Ahhh…bike helmets. One of those products that’s so necessary (safety first, Friends), but that we’d also like to be stylish. But — let’s get real — when it comes to splurging on something because it’s cute or gorgeous or impulse-shopping-inducing, that often doesn’t include safety gear. I mean, my parents gave me a hand-me-down helmet when I first got back to the States in 2014, and I just got an update this summer (ahem, five years later) when I decided my affordable healthcare plan wasn’t so affordable (and as a single mother who bikes in the city daily, the least I could do was wear an up-to-date bike helmet).
BUT — what I really want is number four down there — the $300-$500 Swedish collar (read: airbag-style helmet) you wear around your neck that doesn’t actually become a helmet unless or until you have an accident. It was on my Something You Want, Something You Need, Something To Wear, Something To Read wishlist last holiday season, but I haven’t bitten the bullet yet. I did however, go for the Nutcase in the image above — and I get compliments on it all the time. The first time I wore it, S said “that’s such a cute helmet, — dare I say — it’s even sexy.” Though Nutcase is no Swedish necklace, it does meet multiple safety standards, as I always try to ensure our bike helmets meet not only U.S. safety standards, but also one or more European, Australian or New Zealand standards. Cycling is a way of life for me, and that’s how Nutcase (CRIB! for the Portlanders) designed their helmets. BUT — there are so many cute, sleek and/or sexy outdoor helmets out there, we rounded up our top 10.
Top 10 Cute Bike Helmets To Buy Right Now
Shop Our Top 10 Bike Helmets
1. Brooks England
The TME Why: This is foldable, people!
Why We Care: Instead of whacking people along the road as you’re walking b/c your helmet is attached to your bag, put it inside the bag. Apparently it’s also WASHABLE. Done.
2. Giro
The TME Why: Cute and unintrusive.
Fun Brand Fact: Giro produces a Renew Series of cycling apparel made with recycled nylon, polyester and elastane, including Econyl® Lycra® made from reclaimed fishing nets and other ocean debris.
3. Thousand
The TME Why: The design — vintage-inspired, vegan leather strap & a poplock to secure the helmet to your bike.
Fun Brand Fact: Founded by Gloria (gasp, a woman), Thousand strives to make high-quality products w/out causing unnecessary harm to the planet.
4. Hövding
The TME Why: An inflatable Swedish helmet that doesn’t mess with your hair unless you have an accident. Wear it like a collar, and it inflates on impact like an airbag.
If You Care: According to a Stanford University study, it’s eight times more effective than a conventional helmet (Ages 15+).
5. Bern
The TME Why: Sleek and versatile.
Perfect For: The four-season athlete, since you can add a cold-weather liner and wear it for winter sports.
6. Thousand
The TME Why: Similar to number 3 above, Thousand has a number of colors, you’re bound to find one for you.
I’d Buy It For: MY PEOPLE who have all the heart eyes for the perfect combination of function and style.
7. Nutcase
The TME Why: Cute, safe and fun. The Street is CPSC-, CFR- and ASTM-certified (cycling, scooting & skating).
Fun Brand Fact: They’re art-focused. Nutcase works with 3 international artists each year (an open design competition) to bring awesome new designs to market.
8. Retrospec
The TME Why: Cool, sleek design certified for bike, skate and ski.
Make It You: With a streamlined design and cool textures to choose from, this bike helmet will almost always never clash with your outfit or interfere with your style.
9. Sawako
The TME Why: Ummmm…their motto is “Safety is Stylish” — need we say more?
I’d Buy This For: Shana
10. Nutcase
The TME Why: Cute, safe and fun. Their motto is “I love my brain”.
Who Wears This Best: Commuter cyclists — think biking in your workwear, and maintaining that stylish look head-to-toe.
Happy shopping & cycling!
xo,
Lex
Hi! I’m all for cute helmets (mine’s a newer bright red Bell), but please encourage people to get fitted at a bike shop, rather than buying a helmet online. Helmets are only effective if worn properly. They are also much more comfortable if fitted by an expert, which might lead to being used more frequently. Also, I personally don’t buy Nutcase helmets anymore, one of mine spontaneously came apart (it wasn’t in a crash, the straps just detached themselves from the helmet on one side, and it was not very old.)
I want one of those Swedish collars so bad… Thanks for this, I am on the look out for a cute helmet.
Could you share the source of the top you’re wearing in the picture above? Thanks!
Hi, Amy! I wish I could say this is still in stock, but it’s not. There are 3 solid version on clearance though: https://rstyle.me/+AyNEXiElPJRfzh3diV2_tg.
Thank you! I love when momedit branches out like this. I upgraded to a dark grey solid matte helmet with a bike light integrated into the back, because I wear a ton of black and commute year round. But these are making me reconsider!