It's my first year beekeeping (got packages in April), and instead of getting an actually bee suit or jacket, I purchased some cotton Dickies coveralls, and I really like them. I have yet to get stung while wearing them. I always wear a veil, even if all I'm doing is just putting in some sugar syrup. I'd rather take the extra minute to put the veil on than get a sting in/near my eyes or a big vein/artery in my neck. Plus I have thick, long hair, and I've heard bees hate getting tangled in hair. I've only been stung once so far, but oddly it wasn't while I was even in the hive. I was just standing watching the entrance and one flew by and bumped into my arm and got stuck under my watch! First time I've ever been stung by any bee. That really made me ALWAYS put a veil on though, because that same scenario could easily happen with my glasses instead of my watch.