diff --git a/src/character_attire.cpp b/src/character_attire.cpp
index 45289d0ef65e1..6202d8dfe50b9 100644
--- a/src/character_attire.cpp
+++ b/src/character_attire.cpp
@@ -1105,12 +1105,13 @@ ret_val<void> outfit::power_armor_conflicts( const item &clothing ) const
             }
         }
     } else {
-        // Only headgear can be worn with power armor, except other power armor components.
+        // You can only wear headgear or non-covering items with power armor, except other power armor components.
         // You can't wear headgear if power armor helmet is already sitting on your head.
         bool has_helmet = false;
-        if( !clothing.has_flag( flag_POWERARMOR_COMPATIBLE ) && ( is_wearing_power_armor( &has_helmet ) &&
-                ( has_helmet || !( clothing.covers( body_part_head ) || clothing.covers( body_part_mouth ) ||
-                                   clothing.covers( body_part_eyes ) ) ) ) ) {
+        if( !clothing.get_covered_body_parts().none() && !clothing.has_flag( flag_POWERARMOR_COMPATIBLE ) &&
+            ( is_wearing_power_armor( &has_helmet ) &&
+              ( has_helmet || !( clothing.covers( body_part_head ) || clothing.covers( body_part_mouth ) ||
+                                 clothing.covers( body_part_eyes ) ) ) ) ) {
             return ret_val<void>::make_failure( _( "Can't wear %s with power armor!" ), clothing.tname() );
         }
     }