Styles of Men's Wallets & How To Choose

by Igor Monte updated 10-29-2024

stylish mens wallet

A wallet isn’t just an accessory for carrying cash and cards.

It’s also a statement of organization and style that allows you to enhance your personal brand.

The right wallet can boost your professional appearance and ensure you’re constantly prepared in any environment where first impressions are all-important.

Types of Men's Wallets

Bi-fold wallets

leather bifold wallet

  • Bi-fold wallets are highly regarded for their efficiency and simplicity.
  • They’re great for those who like to maintain a slim profile but don’t want to lose out on functionality.
  • They can hold cash and cards and help you maintain a sleek look.
  • They can slip into the pockets of tailored trousers with ease.

Shop Bilfold Leather Wallets

Tri-fold wallets

black leather trifold wallet

  • Tri-fold wallets can give you more space and extra compartments for cards and receipts.
  • They tend to be a tad bulkier but may work very well for you if you’re prioritizing accessibility and organization.

The image above is of this trifold leather wallet.

Money clip wallets

brown leather money clip wallet

  • Money clip wallets are both minimal and great for those who mainly carry cards and only a small amount of cash.
  • Their relative lack of bulk ensures they can be pretty much invisible inside front pockets.
  • They can be ideal for those seeking security and simplicity.

The image above is of this leather money clip wallet.

Travel wallets

brown leather travel passport wallet

  • If you spend a great deal of time overseas, travel wallets can be ideal.
  • They’re great for holding boarding passes and passports as well as foreign currency.
  • They ensure various essentials are in one centralized location and easy to access during transit.

The image above is of this leather passport wallet.

RFID-blocking wallets

  • RFID wallets are designed to protect cards from unauthorized scanning and are very popular with tech-savvy professionals.
  • Most modern wallets now have RFID blocking technology, including the ones listed above.

Learn more about types of wallets here.

Which wallet is right for you?

Corporate climbers

man paying for corporate dinner

  • Slim bi-fold wallets are very popular with corporate climbers as they help them maintain sleek profiles and ensure seamless fits with tailored suits.
  • Leather bi-fold wallets can help you build a highly sophisticated and professional image.
  • High-quality leather signifies class and delivers excellent durability. It's best to opt for a classic color that can complement a wide range of suits.
  • Shop leather business wallets.

Creative professionals

man paying for a bar tab

  • Designer wallets and unique fabric wallets can both be great for creative professionals.
  • Unconventional designs, materials, and colors enable personal expression and can act as conversation starters.
  • They can also help you reflect your creative identify.
  • You can experiment with a wide range of patterns and textures to find the right designer and unique fabric wallets for your needs.
  • Materials include traditional leather with artistic embossing as well as sustainable fabrics in vibrant colors.

Shop Credit Card Wallets

Tech-focused innovators

  • RFID-Blocking wallets are great for tech-orientated professionals as they protect sensitive information from being stolen.
  • You can choose between traditional leather, or stylish materials like aluminum (which are synonymous with durability and modernity).
  • If you do work in tech, opting for one of these wallets can enhance your credibility amongst those you collaborate with.

Entrepreneurs on the move

man on flight holding wallet

  • Travel wallets and organizer wallets are very popular with entrepreneurs that spend a lot of time on the move.
  • You can use them to ensure items like your boarding passes, passport and various types of currencies are easy to access and well-organized.
  • They come in various tough materials like leather and heavy-duty canvas.
  • Opt for a color that will hide marks and stains effectively.

Minimalists

minimalist leather card holder

  • If you’re a minimalist who only wishes to carry essential items, money clips and slim card holders may be ideal for you.
  • They can help you streamline your day-to-day life and eliminate bulk at the same time.
  • Popular materials include metal for money clips as well as leather for money clip wallets and card holders.
  • Muted and monochromatic colors are commonly seen.
  • These options enable you to show your passion for efficiency and simplicity and leave a good impression when dealing with new contacts.
  • Shop Minimalist Leather Wallets

Outdoor enthusiasts

man hiking near lake

  • Perhaps you spend a great deal of your time outdoors? If so, consider a durable tri-fold or sports wallet.
  • These options can give you robust protection for your outdoor activities and tend to be manufactured from water-resistant materials.
  • They also tend to come with secure closures which means your valuables are protected whatever the water.
  • Look for synthetic fabrics that deliver high water resistance and durability.
  • Bright colors or patterns can also create a distinctive personal touch which ensures your wallet is easy to locate whilst you’re outdoors.

Wallet got wet? Learn how to dry a leather wallet.

Why is material so important?

pieces of leather

Choosing the right material for your needs is just as important as style.

Timeless leather is synonymous with sophistication and professionalism.

It also ages beautifully with the passage of time.

We recommend choosing Italian full-grain leather wallets, as they're the highest quality money can buy.

If you need a more modern, sustainable option, consider materials including vegan leather and recycled fabrics.

These can give you style and durability without forcing you to compromise on your ethical principles.

Read more:

Think about color and craftsmanship

Although blacks and browns remain popular for their versatility, various other colors and textures may be suitable matches for your personal style.

A lovingly-crafted wallet with attention to detail can stand the test of time and be a joy to use daily.

Make the ultimate statement with personalization

embossed leather wallet

A great way to add extra personalization and reflect your unique personal identity is to have your initials engraved into your wallet or opt for a custom design.

This can turn a simple wallet into a unique item that’s incredibly special to you.

Shop Personalized Leather Wallets

Create an emotional connection

Don’t just think about practicality when you’re looking for a wallet.

The accessory should feel just right and become an extension of yourself.

Look for something that’s worthy or accompanying you through the various challenges and successes of your working life.

A well-chosen wallet can help you not only carry your essentials for years but become part of your personal brand way into the future, whether making a statement, security or minimalism is the biggest priority for you.

Author: Igor Monte

Igor Monte is the co-founder of Von Baer. He's an expert in all things premium leather, from being an end-user right up to the design and manufacturing process. His inside knowledge will help you choose the best leather product for you.

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

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