About us
The only bee suits worth having
Over the years, BJ Sherriff suits have become legendary, known the world over for quality and design. We invented the original throw-back hood and veil in 1968, and, more than 50 years later, we continue to set the standard for protective beekeeping apparel.
Innovations such as our ClearView™ veil, the legendary Apiarist all-in-one suit, and our twin-zip detachable hoods have revolutionised the world of beekeeping.
Everything we make is developed with your total protection and comfort in mind. Hand cut and sewn by our expert machinists in Cornwall in the UK. And comes with the recommendation of expert beekeepers the world over.
The BJ Sherriff story
In the mid-60’s specialist clothing makers, Brian and Pat Sherriff took up beekeeping, in a small way at first, then establishing themselves as commercial beekeepers. At its height, their South Cornwall Honey Farm ran 400 hives in the extreme southwest of England.
But they found traditional protective beekeeping clothing cumbersome. And were frustrated by veiling that made it hard to see their bees.
They had years of manufacturing experience making military uniforms, and lingerie, corsetry and swimwear for top high street stores like Marks and Spencer. So Brian and Pat decided to use their expertise in making bras and corsets, to create their own head protection, pioneering the original ‘No Hat Needed’ lightweight, self-supporting hood with UV resistant veiling in 1968.
Pat and Brian started exhibiting at beekeepers' conventions and honey shows in the 1970’s. They were joined on many of those trips by their daughter Angela.
They realised there was a real need for their hooded style of protection. Spurred on by their belief that beekeepers should look smart, they went on to develop a range of premium quality, purpose-made beekeeping apparel.
To this day, each BJ Sherriff creation incorporates our unique twin-zip system. The hood can be unzipped and thrown back to rest on your shoulders – ideal when driving from apiary to apiary. The hood is completely detachable, so you can take it off for easy laundering. And use it on most of our other suits and jackets too.
Sadly both Pat and Brian are no longer with us, and they are sorely missed to this day. Angela has taken up the reins and continues to lead the company, taking great care to ensure the original values of innovation, attention to detail and excellent customer care continue to stand strong.
Designed by Beekeepers
As former commercial honey farmers, we know what matters most in beekeeping. And we never stop listening to what our customers want too.
We pay attention to every last detail on every single garment:
It’s why our veils are light and airy, so you get excellent protection, yet are still extremely comfortable.
It’s why we developed specialist UV veiling – you can see clearly (even when wearing spectacles) you stay protected, and your veil won’t crack over time.
It’s why we insist on robust zips, extra-strength stitching and strong seams.
It’s why our suits and clothing last season after season – we often meet beekeepers who tell us about their bee suits they bought from us in the 1970’s, which are still going strong!
It’s why we offer a spectrum of bee-friendly colour fabrics to suit every beekeeper, and to suit many types of bee, midges, mosquitos and the Asian Hornet.
It’s not just what we aim to deliver; it’s what our customers’ tell us time and time again.
TestimonialsTested by Beekeepers
All BJ Sherriff products undergo stringent testing in apiaries at home and abroad before being launched on the market.
We work closely with beekeepers the length and breadth of Britain and worldwide, to ensure every part of our BJ Sherriff range is the best it can be.
