diff --git a/src/zap.c b/src/zap.c
index f740c3751..94b0a960f 100644
--- a/src/zap.c
+++ b/src/zap.c
@@ -5622,7 +5622,7 @@ maybe_destroy_item(
     quan = 0L;
 
     /* external worn item protects inventory? */
-    if (inventory_resistance_check(dmgtyp))
+    if (u_carry && inventory_resistance_check(dmgtyp))
         return 0;
 
     switch (dmgtyp) {