Flexible helmet

A flexible protective helmet assembly comprising an inner layer of a plurality of enclosed chambers formed from elastic textile fabric, the inner layer chambers each confining within them a discreet impact resistant and energy absorbing structure and forming the lower margins of the helmet, an integral fixedly attached overlying outer layer of a plurality of enclosed chambers formed from materials selected from the group consisting of flexible textile fabric and elastic textile fabric and leather, the outer layer chambers each confining within them a discreet impact resistant segment of material, a crown area, and means for attaching the inner layer chambers to adjacent inner layer chambers and attaching the outer layer chambers to the inner layer chambers whereby the wearer is provided protection from impacts substantially equivalent to that provided by protective helmets employing and comprising in part, substantially unitary relatively rigid outer shells.