In one aspect, a headgear for engaging and supporting protective headwear is provided. The headgear includes a first side member positioned on a first side of the headgear, a second side member positioned on a second side of the headgear, a forehead strap extending between the first and second side members and positioned on a front half of the headgear, and an occipital strap having a first end, a second end and a body between the first and second ends. The first end is pivotally coupled to one of the first side member and the second side member on the front half of the headgear and the body extends rearward and downward from the first end toward the second end to a position on a rear half of the headgear. A tightening member is coupled to the occipital strap near the second end on the rear half of the headgear.