What is a Continental Wallet?

by Igor Monte updated 10-26-2026
two examples of red leather continental wallets

A continental wallet is easy to identify because it is long and rectangular, whereas a bifold or similar style is almost square in shape.

They often have a snap or zip-around closure for added security.

They have a good deal of storage space too, but are slim and easily stowed in the inside breast pocket of a blazer, jacket, or coat.

If you're interested in a luxury wallet, the Von Baer range is for you (see them here).

Next, we go into the details:

Two Good Examples of Continental Wallets

Origin Portmonnaie Leather Purse
Origin Portmonnaie Leather PurseOrigin Portmonnaie Leather Purse
Check Price of Origin Portmonnaie
MaterialA-Grade Full-Grain Pebble Leather
Detachable FeatureDetachable card holder
StorageAbundant storage space with compartments for cards, cash, travel documents, and even a smartphone
RFID ProtectionYes
Leather SelectionA-grade hides, cut from the bend and drum-dyed through
Colors AvailableDeep Red, Classic Cognac, Solid Brown, Elegant Black
ZipperPrecision brass zippers, independently tested by accredited third-party laboratories
Card CapacityFits at least 8 cards
Additional FeaturesZipped coin pocket, two cash compartments, removable card and cash holder with magnet
PersonalizedComplimentary blind-embossed initials
PackagingComes in an elegant gift box

Watch the Origin Portmonnaie product video below:

Browse more images of the Origin Portmonnaie:

A person holding a brown luxurious pebbled leather zip-around wallet in a car interior. The wallet has gold-tone hardware and 'Von Baer' printed in gold on the front. A person holding a brown luxurious pebbled leather zip-around wallet in a car interior. The wallet has gold-tone hardware and 'Von Baer' printed in gold on the front.
A person sitting in a expensive car holds an open luxurious classic tan leather zip-around wallet showing card slots, cash, and interior compartments. The Mercedes-Benz logo is visible on the steering wheel. A person sitting in a expensive car holds an open luxurious classic tan leather zip-around wallet showing card slots, cash, and interior compartments. The Mercedes-Benz logo is visible on the steering wheel.
Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large half turned view with dimensions Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large half turned view with dimensions
Laser engraving example on leather product Laser engraving example on leather product
Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse 2-in-1 cardholder front view on a black background Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse 2-in-1 cardholder front view on a black background
Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large half turned view Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large half turned view
Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large back view Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large back view
Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large upper section filled with cards Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large upper section filled with cards
Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large bottom section filled with cards Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large bottom section filled with cards
Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large 2-in-1 with detachable cardholder and magnetic closure Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large 2-in-1 with detachable cardholder and magnetic closure
Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large with detachable card holder filled with cards Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large with detachable card holder filled with cards
Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse detachable card holder back view with dollar notes Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse detachable card holder back view with dollar notes
Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large inside view with multiple card slots and zipped coin pocket Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large inside view with multiple card slots and zipped coin pocket
Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large side view Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large side view
Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large with wrist strap Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large with wrist strap
Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large with wrist strap close up Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large with wrist strap close up
Von Baer origin leather purse on a vintage table near an old lamp and a luxury tote bag Von Baer origin leather purse on a vintage table near an old lamp and a luxury tote bag
A person in a white linen shirt carries an amazing looking vb tan pebbled leather tote bag for women and holds a matching tan leather wallet. The background shows a blurred outdoor marina setting with boats. A person in a white linen shirt carries an amazing looking vb tan pebbled leather tote bag for women and holds a matching tan leather wallet. The background shows a blurred outdoor marina setting with boats.
A person holding a black pebbled leather Von Baer zip-around wallet inside a porsche car, with the steering wheel and dashboard visible in the background. A person holding a black pebbled leather Von Baer zip-around wallet inside a porsche car, with the steering wheel and dashboard visible in the background.
A person holding a premium looking burgundy pebbled leather zip-around wallet with a gold-tone Von Baer logo, set against the background of a car interior. A person holding a premium looking burgundy pebbled leather zip-around wallet with a gold-tone Von Baer logo, set against the background of a car interior.
A burgundy pebbled leather tote bag with matching zip-around wallet, shown being opened by a person in a white top with water and a boat in the background. The brand name 'Von Baer' is visible in gold on both the bag and wallet. A burgundy pebbled leather tote bag with matching zip-around wallet, shown being opened by a person in a white top with water and a boat in the background. The brand name 'Von Baer' is visible in gold on both the bag and wallet.
Von Baer Origin Portmonnaie cognac tan full-grain pebbled leather wallet being placed inside an Estelle small tote bag by a person in a dark blazer. Von Baer Origin Portmonnaie cognac tan full-grain pebbled leather wallet being placed inside an Estelle small tote bag by a person in a dark blazer.
Von Baer Origin Portmonnaie burgundy luxury leather wallet shown alongside an Estelle small leather tote bag, held by a woman in a black blazer inside a car interior for a premium lifestyle view. Von Baer Origin Portmonnaie burgundy luxury leather wallet shown alongside an Estelle small leather tote bag, held by a woman in a black blazer inside a car interior for a premium lifestyle view.
Von Baer luxury gift packaging displayed alongside Allure large leather accordion wallets, a travel organizer, and a leather luggage tag. Von Baer luxury gift packaging displayed alongside Allure large leather accordion wallets, a travel organizer, and a leather luggage tag.
Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large front view Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large front view
Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large deep red front view Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large deep red front view
Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large navy blue front view Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large navy blue front view
Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large cream white front view on a black background Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large cream white front view on a black background
Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large front view Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large front view
Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large front view Von Baer origin luxury RFID leather purse large front view
Pros Cons
Premium Quality Material Size might be large for some
Elegant Practicality Slightly heavier than some purses
Abundant Storage
Versatility
RFID Protection
Durable Lining
Sustainability
Check Price of Origin Portmonnaie

