When I first got into the fascinating world of beekeeping, I quickly learned that getting too close to busy bees without adequate protection is a recipe for a painful day. The potential for stings, especially multiple ones, wasn’t just uncomfortable; it could pose a real health risk and certainly made performing necessary hive inspections and maintenance much more stressful than it needed to be. Finding reliable gear that offered both safety and comfort was paramount to confidently pursuing this rewarding hobby.
- Beekeeping suit natural cotton with removable round veil
- Elasticated waistband and elasticated cuffs, plus elastic thumb loops to keep everything comfortably in place
- Three pockets, cotton knee pads and two leg hive tool pockets
Thinking About Buying Protective Gear for Beekeeping
Anyone considering beekeeping, or dealing with stinging insects like wasps around their property, needs to think seriously about protective clothing. This category of gear is designed to form a barrier between you and potentially aggressive insects. The ideal customer is someone who interacts with bees or wasps regularly – whether it’s a hobbyist beekeeper, a professional apiarist, or even a homeowner needing to manage a pest issue safely. Someone who *shouldn’t* buy a full suit like this might be someone who only needs minimal protection for very occasional, low-risk situations; they might get by with just gloves and a veil, or perhaps they have severe allergies and should avoid any interaction altogether, relying on professional help instead. Before buying, consider the type of insects you’ll encounter (bees vs. wasps, as stingers differ), the level of protection needed (a full suit for hive work is different from clearing a small nest), the climate you’ll be working in (breathability is key), your budget, and importantly, the correct size for a comfortable and safe fit. Don’t skimp on safety; a few stings can quickly make you regret choosing inadequate gear.
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Introducing the Bees & Co U73 Beekeeper Suit
The Bees & Co U73 Natural Cotton Beekeeper Suit with Round Veil is a full-body protective suit designed specifically for beekeepers. It promises a reliable barrier against stings while aiming for comfort during hive work. When you purchase it, you get the one-piece suit integrated with a round veil. Compared to heavier-duty synthetic suits or older, less breathable cotton models, the U73 focuses on using natural cotton for a potentially gentler feel. It’s designed primarily for beekeepers performing regular inspections but could also be used for managing other stinging insect situations if the user is comfortable with the level of protection offered. It might not be the best fit for those needing maximum industrial-level protection or working in extremely hot climates where a ventilated suit might be preferable, though cotton does offer decent breathability compared to some synthetics.
Pros:
* Made from natural, unbleached cotton
* Integrated, self-supporting round veil
* Elasticated cuffs and waistband for secure fit
* Multiple useful pockets, including hive tool pockets
* Includes cotton knee pads for comfort
Cons:
* Stitching quality can be inconsistent
* Sizing needs careful checking against the chart
* Cotton, while natural, can still be warm in hot weather
* Hand wash only care instructions
Getting Down to Details: What Makes It Work
Over the years of using the Bees & Co U73 Natural Cotton Beekeeper Suit with Round Veil, I’ve really come to appreciate certain aspects while also noting where it falls a little short. Let’s break down the features and what they mean in practice when you’re out in the apiary or dealing with a wasp nest.
Natural Cotton Material
The core of this suit is its natural, unbleached cotton fabric. The description mentions it’s 260 gsm, which feels like a decent weight – thick enough to offer a good physical barrier against most stings without being excessively stiff. The ‘natural’ aspect is appealing; it feels softer than some treated or synthetic materials I’ve worn. For someone spending a fair bit of time suited up, the feel of the fabric against your skin, or over your clothes, makes a difference. It’s reasonably breathable, which is important when you’re working in warm weather, although it’s still a full suit, so you will warm up. The benefit here is twofold: comfort during longer inspections and a solid layer of protection. While no fabric is 100% sting-proof against determined bees or wasps finding a tight spot, the thickness of this natural cotton suit significantly reduces the likelihood of successful stings through the material itself.
Removable Round Veil
The round veil is a classic design, and the one on the U73 suit is self-supporting and removable. The self-supporting part is key – it has internal hoops or structure that keep the mesh away from your face and neck. This is crucial because if the mesh touches your skin, bees can easily sting right through it. The visibility through the mesh is generally good, allowing you to see what you’re doing during intricate tasks like finding the queen or checking for disease. Being removable is a nice bonus; while I usually keep it attached for safety, you could potentially remove it for washing or storage, though I tend to wash the whole suit together. The benefit is clear: protection for your head and neck, combined with good visibility for working.
