How To Choose The Right Wallet
When it comes to a man’s wallet first impressions are everything. After all it is one of the few accessories a man carries and sets the tone for his style no matter what else he is wearing. Is he sleek, suave and sophisticated or is he tatty, old and poorly cared for? At the same time a man’s wallet needs to be practical, functional and fit for purpose. It’s a delicate balance to strike which is why we’ve put together this quick guide to help you.
STEP 1: THE SPRING CLEAN
Before you can even consider getting a new wallet you must first take a long hard look at your current wallet. Is it fit for purpose? Is it jam-packed with old receipts or cards you never use anymore? The last thing you want to do is transfer all that unattractive chaos to your brand new wallet. Be brutal, anything you haven’t used within the last 3 – 6 months has to go. Trust us, you will feel much better for it. A man’s wallet is a reflection of his life. If it is disorganised and full of old junk, chances are its owner is too. Not a good look on a first date when it comes time to pay the bill.
BIFOLD 6 CARD ROMA BLACK | CARD HOLDER 6 CARD ROMA BLACK
STEP 2: THE TYPE OF WALLET
Broadly speaking there are two types of wallet available to today’s modern gentleman: the bifold and the cardholder. It may sound silly but taking the time upfront to determine which one is right for you can make a big difference in the long term. Let’s take a closer look at the options:
The Bifold
If you wear a jacket everyday than chances are the bifold is the wallet for you. This slim wallet typically comes in various formats: 6 to 12 cards slots, ID card holder, money clip, you get the idea. The key thing to keep in mind here is that you don’t have to sacrifice style for functionality. Avoid the temptation to ‘over-stuff’ your bifold wallet though and definitely don’t keep it in your back pocket. That’s the quickest way to damage it plus it just looks bad.
The Card Holder
The compact card holder meanwhile is better suited for those who like to travel light. Designed to carry only the essentials, slot in a few cards and some cash and you are good to go. Card Holders also come in various formats, from 2 to 6 cards slots, vertical or horizontal. You can even put a few (not several) cards in one slot to maximize the space. A card holder is all about carrying only what you need, and doing it in style.
STEP 3: THE COLOR AND MATERIAL
When it comes to choosing the material for your new wallet a soft leather is always a good option. Textured leathers, such as Saffiano leather, are also very popular and can give your wallet a little more character. The key principle to keep in mind though is that simplicity equals style. That means avoiding heavily branded products (i.e. printed monograms, oversized logos, etc.) at all costs. After all, this is your wallet we are talking about here, not a miniature billboard for the brand.
Likewise you want to choose a high quality leather wallet that will match most of your shoes and belts. Black or brown are generally pretty safe colors but if you’re a bit more adventurous with your style, than blue and burgundy are also worth considering. They will set you apart from the crowd but still keep things stylish.
So there you have it, our quick 3 step guide to choosing the right wallet for you. If you follow these 3 steps you are sure to pick a practical but stylish wallet that will help you make a good impression wherever you go.