A wallet is one of the most essential accessories for a man to own, so it makes sense for you to arm yourself with one of the best, one that is of high quality and offers plenty of practicality.
Effectively, a man’s wallet is the male equivalent of a female handbag and it’s with this in mind that next time you’re out wallet shopping, you should spend some time deliberating exactly what it is you need from a money holder.
Not only do you need to factor in the size and materials of the wallet, but as with any menswear item, you need to think about your budget. Wallets can range from incredibly affordable, somewhere around the $30-$50 mark, and extend all the way up into the hundreds and, even thousands, dollar mark, which is usually reflective of the brand and the quality of the wallet.
If you’re looking for a wallet at the lower end of the budget spectrum, be sure to check out our round-up of the best cheap wallets.
In this best wallet story…
The Best Wallet Size
Wallets can be incredibly slim or oversized. The most common styles of wallet are cardholder, bi-fold, and tri-fold. A cardholder style wallet is exactly what it suggests: a holder for cards. Where they differ is how many cards they can carry; some will have space for just two or three while other wallet cardholders may be able to hold up to 10. You can even find cardholder wallets with space for some notes, offering the best of both worlds.
Bi-fold and tri-fold wallets will, naturally, have space for cards too (some cardholders may come in a bi-fold design too) but will usually offer more space for notes and coins.
Realistically speaking, most of us are much more likely to pay for everything by card, or even with our phones these days, making the cardholder wallet the perfect size. However, if you regularly handle and use cash, or you like a place to keep receipts, you’re definitely going to have to choose a bi-fold or tri-fold wallet.
Why Wallet Construction Matters
Leather is the most common material used for men’s wallets because it ages well, is durable & is long-lasting. But as you should know with leather by now, it can come in a variety of finishes and colours. Most men’s wallets are crafted from full-grain leather with either a pebbled finish or an extremely smooth finish, but the variant you choose is entirely dependent on your personal preference.
And as with any material, there are different levels of quality. In general, if you put a few extra dollars into your wallet purchase then you’re going to get better leather – which means good longevity and a wallet that is going to evolve beautifully over time.
Best Wallets FAQ
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We’ve put together a list of the brands we think are at the top of their game right now and have the best men’s wallets all perfect for the next time you need to find somewhere new to store your cards and cash.
Bellroy
1/17Price: From $55
Customer Reviews: “Bellroy wallets are durable and feel as good in your pocket as they do in your hand with their premium leather.”
Australian purveyor of well-designed accessories, Bellroy, was founded in Melbourne, Australia in 2009 and the company’s first wallets arrived in 2010. Bellroy’s mission is to make your life easier by way of thoughtfully designed products that offer intuitive features you never knew you needed, until you have them.
While the company has a range of bags and other tech accessories that all live up to this mission, it’s Bellroy’s wallets that really allow the brand to shine.
All of Bellroy’s wallets for men are crafted from premium and durable materials, such as sustainably-sourced leather, feel great in your hand and will age beautifully as the years go by. Bellroy wallets come in a range of styles and sizes, including cardholder, bi-fold and travel, that all make carrying cards and cash a breeze.
This includes being able to fit in much more into a wallet than you would expect from the size of them and providing instant access to whatever you need. No fiddling around.
Bellroy wallets really are some of the best around and we implore you to have a browse through their collections.
The Ridge
2/17Price: From $95
Customer Reviews: “This thing absolutely disappears in my pocket, and allows me to carry just the essentials. It can be a little tricky to fish specific cards out, but 99% of your time spent with a wallet is carrying it in your pockets, which is where this thing excels.”
The Ridge is a company that found its footing on Kickstarter back in 2013. Founded by a father-son team, The Ridge wanted to improve the efficiency of a wallet, by reducing the size yet without sacrificing practicality. Following its successful Kickstarter campaign, The Ridge has grown into a small team producing some of the most compact yet practical wallets around.
All of The Ridge wallets follow the same template, being a cardholder that can hold up to 12 cards. They all offer RFID blocking technology to prevent wireless theft and all are made from various metals, including carbon fibre, titanium and aluminium – a little different from the leather wallets you find from the majority of other brands.
