Well, you’ve done it. You’ve crafted your own beehive, inviting an entire colony of incredibly lively bees to come move in. They investigated this place you’ve made, and ultimately decided that they like it enough to stay. Before you know it, they’ll be paying their rent of delicious honey.
Congratulations, you’re now a beekeeper!
But do you have everything you need to get started? Extensive knowledge of caring for bees and their home? A trusty beekeeping net? A suit? Do you even have GLOVES?!
What Is Beekeeping?
Beekeeping, also known as apiculture, refers to the act of caring for bees in a man-made hive. A large part of beekeeping involves conducting maintenance on their home, making sure they have food to eat, and providing the proper care in case they fall ill with some kind of bee disease. Think of it like keeping an ant farm, only much more dangerous! Granted, you gain so much more from tending to bees than you do ants.
A reason why so many people choose to keep bees falls on the fact that beehives produce a good number of different things that we can either sell or use ourselves. The list of things that bees make include, but aren’t limited to: pollen, beeswax, honey, and royal jelly (for medical uses). Sure, you can always go out and buy this stuff yourself…but where’s the fun in that? Besides, the highest quality produce often comes in freshly made!
Why May I Need Gloves?
When it comes to bee stings, there’s much more to them than just feeling pain. The venom inside a bee’s stinger is capable of causing infections in the more sensitive areas of your body–such as your hands. Such infections can be allergy based, or simply a negative reaction to fragile skin. For instance, the strength of our hands varies person by person. Some people have thicker skin and aren’t as badly affected by a bee’s sting. Meanwhile, others may have an awful reaction that results in them being sent to the hospital.
On this note, there’s a reason why we highly discourage anyone from using disposable beekeeping gloves. For starters, one-time use gloves are usually made out of cheap materials such as rubber or latex. These are NOT the proper materials to wear when keeping bees! You need something that is thick and strong, such as leather. Leather fabrics will ensure that you don’t catch any harmful infections or puncture wounds from the wrath of many angry bees.
TOP 10 Best Beekeeping Gloves
Comparison Chart
|
Our Rating |
Image |
Product |
Materials |
Size Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
#1 Editor Choice |  | NATURAL APIARY Cowhide Beekeeping Gloves |
Cowhide Leather |
Double Extra Small to Double Extra Large |
|
#2 |  | BESTOPE 2021 Upgraded Beekeeping Gloves |
Goatskin Leather |
One Size Fits All! |
|
#3 |  | KINGLAKE Beekeeping Gloves |
Goatskin Leather |
Large to Extra Large |
|
#4 |  | Humble Bee 110 Goatskin Beekeeping Gloves |
Goatskin Leather & Heavy Cotton |
Extra Small to Triple Extra Large |
|
#5 |  | Forest Premium Beekeeping Gloves |
Goatskin Leather |
Extra Small to Extra Large |
|
#6 |  | VIVO Small Leather Beekeeping Gloves |
Goatskin Leather |
Small to Extra Large |
|
#7 |  | NATURAL APIARY Cowhide Beekeeping Gloves |
Cowhide Leather |
Double Extra Small to Double Extra Large |
|
#8 |  | Forest Beekeeping Supply Goatskin Leather Beekeeper’s Gloves |
Goatskin Leather |
Small to Extra Large |
|
#9 |  | Luwint Kids Premium Goatskin Leather Beekeeping Gloves |
Goatskin Leather |
Kids (4-8 Years Old) to Teens (10-16 Years Old) |
|
#10 |  | Children Goatskin Leather Beekeeper’s Gloves |
Goatskin Leather |
Small (Kid’s) to Large (Kid’s) |
1 NATURAL APIARY Cowhide Beekeeping Gloves
Nobody wants to be caught beekeeping without gloves, so you need to go in well protected. And what better choice is there other than our number one choice? NATURAL APIARY Cowhide Beekeeping Gloves are well ventilated where they need to be and thickly crafted where it matters most. You don’t know leather beekeeping gloves until take a feel of THESE lovely icons of beekeeping excellence!
The best part of these bee suit gloves, hands down, is the wide range of sizes you can choose from when purchasing. You’ve got double extra small, double extra large, and anything and everything in-between! This way nobody has to feel left out in the art of keeping bees. Everyone is invited to take part in the fun!
