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Humble Bee suits, jackets, veils and gloves

Humble Bee sells numbered lines of protective gear: 100-series gloves, a 200-series veil, 300-series jackets and 400-series suits, including the ventilated 430.

See Humble Bee on Amazon
Two beekeepers, one in a fencing veil and one in a round veil, inspecting a frame
Humble Bee 110 Goatskin Gloves, Extended SleevesHumble Bee 114 Goatskin Gloves, Ventilated CuffsHumble Bee 210 Polycotton Veil with Round HatHumble Bee 310 Polycotton Jacket with Round VeilHumble Bee 330 Ventilated Jacket with Round VeilHumble Bee 410 Polycotton Suit with Round Veil
Photo: Barefoot In Florida, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr
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What Humble Bee sells

Humble Bee is a protective-gear specialist, and its model numbers tell you the product type: 1xx gloves, 2xx veils, 3xx jackets and 4xx full suits. Fabric weight is listed in gsm, which makes comparing suits easier than with most brands.

  • Suits: 410 polycotton (280 gsm), 420 Ultravent (220 gsm aerated synthetic with foam insert), 430 ventilated (280 gsm polycotton with 220 gsm vent panels), 431 with a fencing veil, and the 430 Big & Tall.
  • Jackets: 310 polycotton and 330 ventilated, both with a self-supporting round veil.
  • Veil: the 210 round-hat veil in 260 gsm polycotton.
  • Gloves: the 110 and 114 goatskin gloves, both listed with a 2-year manufacturer warranty.

Humble Bee suits by listed spec

ProductFabricVeilSizesClosure
Humble Bee 430 Ventilated Suit with Round Veil280 gsm polycotton + 220 gsm vent panelsSelf-supporting round (removable)3XL (fits 6'4"-6'6"); XXS-6XL rangeBrass zippers, kneepads
Humble Bee 410 Polycotton Suit with Round Veil280 gsm 50/50 polycottonSelf-supporting round (removable)XXL (fits 6'2"-6'3")Brass zippers, thumb and foot holds
Humble Bee 420 Ultravent Suit with Round Veil220 gsm aerated synthetic with foam insertSelf-supporting round (removable)L (fits 5'9"-5'10")Brass zippers, thumb and foot holds
Humble Bee 431 Ventilated Suit with Fencing Veil280 gsm polycotton + 220 gsm vent panelsCollapsible fencing (removable)XXL (fits 6'2"-6'3")Brass zippers, kneepads
Humble Bee 430 Big & Tall Ventilated Suit, Round Veil280 gsm polycotton + 220 gsm vent panelsSelf-supporting round (removable)4XL Big & Tall (fits 6'6"-6'7")Brass zippers, kneepads

Specs as listed by the maker or seller; check the listing before you buy.

Each listing shows one size variant, with the height range it fits. The 430 lists a full range from XXS to 6XL, and the Big & Tall version extends the fit to about 6'6"-6'7". Brass zippers and kneepads are listed on the 430 and 431.

How Humble Bee compares

Natural Apiary's Zephyros and OZ ARMOUR's 3-layer suits are the main ventilated alternatives. They use 3-layer mesh throughout rather than polycotton with vent panels, and both ship with two veils. Humble Bee's choice is a mixed build: heavier polycotton on the body and synthetic vent panels where airflow matters most.

For a jacket instead of a suit, Natural Apiary and Forest Beekeeping Supply sell polycotton and air-mesh jackets with fencing veils; our suit vs jacket comparison covers when a jacket is enough.

Who Humble Bee suits

Humble Bee fits a beekeeper who wants clear fabric specs, a wide size range including big and tall, and a choice between full suit and jacket in matching materials. If you work bees in serious heat, compare the 430 with full-mesh suits; if you want the lightest option, the 420 Ultravent is the line's synthetic choice. No suit stops every sting; see our sting safety guide for fit and handling tips.

Where Humble Bee appears on Hive & Frame

Humble Bee: questions

What does the Humble Bee model number mean?
The first digit is the product type: 1 for gloves, 2 for veils, 3 for jackets and 4 for suits.
What is the Humble Bee 430 made of?
It lists 280 gsm polycotton with 220 gsm ventilated panels and a removable self-supporting round veil.
What sizes does the Humble Bee 430 come in?
The listing gives XXS to 6XL, and a separate Big & Tall version.
What is the difference between the 430 and 431?
Both list the same body fabric; the 431 has a collapsible fencing veil instead of the round veil.
Do Humble Bee gloves have a warranty?
The 110 and 114 gloves list a 2-year manufacturer warranty.