Last Updated on June 13, 2023 by Georgie Smith
If you are a beekeeper, you will want to ensure that you wear the best beekeeping gloves that will be the safest for your activity. Although there are many different types and styles, some are better than others.
It is important to have a complete understanding of which type works best for your handling of bees. A glove is only going to protect you if it’s built to do so. Without proper protection, handling bees can be a hazardous trade.
See Also:
- Best Bee Smoker: 2023 Reviews (Top Picks) and Guide
- Best Bee Suits: 2023 Beekeeper Jacket Reviews (Top Picks) & Guide
- Best Bee Hive: 2023 Beehive Starter Kit Reviews & Guide
Buyers Guide
When you are shopping for beekeeping gloves, you should focus on the qualities that make up the product. Here, are the top 10 beekeeper gloves. Each product has its unique features. Therefore, you need to have a thorough understanding of each.
| PICTURE | PRODUCT NAME | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
 | KINGLAKE® Goatskin A Pair of Beekeeping Protective Gloves with Vented Sleeves | – 10 x 7 x 1.3 inches – Size: large – Comfortable |
 | Forest Beekeeping Gloves, Premium Goatskin Leather Beekeeper’s Glove with white vented space | – Size: S – Unisex design – 6 x 4 x 0.5 inches |
 | Humble Bee 112-XL Beekeeping Gloves with Ventilated Cuffs | – Size: X-Large – 11.8 x 8.7 x 0.8 inches |
 | Humble Bee 113-XL Beekeeping Gloves with Reinforced Cuffs | – Size: X-Large – 8.9 x 12.8 x 0.8 inches |
 | Humble Bee 110-L Goat Leather Beekeeping Gloves | – Size: Large – 11.8 x 8.7 x 0.8 inches |
NATURAL APIARY – Cowhide – Beekeeping Gloves – Ventilated Sleeves – Sting Proof Cuffs
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With the job of a beekeeper, you should always wear the best gloves for harvesting and inspecting purposes. With this brand, you get all the necessary features to serve this purpose safely. Made from durable goatskin is one feature that places this product on the top 10 list.
Other features such as soft to the touch, extended length for extra protection, elastic cuffs, and 100 percent sting proof just to name a few are why this product is efficient and safe.
- Brand: Natural Apiary
- Weight: four ounces
- Dimensions: 21 X 7 X 0.2”
Flexzion Premium One Pair Beekeeping Protective Gloves with Vented Long Sleeves 4.33
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As you can tell by the name, this product is one pair. However, it’s plenty beings the structure has been enhanced to guarantee its function and smoothness while in use. If you are seeking an extended-length protective glove, this brand will fulfill your demands. Unless you require different features, then there is no reason not to choose this style.
The features include sting proof protection, enhanced flexibility and protection, a durable canvas design, and elastic closures that prevent the bees from touching the gloves. This item is, therefore, an excellent product.
- Brand: HLPB
- Weight: four ounces
- Measurements: 10.8 x 5.7 x .7“
Luwint Soft & Durable Leather Protective Beekeeping Gloves Goatskin Bee Keeping
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This glove design has all the right features that make it one of the finest on the market. When considering this brand, you need to focus more on the quality instead of the price. Its unique features include the design, durability, and the ability to provide you with the best defense against stings.
One of the leading features is the capacity to provide the proper ventilation necessary when in operation for an extended time. Therefore, this an excellent product with unique features and a leader in the market.
- Brand: Yosoo
- Weight: 0.8 ounces
- Measurements: 9 x 6.2 x 2”
Yosuny Beekeeping Gloves A Pair of Goatskin Protective Gloves for the Beginner Beekeeper
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This glove features a large, vented sleeve making it one of the best options for handlers aiming for quality. Also, this product design derives from a durable canvas material allowing longevity. The nice, long arm protection is every beekeeper’s dream.
Along with comfort, you can ensure against stings associated with the trade. It is important to take note of this feature when shopping because not all gloves provide extra protection. The Caydo product is affordable for every budget and is well worth its value.
- Brand: Caydo
- Weight: 7 ounces
- Measurements: 10 x 5.8 x 1”
New Md Medium/L Large Beekeeping Gloves, Leather Bee Keeping with sleeves by VIVO (BEE-V103L)
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If you are shopping for a premium glove to suit your needs, you will like the features that come with this quality style. One of its best functions that are evident when it comes to leather is durability. With leather, the product may last for years, and once you try it, you will never want a different style.