PROS
- Affordable
- Leather materials
- Wide range of sizes
- Sting-proof rubber cuffs
- Ventilated sleeves
- Super comfortable
CONS
- Stitching may be a bit loose
2 BESTOPE 2021 Upgraded Beekeeping Gloves
And in second place, we’ve got these beekeeper gloves for sale. BESTOPE 2021 Upgraded Beekeeping Gloves are easily a fan favorite amongst beekeepers both commercial and non. The high graded materials in which these gloves are made are sure power you through any level of bee-related terror. That’s simply the power of goatskin leather, you know!
Another advantage that these leather beekeeping gloves have above the rest is their size versatility. While most beekeeping gloves are sized at certain ranges, these babies are not. Just about any size that isn’t monstrously gigantic will fit in these gloves and be safe! We, ladies and gentlemen, see that as an absolute win!
PROS
- Affordable
- Leather materials
- One size fits all
- Good for commercial use
- Designed for unisex use
- Very flexible fit
- Elastic cuffs
- Super comfortable!
CONS
- May not fit for those with particularly large hands
3 KINGLAKE Beekeeping Gloves
Well now!
Check out THESE bee suit gloves!
KINGLAKE Beekeeping Gloves are very standard, yet highly efficient beekeeping gloves that will protect you at all times. You’ll be so glad that you threw out those useless disposable beekeeping gloves when you wear just how soft and comfortable these leather beekeeping gloves truly are. They’re very breathable around their cotton sleeves, making beekeeping fun even on the hottest of days. Sounds like a good deal to us!
Just keep in mind that these gloves only come in two sizes: large and extra large. This probably sounds like a dream come true to those of you with large hands. The rest of you, however, may need to consider other options if you don’t like to wear gloves that are too big for you. All about preference, really!
PROS
- Affordable
- Leather materials
- Extra safe
- Very comfortable!
CONS
- Not many size options
4 Humble Bee 110 Goatskin Beekeeping Gloves
What better way to keep bees other than to do it for a great cause?
Humble Bee 110 Goatskin Beekeeping Gloves are industrial-grade gear that will power you through even the angriest of hives. The search for products that are exclusively mens or womens beekeeping gloves is over with these bad-boys. That’s right, these gloves are designed for unisex use. Anybody and everybody can wear them!
As for the cause that we mentioned earlier, humble bee gloves all come with a company policy which states that 10% of all proceeds go to various conservation efforts across the country. Indeed, the money you spend on these gloves will go to other beekeeping organizations, encouraging the future growth of both these causes AND the future of bees everywhere. We may not like getting stung by bees, but we DO like our honey and flowers. Save the bees today!
PROS
- Affordable
- Leather materials
- Wide range of sizes
- Sting-proof elastic cuffs
- Designed for unisex use
- Super comfortable
- 10% of earnings are donated to conservation efforts!
CONS
- Heavier than most pairs of gloves
5 Forest Premium Beekeeping Gloves
Ready for some more unisex beekeeping supplies?
Forest Premium Beekeeping Gloves are a particularly high-grade product that is sure to protect you from beekeeping stings. They are plenty big enough for larger-hand folk to wear while still being slim enough for small-handed people to feel comfortable in. Granted, some wearers have reported the finger length being a little too much for them, but that it’s not a very big deal in the long run. If anything, the longer finger length can serve you well! Gives you extra protection from your busy bees!
PROS
- Affordable
- Leather materials
- Wide range of sizes
- Mesh cuffs
- Sting-proof elastic cuffs
- Designed for unisex use
- Super comfortable!
CONS
- Finger length may be too much for some
6 VIVO Small Leather Beekeeping Gloves
VIVO Small Leather Beekeeping Gloves are quite impressive pair of leather beekeeping gloves, to be sure. Yet another goatskinned lord of beekeeping, these gloves are very reliable when faced with a swarm of particularly ticked off bees. Not only that, but these bad-boys are specifically designed to protect you from all sorts of bad weather and dangerous predicaments. Just stick those hands inside and get to work, safe as bundled baby!
PROS
- Affordable
- Leather materials
- Extra safe
- Very comfortable!
CONS
- Stitching may be a bit loose
7 NATURAL APIARY Cowhide Beekeeping Gloves
Very similar to the number one entrant on our top ten list of the best beekeeping gloves, NATURAL APIARY Cowhide Beekeeping Gloves provide only the best quality of service for beekeepers nationwide. With these leather beekeeping gloves, you know that the little pollinators will be no match for your strong materials–no matter how angry they get! Which hey, we can’t complain about that, now can we? Nobody wants to be covered in bee stings, after all!
