Hard, protective helmets again became part of most standard uniforms in the late 1800s. By the beginning of WWI, nearly every country with a standing military was issuing both a uniform hat and a one-size-for-all helmet. Most were designed to wear for combat only. As the War progressed, many units ultimately used their combat helmets as the “cover of the day.” The age-old problems of comfort and warmth needed to be faced on a very large scale.

Yet again the military depended upon the soldier to personally solve the problem. Many soldiers turned to help from their mothers or sweethearts at home.