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Allure Large Leather Accordion Wallet
Allure Large Leather Accordion WalletAllure Large Leather Accordion Wallet
Check Price of Allure

Allure Leather Purse Product Highlights:

MaterialA-Grade Full-Grain Pebble Leather
Leather SelectionA-grade hides, cut from the bend and drum-dyed through
Leather QualitySoft, flexible, and pleasant to touch
LiningDurable and water-repellent polyester fabric
RFID ProtectionYes
StorageAbundant storage space
PersonalizedOption to personalize
SustainabilitySupports local communities and eco-friendly
Special FeatureTransparent pocket fits a picture sized 8.5 cm x 5.4 cm
ScentNatural leather scent

Watch the Allure product video below:

Browse more images of the Allure:

Von Baer Allure large red pebbled leather accordion wallet with gold-tone branding, held in a front view against a blurred Mercedes car interior background. Von Baer Allure large red pebbled leather accordion wallet with gold-tone branding, held in a front view against a blurred Mercedes car interior background.
A big tan pebbled leather purse with gold-tone hardware, shown open in a car interior. A hand is sliding cash into the card slots, and the brand name 'VON BAER' is visible on the front. A big tan pebbled leather purse with gold-tone hardware, shown open in a car interior. A hand is sliding cash into the card slots, and the brand name 'VON BAER' is visible on the front.
Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection, featuring personalized embossed gold initials Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection, featuring personalized embossed gold initials
Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection, shown in a half-turned view highlighting product dimensions. Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection, shown in a half-turned view highlighting product dimensions.
Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection, shown open to highlight card slots and an ID window against a black background. Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection, shown open to highlight card slots and an ID window against a black background.
Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection, shown open with dollar notes in its double compartment against a black background. Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection, shown open with dollar notes in its double compartment against a black background.
Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection, shown in a close-up highlighting its gold-tone metal puller against a black background. Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection, shown in a close-up highlighting its gold-tone metal puller against a black background.
Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection, shown open and filled with cards to highlight card slots and an ID window against a black background. Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection, shown open and filled with cards to highlight card slots and an ID window against a black background.
Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection, shown in a close-up showcasing front card slots filled with cards and gold-tone branding against a black background. Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection, shown in a close-up showcasing front card slots filled with cards and gold-tone branding against a black background.
Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection, shown in a close-up highlighting the ID window and brand logo against a black background. Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection, shown in a close-up highlighting the ID window and brand logo against a black background.
Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection, shown in a close-up highlighting its hidden pocket and card slots against a black background. Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection, shown in a close-up highlighting its hidden pocket and card slots against a black background.
Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection, shown in a close-up highlighting the snap button closure. Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection, shown in a close-up highlighting the snap button closure.
Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection and gold-tone branding, displayed in a half-turned view against a black background. Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection and gold-tone branding, displayed in a half-turned view against a black background.
Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection, shown in a back view highlighting the zipped outer pocket with a gold-tone zipper against a black background. Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection, shown in a back view highlighting the zipped outer pocket with a gold-tone zipper against a black background.
Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection, shown in a back view highlighting the zipped outer pocket with a gold-tone zipper against a black background. Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection, shown in a back view highlighting the zipped outer pocket with a gold-tone zipper against a black background.
