# Hat-Mimicking Helmets The Bandbox Bike Helmet Lets Cyclists Ride in Style By Meghan Young | Published 2014-06-28 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bandbox-bike-helmet References: [coolhunting](http://www.coolhunting.com/design/bandbox-bike-helmets.php) & [bandboxllc](http://bandboxllc.com/index.html) The Bandbox Bike Helmet is so well designed that a casual observer won't be able to tell the difference between it and an actual hat. Modeled after traditional headwear, it ensures that cyclists can ride both safely and stylishly. Although this isn't the first time a designer has attempted such a feat, it is one of the first times that the goal has been met. Designed by Allen-Munley, the Bandbox Bike Helmet was shaped after a real human head, her own. She also uses a different material than the industry standard, saying, "Styrofoam—which most helmets are made out of—is not as impact-resistant as elastomeric foam, which is what we use." In terms of [hat designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/melin-agame-icon-hydro), those are plentiful. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 48% | Activity: 27% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Sports](https://www.trendhunter.com/sports) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Hat-mimicking Helmets:** Accommodating safety gear with fashionable look could revolutionize the industry of helmets. - **Elastomeric Foam:** The rise of elastomeric foam usage in helmets and other protective safety gear has the potential to disrupt the construction materials market. - **Personalization:** Customization and personalization of helmets and other safety gear may be the next big trend in cycling and other outdoor sports industries. ### Where This Applies - **Cycling:** Revolutionary developments in cycling gear, particularly helmets, are altering the expectations and experiences of cyclists. - **Outdoor Sporting Goods:** The intersection of fashion and functionality in outdoor sporting goods presents a lucrative market for innovative, stylized gear. - **Consumer Goods:** The integration of properties that enhance usability and aesthetics in consumer products like helmets and safety gear could increase brand loyalty and customer satisfaction. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Interchangeable Component Sport Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/customizable-helmet.md) - [Oceanic Recycled Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shellmet-helmet.md) - [Eco-Friendly Biomaterial Cycling Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biomaterial-cycling-helmet.md) - [Inflatable Accordion-Style Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ventete-ah1.md) - [Flatpack Cyclist Safety Equipment](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folding-helmet-concept.md) - [Helmet-Secured Bike Prototypes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/on-board-helmet.md) - [Slope-Ready Winter Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beanie-helmet.md) - [Customized 3D-Printed Bike Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kav-bike-helmets.md) - [Scallop Shell-Constructed Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shellmet.md)