In addition to holding a fair number of cards, The Ridge wallets also incorporate either a cash strap or a money clip, because the company understands many of us still prefer to carry some physical currency on us. You can specify which option you’d rather have when you add your chosen wallet to your shopping basket.
The Ridge wallets are incredibly modern in their look and are so streamlined they won’t leave a bulge in your pocket or stretch out your pants or shorts. The Ridge might not necessarily have the same brand pull or awareness compared to some others wallet brands on this list, but if its simple card carrying you’re after, they’re one of the best.
Hugo Boss
3/17Price: From $80
Customer Reviews: “They are very stylish and literally you can combine it with any type of the clothes.”
German luxury fashion house, Hugo Boss, founded in 1924, is renowned for its opulent range of clothing, accessories, footwear, and fragrances. A go-to brand for any man wanting a little bit of luxury in their life and often without the incredibly high price tags demanded by some other luxury brands, Hugo Boss is one of the best brands to recommend if you want to really treat yourself.
Hugo Boss offers both bi-fold wallets and cardholder style wallets, all crafted from premium leather. All of Hugo Boss’ wallets are fully lined and can fit an impressive amount of cards and cash considering their compact and sleek designs.
We’re particular fans of the company’s cardholder wallets due to their various use of colours and designs, but if you need to carry some cash or coins, the larger styles are a perfect accessory.
If you’re a no-fuss kinda guy who likes quality, then Hugo Boss can’t be beaten for the best premium wallet.
Todd Snyder
4/17Price: From $180
Customer Reviews: “The wallet is really attractive and well made. It’s got a crazy amount of storage, too.”
A favourite of ours here at DMARGE, Todd Snyder just knows how to make stylish menswear and accessories. While many of Todd’s collections do come in at the higher end of the budget spectrum, they’re products of genuine quality that will last you a lifetime.
Todd Snyder’s range of wallets is relatively small, but it includes all the styles any modern gentleman could need. You’ll find predominantly cardholder style wallets here, but some also have the ability to carry a few notes. Best of all, all Todd Snyder wallets are made from some of the best premium leathers and are available in a variety of colours, meaning you can keep your cards and cash organised, and will look good while doing so.
Nomad
5/17Price: From $70
Customer Reviews: “Look and feel good. The one thing I like the most is the leather won’t stretch over time like other leather wallets so your cards and bills wont come loose.”
Californian lifestyle brand Nomad Goods has become a serious force in the world of premium accessories. The company started out with a charging cable for your smartphone, and based on its success, has since expanded into a complete range of tech and leather accessories, which of course includes the humble wallet.
Nomad has a small but comprehensive range of wallets on its book, ticking off cardholder, bifold, passport wallets and even a money clip. All Nomad wallets are made from Horween leather, which is sourced from the USA and made from genuine cowhide. This leather is incredibly premium and luxurious in its feel and finish, and will patina over time to give your wallet a unique look.
What we particularly love about Nomad wallets is their incredibly minimalist look. They’re simple and only available in brown or black, but thanks to the leather used (and surprisingly low price) they make for an effortless upgrade to your look.
Paul Smith
6/17Price: From $170
Customer Reviews: “Pretty nice so far. Feels sturdy in construction.”
Renowned for his creative aesthetic, which combines tradition and modernity, Paul Smith is one of Britain’s best menswear designers. Known
for his playful designs and use of colour, Paul Smith has become one of the best luxury brands, loved by many.
This playfulness is perfectly exhibited in the brand’s range of wallets, which cover all bases, from cardholder to bi-fold and tri-fold, and even wallets designed specifically to carry your phone over your neck or shoulder.
There is plenty to choose from in terms of design and colour too, so you could opt for a block-colour turquoise wallet or choose something with Paul Smith’s signature colour stripes. You’ll also find polyester wallets with velcro fastenings for those who want to inject a little bit of nostalgia (and durability) into their look.