Unfortunately, this version of NATURAL APIARY Cowhide Beekeeping Gloves differs in a single, but important way from the number one entrant on this list. While the other version has ventilated cuffs, this pair of leather beekeeping gloves do not. Granted, you’re still getting the extra protection in this area with the strong rubber. But this pair isn’t as breathable, sadly.
PROS
- Affordable
- Leather materials
- Wide range of sizes
- Sting-proof rubber cuffs
- Super comfortable!
CONS
- Sleeves aren’t ventilated this time around
- Stitching may be a bit loose
8 Forest Beekeeping Supply Goatskin Leather Beekeeper’s Gloves
Another winner in our list of the best bee suit gloves, Forest Beekeeping Supply Goatskin Leather Beekeeper’s Gloves serve as another reminder that gloves designed for keeping bees are no laughing matter. They may be built for enduring numerous bee stings, but they can fight off other ailments, too. We’re talking heat, stains, rain, and any other kind of puncture damage that isn’t related to bee stings. That’s right, folks; you’re perfectly safe when wearing these bad boys!Of course, there is one downside to choosing Forest Beekeeping Supply Goatskin Leather Beekeeper’s Gloves over other candidates on this list. While these leather beekeeping gloves are very strong and durable, the elastic material around the cuffs isn’t as tough. They are certainly comfortable and breathable. However, you need to be careful as to not tear them.
PROS
- Affordable
- Leather materials
- Extra safe
- Very comfortable!
CONS
- Elastic material may break if not careful
9 Luwint Kids Premium Goatskin Leather Beekeeping Gloves
Don’t worry, parents.
Your kids can join in on the fun now, too!
Luwint Kids Premium Goatskin Leather Beekeeping Gloves are just what your little ones need to get started on the rewarding profession of beekeeping. These short beekeeping gloves are crafted with your child’s safety in mind, as its leather exterior will keep them safe from any potential bee stings. As for interior feel and comfort, the mesh cuffs are designed to be very breathable–so no need to worry about unsavory rubbing that may cause irritation or rashes.
Best all all? These leather beekeeping gloves don’t discriminate. Whether your child is 5 years old or 15 years old, Luwint Kids Premium Goatskin Leather Beekeeping Gloves will do the trick in providing only the highest quality of protection. Granted, you shouldn’t wear these gloves yourself; not unless you have particularly small hands. Then by all means, go for it!
PROS
- Affordable
- Leather materials
- Wide age range capability
- Mesh cuffs
- Extra safe, Designed for children
- Very comfortable!
CONS
- Not suited for adults
10 Children Goatskin Leather Beekeeper’s Gloves
And finally on our top ten list of the best beekeeping gloves, we have Children Goatskin Leather Beekeeper’s Gloves. Another pair of short beekeeping gloves designed strictly for kids, your young one is sure to be in safe hands (pun intended) with these lovely gloves. Whether your child has incredibly small hands for their age or incredibly large, these leather beekeeping gloves will fit them with no trouble at all. Just slide those little hands in and get to work with those bees!
PROS
- Flexible sizes
- Extra safe
- Designed for children
- Leather materials
- Affordable
- Very comfortable!
CONS
- Not suited for adults
Concluding Thoughts
Beekeeping is a very risky trade, if we do say so ourselves. There’s no shortage of different terrors that could unfold if you aren’t careful enough. You can run the risk of giving your bees diseases, not to mention potentially contaminating their produce. And let’s not forget the excruciating risks of getting stung a hundred different times by frustrated bees!
But as risky as beekeeping can be, let’s never forget just how rewarding it can be. We’re in a dark period in time where the life of bees is majorly at stake. We need beekeepers to protect them and house them from the harsh environment around us. With the help of our beekeeping gauntlets, we’ll help the bees AND get our tasty honey!
Sarah Eberle qualified and became a member of the Landscape Institute in 1980. Over the last 26 years she has practised landscape architecture and garden design, running her own business in Devon.
During the 1990s, Sarah joined Hillier Landscapes as Design Director, where she is still a shareholder but also runs her own practice in Hampshire.
Sarah has an esteemed record in RHS shows, having won eight Gold medals, Best in Show and the George Cook award for innovation twice at Hampton Court. Sarah has also exhibited at Tatton Park and BBC Gardeners’ World Live.