Cotton Bee Suit with Veil | Full Body, Sizes S to 6XL

A cotton bee suit is a full-body coverall in thick woven cotton with a zip-on veil, worn over regular clothes to keep bees off your skin during hive inspections. This one is 100% cotton, comes in nine unisex sizes from S to 6XL, and lets you choose a fencing veil or a round hat veil, with matching gloves as an add-on. It is the most affordable full-body option and the suit most beginners start with.

Why choose a cotton bee suit over a ventilated one?

Cotton is lighter on the wallet, washes easily and softens with use. A single layer of thick cotton keeps most stings from reaching skin and is comfortable for an hour in the yard in spring and fall. If you work hives through southern summers or spend all day in the suit, the 3-Layer Ventilated Bee Suit stays cooler; for quick checks a cotton jacket is enough.

Fencing veil or round hat veil?

The fencing veil is rectangular, folds flat for storage and gives a wide field of view. The round hat veil has a brim that holds the mesh well away from your face, which many beekeepers prefer in hot weather. Both zip off with a full-circle hood zipper so the suit washes on its own.

Features

100% cotton, white to keep bees calm
Detachable veil, fencing or round hat style
Heavy-duty front zipper with cover flap
Double-stitched pockets for hive tool and queen marker
Elastic wrist and ankle cuffs
Unisex sizing S to 6XL, optional gloves

What size bee suit should I buy?

Height is the most reliable guide. Between sizes, size up so you can layer underneath in cooler weather.

Size	Chest (in)	Waist (in)	Height
S	42 to 43	41 to 42	5'0" to 5'2"
M	44 to 45	43 to 44	5'3" to 5'4"
L	46 to 47	45 to 46	5'5" to 5'6"
XL	48 to 49	46 to 47	5'7" to 5'8"
2XL	50 to 51	48 to 49	5'9" to 5'10"
3XL	52 to 53	50 to 51	5'11" to 6'0"
4XL	54 to 55	52 to 53	6'1" to 6'2"
5XL	56 to 57	54 to 55	6'2" to 6'3"
6XL	58 to 59	56 to 57	6'4" to 6'5"

Frequently asked questions

Can bees sting through a cotton bee suit?

Rarely, and usually only where fabric is pulled tight against skin, such as the knees or shoulders. Wearing loose clothing underneath adds an air gap that stings cannot bridge.