The 12 Best Beekeeping Veils For 2025

Last Updated on November 5, 2024 by Anthony

When purchasing a beekeeping suit, the material is certainly something to consider; you will also want to think about what gloves are best for your beekeeping needs. However, neither of these are the component that beekeepers lose sleep over.  The one part of the beekeeping suit that is the most varied and the most indispensable is, of course, the veil.

A good beekeeping veil makes all the difference in the world. For one thing, it is perhaps the one area of the beekeeping suit that even experienced beekeepers would shiver at the thought of not being secure. A veil protects your face – and a rogue bee finding access to this part of your body is unpleasant to even think about.

For this reason, there’s much variety in beekeeping veils, with various sellers promising the best in protection and visibility. These two factors are indeed the metric by which you should judge a beekeeping veil – you will need to keep out every bee, but also see what you’re doing! Comfort is also something you might want to consider and, just so long as you put protection and visibility first, it’s definitely worth bearing in mind that some beekeeping veils can fit more agreeably than others. If you wear glasses, this is also a major consideration as some veils might be slightly uncomfortable for glasses wearers. Once again, you will want to see what you’re doing.

As good rule of thumb, beekeeping veils that attach to your suit via a zipper are usually more secure than those that use a drawstring or elastic. This is not to say that all of these types are bad veils (and I have some in my list below), but zippers are generally considered the most bee-proof way of sealing up your suit.

Beekeeping veils can be sold separately from both the suit and the hat, which secures them from the top of your head. Some veils are sold separately as two pieces (beekeeper hat and veil), some are only one piece and some of course come as part of a whole beekeeping suit. Naturally, choosing your veil separately is the best way to combine the qualities of a good veil with the qualities you’ll be looking for in the other parts of the suit – it’s a wise idea to mix and match here. In this article, I will give you a run-down of the best separately sold beekeeping veils, but you can see my article here for the best full suit sets on the market (opens in a new tab).

Types of Beekeeping Veils

When it comes to beekeeper veils and hats, there are three main types –round, square, and hooded veils. Deciding which of these most fits your needs is the first step in purchasing the right veil for you. Before I begin my list, let’s check out the three basic designs. 

Round Veil

The round veil is a (normally) single piece veil that combines a wide brim with a mesh that completely encircles your head. Obviously, this is the type of veil that supplies the best visibility, offering the wearer 360 degrees vision. This is however also the largest and most cumbersome of the three types. This means you will want to be extra sure that it fits securely to your bee suit. With round veils, a good protective mesh material is a must as it features the largest mesh surface area, meaning more potential for bee intrusion if any part of it rips or is not properly reinforced. Nevertheless, for that valuing visibility above all else, the round veil is usually the way to go. You’ll notice that round veils feature most prominently on my list.

Square Veil

The square is the veil type that most often comes in two parts – a hat and a veil – often sold separately. As the name suggests, it is square in shape and offers decent peripheral vision to the beekeeper, making it a good halfway point between the round veil and the more enclosed hooded veil. The square veil is also the most economical choice and, to save money, beekeepers have been known to only buy the veil and combine it with whatever hat will hold it in place. The security concerns here are obvious and the veil itself can be prone to swiveling around your head. However, if you buy quality, you can certainly find square veils that hold firm.

Hooded Veil

A hooded veil is an (often collapsible) veil that unfolds over the head like a hood. The hooded veil is probably the best option for protection, as it limits the mesh area and fits securely. Unfortunately, this also means that your peripheral vision when wearing one can be poor to non-existent. With hooded veils, it is also particularly important to get the right fit as an ill-fitting hooded veil can sit low on your head and limit your direct vision as well. This is an avoidable pitfall but certainly one to bear in mind when purchasing.

Armed with some knowledge about the different types of veils and what beekeepers typically look for in them, you are already in a great position to make an informed choice. Here then follows my list of the best beekeeping veils on the market.

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The Best Beekeeping Veils – Conclusion

Beekeeping is a fascinating and rewarding hobby that allows individuals to connect with nature while also providing them with the opportunity to produce their own honey. However, while beekeeping can be a fun and fulfilling activity, it is also a potentially dangerous one. Bee stings can be painful and, in some cases, even life-threatening, so it is crucial for beekeepers to have the proper protective gear.

One of the most important pieces of beekeeping protective gear is the beekeeping veil. This piece of equipment is designed to create a barrier between the beekeeper’s face and the bees, protecting the beekeeper from bee stings. Beekeeping veils come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, each with its unique features and benefits.

When choosing a beekeeping veil, it is important to consider factors such as the level of protection required, the beekeeper’s experience, and personal preference. The veil should fit snugly around the head and neck to prevent bees from getting inside, while also being well-ventilated to provide comfort during hot weather.

Overall, a high-quality beekeeping veil is an essential piece of gear for any beekeeper. With the right veil, beekeepers can safely and comfortably tend to their hives and enjoy the benefits of this rewarding hobby.

Beekeeping Disclaimer:

Beekeeping, like any agricultural activity, involves inherent risks. It is important to understand these risks and take appropriate measures to mitigate them.

Potential risks associated with beekeeping include:

1. Bee stings: Honey bees are generally not aggressive but can become defensive if they feel threatened or their hive is disturbed. Bee stings can cause allergic reactions or even anaphylaxis in some individuals, which can be life-threatening. It is important to wear protective clothing and follow best practices when handling bees to minimize the risk of stings.
2. Diseases and pests: Bees can be vulnerable to various diseases and pests, including mites, viruses, and bacterial infections. These can have significant impacts on bee colonies, leading to reduced honey production or even colony collapse. It is important to monitor hives regularly and take appropriate measures to prevent and treat diseases and pests.
3. Weather conditions: Extreme weather conditions, such as drought or cold temperatures, can affect the health and productivity of bee colonies. It is important to ensure that hives are appropriately sheltered and provided with adequate food and water.
4. Environmental hazards: Bees can be affected by environmental hazards such as pesticide exposure, pollution, and habitat loss. It is important to be aware of these hazards and take appropriate measures to protect bee colonies and promote healthy environments for bees.
5. Legal requirements: Beekeeping may be subject to local, state, or national regulations, such as registration or inspection requirements. It is important to be aware of these requirements and comply with them.

While beekeeping can be a rewarding and enjoyable activity, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take appropriate measures to mitigate them. By following best practices and staying informed about the latest developments in beekeeping, beekeepers can help ensure the health and productivity of their hives and contribute to the well-being of bee populations worldwide.