Best Leather for Wallets

by Albert Varkki updated 10-29-2024

What is the best leather wallet?

The best type of leather for wallets is full-grain leather.

That's because full-grain leather contains the entire hide, and so is the strongest type you can get.

It also develops a patina over time, which makes it look wonderfully unique.

And finally, it gives off a wonderful leather smell for many years.

Where can you buy certified full-grain leather wallets?

Von Baer uses the best Italian full-grain leather in all of our wallets, including traditional bifold wallets, cardholders, money clip wallets, and more.

Shop full-grain leather wallets here.

Why select the right leather?

Good leather ensures that your wallet looks great for a long time.
Cheap leather will look bad and is more likely to fall apart with use.
Durable leather is important, as wallets receive a lot of daily wear.

Types of leather

Full-grain leather

Full-grain leather retains the entire grain of leather, with none of its surface removed.
It’s noted for its durability and the way it develops a rich patina with time.
It also smells fantastic.

Top-grain leather

This type of leather has a thinner profile and is more pliable in comparison to full-grain leather.
It is processed so imperfections can be removed, which means top-grain leather products have a more uniform appearance.

Genuine leather

Genuine leather is not actually the highest quality of leather.
It tends to be manufactured from leftover pieces which are bonded together.
It is very popular with those on a budget.

Bonded leather

This economical option is manufactured from scraps and leather dust which are fused together with adhesives.
Although it’s very affordable, it won’t give you the strength or longevity of higher-grade leather.

How leather tanning techniques can affect wallet quality

The leather tanning process transforms animal hides into strong, usable leather.

The tanning technique affects the durability and appearance of the leather alongside its suitability for wallets.

Which types of tanning processes are used?

Vegetable tanning

This method uses natural tannins from plant tissues or bark to create firm leather that’s capable of aging well. Wallets that are manufactured from this kind of leather develop a unique patina with time. This enhances the way they look.

Chrome tanning

Chrome tanning is a more modern process that uses chromium salts to create a softer, more varied-colored leather. This leather is also more stain- and water-resistant, making it suitable for daily use.

Which type of tanning is the best for wallets?

Vegetable-tanned leather is ideal for those seeking durability who wish to see their wallets develop a rich patina over time.

Chrome-tanned leather delivers a softer feel and a bigger range of colors. It’s suitable for people who want to see diversity in style and flexibility.

When is a top-grain leather a good substitute?

If you’re prioritizing a more consistent appearance and flexibility, top-grain leather could be the right alternative.
It delivers a blend of affordability and quality.
This means it’s a good choice for people looking for practicality and style.
I also tends to take brighter colors better.

What should I consider when choosing leather for a wallet?

Usage

Think about how often the wallet will be used. Full-grain leather is ideal for frequent usage.

Environment

Is the wallet likely to be exposed to harsh conditions? Full-grain leather has more resistance to the elements.

Aesthetics

Are you looking for a wallet that will age well and develop character? If so, full-grain leather should be the perfect choice.

How to identify high-quality leather in wallets

Leather Passport Wallet by Von Baer

Texture and grain

High-quality leather including full-grain leather has a natural, unaltered texture.
Touch the leather if you have the opportunity to do so before purchase.
Make sure it isn’t too smooth and doesn’t feel like plastic.
The presence of natural grain means quality.
It has slight imperfections and variations which ensure your wallet is truly unique.
The texture will become more beautiful and pronounced over time.

Smell

Real high-quality leather has a distinctive and rich aroma.
Make sure the wallet doesn’t smell like plastic or chemicals.
If the leather has a powerful, synthetic odor, expect the wallet to be artificially treated or of low quality.

Edges and stitching

Take a close look at the edges and stitching of the wallet.
Higher-quality leather products normally have smooth, well-finished edges.
Expect the stitching to be even and tight.
There shouldn’t be any loose threads.
If a wallet has uneven stitching or rough edges, this can mean it is of a lower quality and has been mass-produced with little attention to detail.

Flexibility and durability

Good-quality leather is durable and flexible.
The leather should feel pliable and sturdy rather than brittle and stiff.
When high-quality leather is bent, it should flex without tearing or cracking.
Leather wallets need to be resilient due to how often they are handled and bent.

Water absorption

Adding a small drop of water to the surface of the leather can tell you about its quality.
High-quality leather will absorb water swiftly, but lower quality and synthetic leathers tend to repel water.
Carry out this test carefully on a part of the item that’s less visible.

Pricing

Price can indicate the quality of a wallet, though this is not always the case.
Higher-quality wallets tend to sell for more because of the durability and craftsmanship involved in manufacturing them.
Cheaper products tend to be made from lower quality leather.

If you want to invest in a high-quality full-grain leather wallet, then shop our range using the links below:

Final Thoughts on Leather for Wallets

In summary, we recommend choosing full-grain leather for your wallet as it will be more durable, age nicely, and look smart for longer.

Von Baer are leather experts, so this is advice you can trust.

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments or contact us at info@vonbaer.com.

Browse our related wallets guides below:

Author: Albert Varkki

Albert Varkki is the co-founder of Von Baer. He understands leather products as a consumer, supplier, and a manufacturer, helping you with the inside knowledge you need, to choose the perfect leather product for you.

We always aim to have the highest editorial standards, and only publish accurate information on our website.