Von Baer Allure large brown full-grain leather accordion wallet displayed on a vintage wooden table next to a lamp and a luxury tote bag. Von Baer Allure large brown full-grain leather accordion wallet displayed on a vintage wooden table next to a lamp and a luxury tote bag.
Von Baer Allure large tan full-grain leather accordion wallet displayed with a matching tan leather tote bag in the background. Von Baer Allure large tan full-grain leather accordion wallet displayed with a matching tan leather tote bag in the background.
Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet, shown in a close-up as a hand with red nail polish opens the coin compartment. Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet, shown in a close-up as a hand with red nail polish opens the coin compartment.
Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet held by a woman, showing two cash compartments filled with dollar bills. Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet held by a woman, showing two cash compartments filled with dollar bills.
Von Baer Elegance burgundy pebbled leather tote bag with a matching Allure large leather accordion wallet, shown in a summer travel lifestyle setting near a waterfront held by a person's hands. Von Baer Elegance burgundy pebbled leather tote bag with a matching Allure large leather accordion wallet, shown in a summer travel lifestyle setting near a waterfront held by a person's hands.
Von Baer Allure large burgundy pebbled leather accordion wallet with a gold-tone logo, held by a person inside a Porsche car interior. Von Baer Allure large burgundy pebbled leather accordion wallet with a gold-tone logo, held by a person inside a Porsche car interior.
Von Baer Elegance classic tan pebbled leather tote bag with a matching Allure large leather accordion wallet tucked inside, held by a woman in a white linen shirt against a blurred marina background. Von Baer Elegance classic tan pebbled leather tote bag with a matching Allure large leather accordion wallet tucked inside, held by a woman in a white linen shirt against a blurred marina background.
Von Baer Allure large burgundy full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection paired with an Estelle small tote bag, shown in a premium car interior lifestyle setting. Von Baer Allure large burgundy full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection paired with an Estelle small tote bag, shown in a premium car interior lifestyle setting.
Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet rest on a matching Estelle small tote bag, with a manicured hand resting on the wallet and a black blazer in a luxury lifestyle setting. Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet rest on a matching Estelle small tote bag, with a manicured hand resting on the wallet and a black blazer in a luxury lifestyle setting.
Von Baer luxury gift packaging displayed alongside Allure large leather accordion wallets, a travel organizer, and a leather luggage tag. Von Baer luxury gift packaging displayed alongside Allure large leather accordion wallets, a travel organizer, and a leather luggage tag.
Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection, shown in a front view highlighting the full structure and gold-tone branding. Von Baer Allure large cognac tan full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection, shown in a front view highlighting the full structure and gold-tone branding.
Von Baer Allure large red full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection and gold-tone branding, shown in a front view against a black background. Von Baer Allure large red full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection and gold-tone branding, shown in a front view against a black background.
Von Baer Allure large navy blue full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection and gold-tone branding, shown in a front view against a black background. Von Baer Allure large navy blue full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection and gold-tone branding, shown in a front view against a black background.
Von Baer Allure large burgundy full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection and gold-tone branding, shown in a front view against a black background. Von Baer Allure large burgundy full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection and gold-tone branding, shown in a front view against a black background.
Von Baer Allure large black full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection and gold-tone branding, shown in a front view against a black background. Von Baer Allure large black full-grain leather accordion wallet with RFID protection and gold-tone branding, shown in a front view against a black background.
Pros Cons
A-Grade Full-Grain Pebble Leather Size Limitation for Phone
Handcrafted by experienced artisans Might be bulky for some
Special Lining Limited color options
Sustainability
RFID Protection
Abundant Storage Space
Personalizable
Check Price of Allure

