Beekeeping is a rewarding practice that benefits biodiversity, food production, and global ecosystems. Choosing the right gear is part of that experience, especially when it comes to finding the perfect beekeeping suit.
If you’ve already started shopping for your gear, you might notice that most beekeeping suits—and other protective clothing—are white. This isn’t by accident; the white color of the bee suit is a crucial and intentional part of its design. It allows for greater comfort and protection for both you and your bees.
Learn all about why bee suits are white and discover other key things you should know about your beekeeping gear with this guide.
A Brief History of Bee Suits
Bee suits have been part of professional and hobbyist beekeeping for longer than most might assume. While the earliest forms of beekeeping involved minimal protection, modern bee suits emerged when beekeeping began transitioning into a more formalized practice. Early designs prioritized function above all else, with beekeepers crafting protective garments using available materials to shield themselves during hive maintenance.
The importance of these suits became more apparent as beekeeping evolved into a profession and crucial agricultural activity. The suits were designed to cover the body and protect against stings while still allowing the beekeeper to inspect hives and work with ease. Over time, the design became more refined, incorporating features like netted hoods for visibility, elasticized cuffs to block bees from entering, and full-body coverage.
White Bee Suits Are More Comfortable
As protective beekeeping clothing became commonplace, white became the predominant bee suit color—and not just for its clean visual appeal. One of the primary reasons bee suits are traditionally white is the practical comfort they offer to beekeepers, particularly in warm climates.
White reflects sunlight rather than absorbing heat, which helps beekeepers remain cooler as they work with hives. Beekeepers often work outdoors during hot months when hives are bustling with activity. The layers of material and heavy-duty fabric in a bee suit add extra warmth, so a dark-colored suit would make an already warm situation unbearable.
Maintaining comfort is crucial because beekeepers often need to spend extended periods monitoring hive health, collecting honey, or relocating colonies. The environment around a hive can already be stifling, so a suit that keeps a beekeeper cool makes these tasks far more tolerable. White bee suits allow ventilated materials to function efficiently and eliminate concerns about the unnecessary buildup of heat during essential work.
White Makes Bees More Comfortable Too
White suits have the added benefit of being comforting for the bees themselves. Bees are highly attuned to color; it’s part of how they navigate the world. Many of the bees’ natural predators, such as mice, raccoons, birds, and bears, are dark in color. As such, bees may perceive a dark object approaching their hive as a threat, making them more defensive and likely to sting.
Moreover, if your bees become agitated, whether due to dark colors, erratic movements, or other factors, they’re more likely to target and attack dark colors. If you’re wearing a black suit or veil, you’re more likely to get stung.
By wearing white, beekeepers are less likely to alarm the colony. The neutral color is nonthreatening and helps put the bees at ease during hive visits, making their behavior more predictable. Calm bees result in fewer reactions to perceived danger, which keeps beekeepers safer as they go about their duties. This behavioral response is one reason white has remained the go-to color for bee suits over decades of professional and amateur beekeeping.
Advantages and Disadvantages of White Bee Suits
White bee suits may be the gold standard in the industry, but they come with their own pluses and minuses. On the plus side, white suits are easy to find, as nearly every supplier keeps them in stock. They’re practical for keeping beekeepers comfortable in direct sunlight and maintaining a neutral presence for bees.
However, white can stain more easily than darker alternatives, which may be a disadvantage for those who prioritize appearances. This is where suits of other colors may come in, especially for beekeepers operating in colder environments, where darker colors retaining more heat can be advantageous.
Though not as widely used as white suits, lighter beige or khaki suits have similarities in function, offering a bit of variety for those who prefer an alternative. Nevertheless, white continues to outshine the rest when it comes to striking the balance between comfort, safety, and availability.
Tips for Choosing the Right Bee Suit
Understanding why bee suits are white is only part of what you should know about their design. There are plenty of other factors to consider when selecting the perfect bee suit, including comfort, functionality, and fit. The right bee suit should allow for ease of movement while still protecting against stings. Look for features like elasticated cuffs, adjustable closures, and reinforced materials that withstand plenty of use. Ventilated suits are increasingly popular, combining safety with much-needed breathability for long hours in the sun.
Matching your suit with a high-quality veil matters, as visibility is just as critical as protection when working near a hive. Make sure the veil provides a clear line of sight without unnecessary obstructions and is securely attached to the suit to avoid gaps. Gloves are another must-have; they should strike a balance between dexterity and protection, giving you the freedom to work with the hive while minimizing risks.
Maintaining your beekeeping gear also contributes to its lifespan. Regularly washing your bee suit and checking for wear and tear will help the garment provide consistent protection. Replace damaged gear promptly to avoid unpleasant encounters with stingers.
The Essential Role of Bee Suits in Beekeeping
Bee suits are more than simple protective clothing; they’re indispensable tools that make beekeeping safer and more enjoyable for professionals and hobbyists alike. The predominance of white in the design of bee suits highlights its practicality in providing comfort to the wearer and the bees. Whether it’s reflecting sunlight on hot days, discouraging defensive behavior in bee colonies, or offering ease of cleaning, white bee suits remain the gold standard and a dependable choice for anyone serious about beekeeping.
Are you looking for the perfect gear for your apiary? Suit up with the ventilated beekeeping suits available at Dadant & Sons. Explore our range of designs and options for beekeepers of all ages when you shop online today.