Men have been using wallets for more than a few decades, but few are aware of the factors to consider when selecting one. Given that they are more practical and convenient to carry than traditional handbags, wallets play a significant role in the lives of men and occasionally even women. They are functional, easy to carry, small in dimensions, and affordable. However, wallets play an even more important role than just handling all your cash in one safe place; they are also a subtle style statement for the observing eye, giving the impression of a man with purpose and responsibility.
Wallets also tend to develop creases and visible wear, which gives them an uncouth and unfresh look. In times like these, you can consider the option of getting a new wallet. However, before doing so, it is crucial to clean out your previous wallet and only organize the necessary items you will carry. Based on your needs, you can choose from a plethora of wallet options that vary in type and quality.
If you are keen to know which wallet you should choose from the different available options, continue reading!
As mentioned, it is crucial to organize the items you will be carrying in your wallet before investing in a new one. Once you are organized, it's time to remember some quick tips before investing in that new wallet of yours.
Factors to consider before buying a wallet
Simple and Classy Wallets for On-the-Go
A simple and clean-looking wallet is one of the best accessories that the average man can carry. Leather wallets always look great with any outfit, whether casual or formal.
The Right Size Matters
Consider what you generally carry in your wallet—cash, cards, and documents. Do you prefer it to be as light as possible, or do you like a fuller wallet? Whatever the case, finding the right size is a priority.
Material Check
Wallets come in different materials, from plastics to pure leather to even faux leather ones. To choose the right wallet, consider the material carefully; a simple pure leather wallet is a good investment that will last for years to come.
A Simple but Long-Term Investment
Wallets are the most basic and functional accessory a man carries. They contain your identity, business cards, cash, and even documents. Investing in a good wallet is like investing in a secure box where all your confidential items are hidden away.
Bonus Tip: Safety Over Appearance
While wallets may be functional and easy to carry, they are not the safest places to store important things. Therefore, a good wallet should be considered safe before being seen as appealing or a fashion accessory.
Different Types of Wallets for Men
Now that you have your things in check and in order, it’s time to explore the various available wallets and choose the one that is right for you!
Bi-Fold Wallets
Bi-fold wallets are the most commonly seen wallets, and for good reason! They have been around in men's pockets since the 1500s and have never gone out of fashion due to their functionality and simplicity. Despite their popularity, bi-fold wallets are known for being a double-edged sword due to their storage capacity. While it becomes handy to keep all your stuff, it can also end up looking like a blown-up puffer fish. This creates a high chance of your belongings falling out sometimes. Hence, owning one of these means cleaning them up on a monthly basis to make them last longer and maintain the elegant look they had when you first bought them.
Verdict: If you are looking for a wallet that combines elegance and style with functionality, then bi-fold wallets should be your go-to. Besides, they are affordable and easy to find.
Tri-Fold Wallets
Tri-fold wallets are even more functional than bi-fold wallets due to their increased storage capacity, but sadly, at the cost of elegance and beauty. They are chunky and not as handy as their smaller bi-fold cousin. They may not be suitable for everyday use, but they work great for travel, allowing you to store all your important travel documents and cash in one safe place. Tri-fold wallets were trendy in the '90s, especially among teenagers, but have fallen out of fashion in recent years due to inelegant Velcro straps and materials like canvas or other synthetics.
Verdict: If you prefer functionality over looks, then tri-fold wallets are an easy option for your right wallet.
Magic Wallets
Hear me out! These wallets are actually popular, despite their childish names. They don't have anything magical about them, so don't be fooled! These wallets have around 3–4 card slots on the outside, but on the inside, there are two sides, like a bi-fold wallet with elastic straps covering both sides. All your cash and documents can be stored on two individual sides and kept from falling with the straps. Magic wallets have very little storage capacity, but they are bought for their minimal design and the executive look they portray.
Verdict: If you are someone who carries around a lot of documents but needs a portable storage space that looks aesthetic, then this is the right wallet.
Card Holders
Card Holders, as the name suggests, are nothing but Card Holders. They are meant to carry around cards and nothing else. Available in different types, Card Holders can look like your commonly seen bi-fold wallets but also come in premium-looking and elegant steel cases that are jaw-dropping beauties.
Verdict: Even though they are gorgeous-looking, card holders are not practical to carry around unless you are someone who has several cards in their possession and needs to hand them out or show them from time to time. If you think this is the right wallet for you, then be ready to make your money wallet a little lighter, as they do not come cheap.
Zip Wallets
Zip wallets are the safest wallets out of all the ones mentioned in this list. They might not be the most elegant-looking wallets, but they serve well-rounded functionality. From storing coins to cards, documents, and even other small valuables, zip wallets offer great storage capacity. They are either available with an all-round enclosing zipper or a dedicated pouch with a zipper.
Verdict: If you are someone who is clumsy and prone to making things fall or even losing them, then zip wallets are the right wallets for you.
Passport Wallets
Passport wallets are not meant to be carried around every day due to their large size, but they are great travel buddies to have. These wallets are made for the sole purpose of storing all sorts of valuables a man might carry, from passports to documents, cards, cash, and even your phone, in one place. They contain various compartments for more varied storage options. Some of them also come with a zipper for even more added security.
Verdict: If you love carrying a storage buddy that can store all your important small belongings, then passport wallets are the right wallets that you have been looking for.
Conclusion
Wallets are a universally used and great accessory for men. They become an even greater accessory when you are willing to invest a little money in purchasing premium ones. We hope that our information and knowledge have provided you with a better understanding of the world of wallets. Now, it's time to use this information and choose the wallet that is right for you!
Written by: Ridhiman Das
Edited by: Aniket Joshi