Elasticated Closures
The elasticated waistband and cuffs, along with thumb loops, are small but important details on this beekeeper suit. The elastic at the waist helps cinch the suit slightly, giving it a better fit and preventing it from being too baggy, which can be a snag hazard or create space for insects. The elasticated wrist cuffs are vital; they create a snug seal around your wrists, helping to keep bees out when you’re wearing gloves. The thumb loops are a simple addition that helps keep the sleeves pulled down and the cuff firmly in place when you’re putting on gloves, which is surprisingly helpful. These features collectively enhance the suit’s protective barrier at common entry points, providing peace of mind while working.
Pockets and Knee Pads
Practicality matters when you’re in a suit. The Bees & Co U73 has three double-stitched front pockets and two leg hive tool pockets. Having pockets is incredibly convenient for carrying small tools, a marking pen, or your phone (though I’d recommend double-bagging it!). The dedicated hive tool pockets on the legs are particularly useful, keeping that essential tool right where you need it and safely away from your body or the ground. The cotton knee pads are a welcome feature. Beekeeping often involves kneeling beside or in front of hives, and having that extra bit of padding makes a huge difference in comfort, especially if you’re working on hard or uneven ground. These features improve the functionality and comfort of the suit during actual use.
Zippers and Construction
The suit uses heavy-duty zippers, which feel sturdy and reliable. This is crucial because you’ll be zipping and unzipping the veil and the main body zipper frequently, often with gloved hands. A flimsy zipper would be a major point of failure, compromising safety and making the suit unusable. The main zipper usually goes from the crotch all the way up to the veil, allowing easy entry and exit. While the zippers themselves seem robust, I have to mention the stitching again here. While much of the suit feels well put together with double-stitched pockets, there have been instances where stitching, particularly in less stressed areas like the crotch seam, hasn’t held up perfectly out of the box or with minimal use, which is a significant concern for protective gear. This inconsistency in stitching is definitely a drawback to consider.
Sizing and Fit
Bees & Co provides a size chart based on height for the U73, claiming it fits true-to-size. Getting the right fit is vital for both safety and comfort. A suit that’s too small will be restrictive and potentially pull seams, while one too large can be cumbersome and create gaps where insects could enter. The unisex design is intended to fit both men and women based on the height chart. Based on my experience and the provided information for this specific small size (5’4″-5’6″), the suit is designed to accommodate a certain height range comfortably, allowing for movement needed for beekeeping tasks. Always check the size chart carefully and consider what clothing you’ll wear underneath, especially in cooler weather. The elastic waistband helps somewhat with the body fit once you’re in.
Two-Year Warranty
A two-year warranty offered by the manufacturer, Sigma Lux, is a reassuring point. While I hope not to need it, having that backing suggests the company stands by the durability of the Bees & Co U73. It provides some level of recourse if issues arise that aren’t related to normal wear and tear, like defects in materials or workmanship. This warranty adds value and confidence to the purchase, especially given that protective gear is something you rely on for safety.
What Others Are Saying
I’ve checked out what other users experienced with this suit, and the feedback is generally positive, reflecting its usefulness as basic beekeeping protection. Many appreciate the feel and thickness of the natural cotton fabric, finding it provides a good barrier against stings. However, a recurring theme in some user comments is the occasional issue with stitching quality, with a few reports mentioning weak seams that could potentially compromise the suit’s protective integrity out of the box.
Wrapping It Up: Is This Suit Right for You?
Facing down a hive full of thousands of bees, or even just a single wasp nest, requires confidence in your protection. Without it, the necessary tasks become daunting and dangerous. The potential complications of not being adequately protected range from painful stings to allergic reactions, making essential work impossible. The Bees & Co U73 Natural Cotton Beekeeper Suit with Round Veil offers several compelling reasons why it’s a great fit to solve this problem for many. Its natural cotton construction provides a good balance of protection and comfort, the round veil offers essential face protection with clear visibility, and practical features like pockets and knee pads enhance its usability. Despite the potential minor drawback of inconsistent stitching, for its price point and feature set, it represents a solid choice for the hobbyist beekeeper or anyone needing reliable insect protection. To check it out for yourself, Click here.
Last update on 2025-08-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API