As someone wanting to start beekeeping, it's important to remember that wearing protective gear is essential for your safety and comfort. While honey bees are generally docile, it takes time to become comfortable working around them. As you gain more experience and become more familiar with the bees' temperament, you may feel comfortable removing some of the gear. However, at a minimum, it's important to always wear a veil to protect your face.

There are several types of protective gear available for beekeepers. One of the most important pieces of gear is a bee suit, which covers your entire body and helps to prevent stings. Bee suits come in a variety of styles, including full-body suits with attached veils and jackets with separate veils. Some bee suits also have elastic bands around the wrists, ankles, and waist to help seal out bees.

In addition to a bee suit, you'll also want to wear gloves to protect your hands. There are a variety of gloves available, including those made of leather, cotton, or synthetic materials. Some beekeepers prefer gloves with long cuffs that can be tucked into the sleeves of their bee suit, while others prefer shorter gloves that allow for more dexterity.

Another important piece of protective gear is boots. Bees can crawl up your pant legs and sting you through your socks, so it's important to wear boots with long cuffs that can be tucked into your pants. Some beekeepers also wear additional protective gear, such as hats or hoods, to cover their head and neck.

In summary, as a beginner beekeeper, it's important to wear as much protective gear as possible. This includes a bee suit, gloves, and boots. As you gain more experience, you may feel comfortable removing some of the gear, but it's always important to protect your face with a veil.