Other features include its woolen sleeves allowing for total arm coverage and the flexibility and comfort that this excellent product provides.
- Brand: VIVO
- Weight: 4.2 ounces
- Measurement: 11.8 x 4.9 x 1.1”
Humble Bee 113-XL Beekeeping Gloves with Reinforced Cuffs (X Large)
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It is apparent that this grand glove structure from durable cow leather. If you know anything about the worth that this leather proposes, then you should consider this excellent product. There is no doubt the glove’s durability can last for years.
Also, be aware that this glove design provides elastic cuffs which make it even more superior. The Humble Bee glove features a heavy-duty structure and is tailored to fit all sizes and genders. Therefore, the product is preferred and appreciated by both men and by women.
- Brand: Humble Bee
- Weight: 7 ounces
- Measurement: 8.9 x 12.8 x 0.8”
NATURAL APIARY – Cowhide – Beekeeping Gloves – Sting Proof Cuffs – Extra Long Twill Elasticated Gauntlets – X Large
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This style comes with outstanding features making it a top seller on the market. If you want your beekeeping to be stylish and pleasant, then you need the best material and clothing necessary for the job. With this glove, you will enjoy work even more.
The material is comfortable to wear, built for protection, and resists bee stings. The elastic cuffs offer extra security, and their sturdy structure enhances durability. These are just a few key features that put this product in the lead of others. It is one of the finest on the market and is appropriate for every beekeeper.
- Brand: Natural Apiary
- Weight: 8 ounces
- Measurements: 21 x 7 x 0.2“
Zamango 1 Pair Goatskin Beekeeper Beekeeping Protective Gloves with Vented Long Sleeves White
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This leather glove is sturdy and comes with delightful features. If you seek a leading product that will provide you with top results, then you have found the right glove. The Zamango glove offers qualities such as durability enhanced by goatskin leather. Remember, a beekeeper’s job isn’t always bits of honey. For the times when the bees get angry, you want to be in the best attire. This glove is durable, protective, and comfortable to wear.
- Brand: Zamango
- Weight: 5.3 ounces
- Measurements: 3.9 x 2.4 x 2”
VIVO Beekeeping Gloves Canvas Protective Equipment Gloves with Vented Long Sleeves
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This merchandise derived from sturdy canvas cloth, with proper care, will last you for years to come. A product such as this will not only last you, but as long as you are in the beekeeper business, you should never need to buy others.
When you purchase the BESTOPE brand gloves, you are making an impact on yourself and future generations. What better way to pass on a family business than to also pass on the attire that is a leader in the profession?
- Brand: BESTOPE
- Weight: 4 ounces
- Measurement: 7 x 4.9 x 1.6”
KINGLAKE® Beekeeping Gloves Goatskin A Pair of Beekeeping Protective Gloves
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This brand designs the best of the best products, which is why it sits in the leading spot on this list. Of course, for every champion product, there are always great things to expect. This glove showcases incredibly impressive features which only makes the job of the beekeeper even more pleasing than before.
The glove is made from sturdy leather and is therefore very relaxed for the hand. Another significant feature that every consumer should be aware of is the fact that the product comes with a value and is affordable for everyone to obtain.
- Brand: KINGLAKE
- Weight: 5.6 ounces
- Measurements 10 x 7 x 1.3”
Should I Wear Gloves or Not?
When you think about beekeepers, the first thing that comes to mind is the protective gear. Anytime you deal with bees and beehives, there is the risk of being stung. Most often the bees remain calm and will leave humans alone. However, beekeepers handle bees up close and personal and need protection from stings.
Wearing protective gear is a necessity, in particular, headgear. For beekeepers to avoid getting stings on their arms and hands, it is vital to wear beekeeping gloves. When opening a hive, bees often become disrupted and are more likely to hurt.
Although the hands are the main part of the body working with the hive, not all beekeepers are adamant on whether it is necessary to wear gloves.
How Effective are Beekeeper Gloves?
The degree of defense beekeeping gloves offers hinge on the materials used. Most beekeeping gloves on the market come from leather, but plastic or cloth can also work.
Thicker materials are impassable by bees but maybe clumsier to use. While lighter gloves may be simpler to handle items with- they may also increase the opportunity of getting stung. To best protect yourself, you should use gloves that fit you precisely. If your gloves fit loose, it will cause you to be clumsy which could result in more stings.
There are alternative options for people. Some keepers wear thin nitrile varieties that are more delicate. That makes them a preferred material to some beekeepers as there is a lesser chance of bees getting crushed when being moved around.