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How Do These Features Help You?

Optimized Organization and Accessibility

example of the interior of the w1 leather purse

The continental wallet is excellent for organization, laying out all of your items in an accessible, visible manner.

Especially for those with a fast-paced, professional schedule, the continental wallet is a great asset to your accessories wardrobe.

It features more card slots than a typical wallet and several other pockets, including places for multiple currencies and often a window pocket for quick ID display.

Some even feature USB drives and SD cards.

The design separates and secures the essentials while keeping them easy to retrieve and use when needed.

Whether you’re grabbing a coffee on the way to a work session or trying to get through rush hour transit as quickly as possible, a continental wallet can help ease your journey with efficiency and style.

Learn more about types of wallets in this post.

Enhanced Security

With any wallet, security is a high priority.

Von Baer continental wallets have RFID-blocking technology to thwart cyber pickpockets and also include a zipper closure to prevent the loss of cards.

If you need more information about RFID, click here.

Aesthetic Appeal and Professional Statement

example of the exterior of the w2 leather purse

The expression of your style and standards comes down, in large part, to the materials used to make the wallet.

High-quality, full-grain, or Nappa leathers are great choices.

These are durable and beautiful and can hold that beauty for many years.

At Von Baer, we recommend you choose A-grade full-grain leather cut from the bend of the hide, where the fibers are densest, and that's what we use on all of our wallets - we discussed this in more detail here.

A luxurious finish with little subtle branding, precise stitching, custom hardware – all of this combines to exude a sense of quality, high standards, and exquisite style.

Worried about the price tag of a wallet? We wrote a guide on how much to spend, and if it's worth investing in a luxury wallet.

Perfect for Days Full of Meetings

women walking into a high rise building for a meeting

Some days consist of a string of meetings, sometimes peppered across the city.

These require transit, quick stops for food, and need you to have ID, credit cards, cash, and business cards on hand and kept secure.

A continental wallet will keep these things at your fingertips.

If you need more help ensuring you get a quality wallet, we wrote a great guide on it here.

What are the typical dimensions?

Continental wallets are usually larger than standard wallets, partially to accommodate foreign currencies as well as the smaller-sized American cash.

The two examples we showed above have the following dimensions:

  • W1: Width: 19 cm (7.48 inches) x Height: 9.5 cm (3.74 inches) x Depth: 2 cm (0.79 inches)
  • W2: Width: 20 cm (7.87 inches) x Height: 10 cm (3.94 inches) x Depth: 2.5 cm (0.98 inches)

Can these wallets accommodate different currencies?

Yes. Continental wallets suit a wide range of currencies of different sizes.

Dollars, British notes, French ones, and even larger receipts are easily accommodated.

How do I care for and maintain my wallet?

Regular care will extend the life and beauty of your wallet:

  1. A soft, damp cloth gently wiped over the surface is sufficient to clean the leather in most cases.
  2. It is highly recommended to use a quality leather conditioner when you first receive the wallet, and then to repeat this every four to six months after that. It takes about a minute.
  3. Finally, avoid fading and deterioration by storing your wallet away from direct sunlight.

We have a more detailed cleaning guide here.

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 strive for the highest editorial standards, and to only publish accurate information on our website.

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