Vented suit with fencing veil

01 · THE THREE LAYERS

The middle mesh is what keeps the sting off the skin

Inside, a soft-touch fabric against the skin. In the middle, a latex mesh that creates the standoff gap — the layer that does the work. Outside, polyester and nylon mesh with cotton, which takes the rubbing and the snagging. The whole thing really moves air: on a July inspection at midday, that is the difference between working and enduring. It has knee reinforcements and side pockets for the hive tool or your phone.

02 · HOW TO WEAR IT

Loose, with a thin layer underneath if the colony is on edge

The gap only works if there is a gap: where the fabric sits against the body, the sting gets through. That is behind almost every sting reported with this suit — shoulder, forearm, neck — and it is why you want a roomy size rather than a snug one. With defensive colonies, a thin t-shirt underneath at the contact points adds the margin the mesh does not give on its own. And check the neck closure before you start: that is where the odd bee gets in.

03 · THE VEIL STAY

It is included, fixes with hook-and-loop and is what keeps the mesh off your face

The veil comes with a stay that fixes to the mesh with hook-and-loop, and that is the difference between working calmly and not: it holds the veil taut and away, so it does not fall back onto your face when you bend over. Always fit it — without it, with a beard or a strong jaw, a sting can reach the chin, which is what people who have not used it report. If you want even more clearance, a peaked cap underneath adds to it. The veil unzips completely, for breaks and for washing it separately.

04 · BEFORE YOU BUY

With the stay fitted, the fencing veil works well. If you still prefer a veil held away by design, the round-veil suit keeps it at a distance with its hoop; and the 290 g/m² cotton suit is the alternative if you do not need extreme ventilation. Sizing runs generous; if you are between two and will not wear thick clothing underneath, ask us for the measurements before ordering.