Even when they offer protection, many skilled beekeepers choose not to wear gloves at all, or if they do, they wear light ones. The reason for this is the easier it is to handle the bees the less of a chance there is of them getting smashed and its easier to manage the equipment.
Whether you choose to wear gloves or not, you should be cautious of your hand hygiene. Dirty hands can not only harm your hive, but you could spread bee diseases.
So, to wear or not to wear?
If you are a beginner beekeeper, yes, you should wear all the necessary protection. That includes gloves until you get used to how they feel and how your bees will behave when something disturbs them. Also, until you know for sure you don’t have an allergy to bee venom, it is best to invest in thick sting- proof beekeeping gloves to avoid danger.
As you pick up more about bees and get to handle the equipment well, you can select thinner gloves. Deciding to wear them or not rest on your comfort. You should always pick what is most easy for you.
Can Bees Sting Through Rubber Gloves?
To honestly answer this, it depends on who you ask and what type of rubber. The heavy-duty cleaning gloves are less likely to allow a puncture. However, the blue nylon gloves like surgeons wear will allow you to handle equipment and the bees better, but you may experience a sting or two. If you are allergic to bee venom, you may want to invest in a thicker, more durable rubber for precaution.
Best Material for Beekeeping Gloves?
With the experienced beekeeper, many works without gloves altogether. However, a beginner should always wear gloves at least until they get used to how the frames feel and when inspecting the honeycomb. At this point is when the hands are the target of angered bees.
The fingers of the traditional beekeeper glove have smooth leather on the tips. There is an elongated fabric sleeve that rises to the elbow. A fantastic alternative is a simple rubber dishwashing glove. It is thick, durable, and basically sting proof.
Their length is long enough to cover the cuffs of workman’s coveralls. Latex gloves can even suffice.
Types of Beekeeping Gloves
There are several different types of beekeeping gloves. There are those that are constructed of the finest cow leather as well as goatskin. There are some that are sting proof and then some that you may experience a prick or two.
Some gloves extend above the cuff of a shirt sleeve, while some have elastic bands sealing the entrance in case a few wandering bees decide to go on an adventure. Some gloves allow air to circulate and then there are heavy, thick rubber gloves that although sting proof, can be very clumsy.
The bottom line is there are numerous styles, brands, and varieties. Only you will be able to decide which is right for you.
Goatskin Beekeeping Gloves
- Natural Apiary
- VIVO XL
- Betterbee
Rubber Beekeeping Gloves
- Medical Style Latex Gloves
- Thick Dish Washing Gloves
- Gauntlets
Nitrile beekeeping gloves
- Reusable Nitrile Gloves
- Magid TouchMaster Lightweight
- Sas Safety Corp
The Top Beekeeping Gloves on the Market:
There are several different styles and types of beekeeping gloves available on the market. Most people try a few different kinds before finding the one that works best for them. Before you spend money on a guessing game of which are the leaders, take a look at the following.
1. KINGLAKE® Beekeeping Gloves Goatskin A Pair of Beekeeping Protective Gloves
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KINGLAKE products are the chief in the beekeeping glove industry. Their products such as the vented, extended sleeve for beginners is the winner in its category. The reason for this is the gloves are constructed with durable leather with a cotton canvas cloth. Made from thick goat-skin leather, the user adds extra protection in preventing stings. Its protection along with comfort is what makes this product the leader in sales.
Specs:
- Measurements: 18” in length
- One pair per package
- Vented sleeves
- Build to last
- Comfortable
- Durable leather
- Sting proof
2. Forest Beekeeping Gloves, Premium Goatskin Leather Beekeeper’s Glove with white vented space
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Goatskin leather gloves with vented space between its extended canvas sleeve with an elastic cuff. Being made from the highest quality of goatskin, its no wonder this beekeeper glove remains the leader in its category.
Specs:
- Elastic Cuffs
- Extreme Sting Resistant
- Vented Foam Mesh
- Made for Both Men and Women
- Built for comfort
- Double stitched
- 5 x 4 x 6”
3. Humble Bee 112-XL Beekeeping Gloves with Ventilated Cuffs (X Large)
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112-XL With Ventilated Cuffs. Humble Bee ventilated gloves are designed from premium 50 percent cotton canvas and 50 percent goat leather. Humble Bee always uses the highest quality goat leather for their products which makes them a leader in the industry.
