diff --git a/src/act.obj.cpp b/src/act.obj.cpp
index 839c3a3ec..fcda49a2b 100644
--- a/src/act.obj.cpp
+++ b/src/act.obj.cpp
@@ -3381,10 +3381,11 @@ void perform_wear(struct char_data * ch, struct obj_data * obj, int where, bool
     return;
   }
 
-  // Iterate through what they're wearing and check for compatibility.
-  struct obj_data *worn_item = NULL;
-  for (int wearloc = 0; wearloc < NUM_WEARS; wearloc++) {
-    // They're allowed to wear helmets.
+  // Iterate through what they're wearing and check for compatibility-- but only if this is not a helmet.
+  if (where != ITEM_WEAR_HEAD) {
+    struct obj_data *worn_item = NULL;
+    for (int wearloc = 0; wearloc < NUM_WEARS; wearloc++) {
+    // Helmets never conflict.
     if (wearloc == WEAR_HEAD)
       continue;
 
@@ -3408,6 +3409,7 @@ void perform_wear(struct char_data * ch, struct obj_data * obj, int where, bool
       return;
     }
   }
+  }
 
   // Gyros take a bit to get into.
   if (GET_OBJ_TYPE(obj) == ITEM_GYRO) {