine and doesn't touch my face but it would "feel much better with another inch on the diameter.

After watching a video review on this and reading some of the other reviews, I decided to take a chance. I have worn this veiled suit a few times now and overall, I do like it. I did take the advice of others about the suit running small and went one size up than I normally do. Based on the sizing chart, I was just within the top measurements and this suit is just a smidge snug. But definitely not uncomfortable. I definitely feel like this was a great value and worth the purchase. Pros: The suit seems to be of a very excellent quality. The zippers seem to be very good quality and not plastic. Unlike some other suits, I feel very comfortable with the velcro covers to the zippers as well. Very well placed, and doubled up on the neck. Velcro for the ankles and wrists (Thank you!) The fencing veil (once adjusted) is pretty comfortable and is not restrictive around the neck like some other suits. The zipper to open the front is a nice little bonus. Lots of pockets. I kind of like having the hive tool pockets on the upper arm. For us "shapely" folks, I do like how it isn't tight around the backside area. Kneeling and bending over feels very comfortable and I don't get that "riding up" feeling from this suit. Cons: The regular hat veil is definitely small like what other reviews have stated. I haven't even tried it as it looks like it should be on a kid's suit. Without adjusting (see helpful notes below), the fencing veil does lay against your face. I definitely suggest wearing a hat as well. The gloves that come with are a bit tight around the arms. Also, the gloves tend to shift a bit. It would have been a bit better to add some velcro to the wrist area on them as well. Suit is definitely pushing sizing limits. Definitely suggest using the "biggest" size that any of your measurements hit (It is stated correctly in the sizing description). A review stated that the leg zippers aren't long enough to be able to slide past boots. I will agree with that. You will most likely need to remove your shoes before taking the suit off. Notes: Some reviews were complaining about the fencing veil on how it lays against your face. I found three things that help with that immensely. First is the strong velcro at the top. Make sure to pull the veil all the way out and attach it to hold the top as open as possible. Secondly, the bottom has a sturdy piece that is actually bendable. Bend it out to a more rounded shape and there will be less chance of it laying against your chin. And thirdly, just wear a rimmed hat underneath to give some extra support.

I love this suit! Comfortable and well ventilated. Keeps you cool and well protected from any ill-tempered occupants of your hive.

The ventaalagion makes a world of difference!

In the last year I have become allergic to bee stings. I have large gardens that need work and have been stung twice this year and had to go to the emergency room for treatment. I decided it was time to make a proactive change, I researched buying a bee keeper suit. I wasn't sure which size to get as even with the sizing chart it's hard to know how something like this is going to fit. After reading the reviews I decided to get the 2XL, I figured it would be better to have it a little larger so that you can put other clothing on underneath it for added protection. I weigh 200 lb and 5' 7", the 2XL gives plenty of room and you can bend over comfortably. This is a good size as well for my husband who weighs 185 and 5'8" and has a longer torso, it was comfortable for him as well. The suit is heavy weight, the zippers are heavy duty. There are velcro closures that go over the ends of the zippers to seal any entry ports. We decided to try the round veil hood and it worked well. My husband went out to spray the offending bees nest and had bees flying around his head but didn't get stung. I am relieved to know this suit worked well so we can take back our backyard and hopefully not have to end up in the emergency room again.