This glove is not only built for protection but, you also get a comfortable fit as well. With all purchases, Humble Bee donates 10 percent to charity.
Specs:
- Ventilated Wrist
- Standard-Weight Canvas Sleeves
- Elastic Cuffs for Comfort
- Made From Premium Cotton and Canvas
- Unisex
- Sizes XXS to XXXL
- 8 x 8.7 x 0.8”
4. Humble Bee 113-XL Beekeeping Gloves with Reinforced Cuffs (X Large)
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Another product from Humble Bee ranks at the top of the list. This product is designed from half premium cotton canvas and half cow leather. Humble Bee raised the bar on the quality of this product by utilizing durable cow leather hands. They added reinforcement to the wrists for extra protection. Medium-Weight canvas sleeves make the glove easy to navigate. Humble Bee incorporated elastic cuffs to help keep the gloves in place.
Specs:
- Made for Men and Women
- Sizes Range From XXS to XXXL
- Medium Weight
- Mid-Length Sleeves
- Yellow in Color
- Elastic Cuffs
- Reinforced Wrist
- Made Durable to Prevent Stings
- 75 x 12.8 x 8.86”
5. Humble Bee 110-L Goat Leather Beekeeping Gloves (Large)
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This glove is made for comfort and durability. Sizes seem to run small, so you may consider ordering a size larger than usual. The leather is a little thinner than the average work glove but, they still help with preventing stings. The forearms leave plenty of room for jackets or sleeves. With a 5 star rating, it’s no wonder these gloves are a top seller.
Specs:
- 8 x 8.7 x 0.8”
- Meadow Gray
- Heavy Duty Canvas Sleeves
- Supple Goat Leather Hands
- Heavy-Weight
- 60 Percent Cotton Canvas
- 40 Percent Goat Leather Structure
- Elastic Cuffs
- Unisex design
FAQs
Q: How Effective Are Beekeeper Gloves?
A: An amount of protection beekeeping gloves offer hinges on the material used. Beekeeping gloves that are made of leather provide better protection. However, plastic or cloth is also available. Heavier materials are impassable by bees however these may be clumsier to use. While lightweight gloves are simpler to handle their density may increase the chances of getting stung. Be sure to shop around when you are in search of the best gloves and the Best Bee Suits.
Q: Is there reliable alternatives to the thick gloves?
A: As an alternative, thin nitrile gloves are a popular choice for those that aren’t happy with wearing the heavier types. With Nitrile gloves handling the bees and the equipment is easier because they are more sensitive than the thicker types.
Q: Do I have to wear gloves?
A: No. However, if you have an allergy to bee toxin or if you are unsure of an allergy, it is best always to wear protection. Also, if you are new to beekeeping until you get used to how to handle the bees and the equipment, it is best to wear gloves.
Q: I have a child that wants to start beekeeping. Do they make gloves for children?
A: Yes. There are several brands and types of gloves that are made especially for children in this link.
Q: Should I invest in a more expensive pair when freshly starting beekeeping?
A: No. Most people start the inexpensive nitrile gloves that work perfectly for handling the bees and equipment. You can find these in stores that sell medical supplies or auto stores
Conclusion
As you can see, in the world of beekeeping, many manufacturers jumped on board in hopes of constructing the best beekeeping glove on the market. And, as unique as each design is, and what they specialize in, each company succeeded.
When choosing gloves for handling bees and the equipment needed, there is no “one-size-fits-all.” Every keeper will have to decide which gloves best suits them. Whether you prefer disposable gloves or one that will last for generations is up to you.
Just because one brand is more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean that is the best glove for you. Many people do quite well with paying less than $10.00 for a box of nitrile gloves that they feel are the best in the business.
Do your homework and talk to other beekeepers if you are still unsure of what type and brand you feel is one that interests you. Many seasoned beekeepers will be more than happy to shed some light on all the ones they have tried and can tell you the good, bad, and ugly to prevent you from wasting a lot of money guessing.
The one thing that rings true even in the world of beekeeping, more money doesn’t always mean better quality. You want to enjoy your beekeeping and having the best protection is just one part. Make sure you know if you have allergies to bee stings before making your choice of gloves.
Having the Best Bee Hive won’t matter if you don’t wear the right protection. So, check with your Dr. on allergy tests if you are unsure.
Every glove serves the same purpose; protecting you while protecting your bees as well. Take your time and start with one you feel will help you be successful in beekeeping while not taking away from the joy and the beauty of nature.