Troubadour
7/17Price: From $95
Customer Reviews: “It was great, even the packaging! Simple, elegant and functional. Definitely a go-to, will recommend!”
British menswear brand Troubador Goods is another to specialise in leather goods and it was an exceptional range of overnight leather bags that propelled the company into the public eye. Being experts in the use of leather, Troubadour has since expanded into a complete range of luxury leather accessories, which naturally, includes wallets.
Troubadour’s range of wallets isn’t the largest ever, but with cardholder and bi-fold wallet styles, which let you carry some cash included in the range, there is everything you could need. All of Troubadour’s men’s wallets are available in a range of colours beyond the standard brown and black, so you can inject a little bit of excitement into your card-carrying exploits.
As with some other brands on this list, we love Troubadour’s minimalist aesthetic, making it the perfect brand for those who want a simple, luxury wallet to slip into their back pocket.
Smythson
8/17Price: From $210
Customer Reviews: “Smythson wallet represents a truly indulgent way to carry your cash.”
Smythson is one of the most well-established names in luxury leather accessories to come from the United Kingdom. Founded over 130 years ago and with clients including the British royal family, UK politicians, Madonna and Grace Kelly, you’ll be in esteemed company if you choose to employ a Smythson wallet to carry around your cards and cash.
This heritage and brand recognition does mean you’ll need to pay a bit extra, but you’ll receive one of the most luxurious wallets available in return. A fair deal if you ask us. Smythson’s range of wallets is pretty extensive and comes in various sizes, such as 6-card or 8-card cardholder wallets, many of which include slots or clips to carry around some notes and coins as well.
You can choose a wallet in range of colours too and while it may be a British brand, wallets are made in Italy, which is an expert in the production of luxury leather goods. The company’s Ludlow calf leather is a particular highlight, being incredibly soft to the touch and thanks to the way in which it’s utilised in the production of the wallets, it will truly last a lifetime.
Miansai
9/17Price: From $65
Customer Reviews: “It looks and feels fantastic and effortless. My Wife picked it up and she always has great taste.”
Founded in 2014 by Michael Saiger, Miansai specialises in jewellery made from some of the best high-quality leathers and metals. But, taking this experience in offering men some incredible accessories, expanded into producing some rather exceptional wallets too.
Miansai’s range of wallets includes cardholder, bi-fold and passport wallet styles, all of which are made from Italian leather. They’re incredibly affordable too, so upgrading your card-carrying experience will be a breeze and Miansai’s wallets can also be monogrammed to give them that extra personal touch.
Montblanc
10/17Price: From $195
Customer Reviews: “The Montblanc Wallet is a large wallet, to be sure, but it does have optimal carrying capacity for your credit cards, banknotes, ID’s.”
Montblanc is another luxury goods brand to hail from Germany and a go-to brand for those who really do want the best, valuing premium quality and brand reputation. Founded in 1908 and primarily known for its range of premium pens, Montblanc is a name you want to have in your back pocket.
It’s the fine attention to detail that separates Montblanc’s creations from that of other major designers, and this can be seen in the range of wallets on offer. For us, the cardholder collection is of particular note because, while simple and conventional in their design, are made from some incredible soft grain leather. Sure, other wallets on this list are made from leather too, but you will seriously notice the difference when you grab a hold of one from Montblanc.
If you need to carry cash around with you too, that’s not a problem, as Montblanc has a great collection of bi-fold wallets on offer too, again, made from that same soft grain leather. Most employ a cardholder design in a bi-fold style, but add a money clip inside for you to slide some notes into, making it a rather elegant solution.
Acne Studios
11/17Price: From $210
Customer Reviews: “A good wallet should withstand the test of time. For most, it’s a functional accessory that is carried every day and used for years on end.”
Acne Studios is another of our favourite brands here at DMARGE. The Swedish outlet offers an alternative take in all of its collections to provide some seriously stylish clothing and accessories for men everywhere. Founder Jonny Johannson is a huge fan of photography, art and architecture, and its this creative outlook that really shines through in everything he touches.
If you love colour, then you’ll love Acne Studios’ range of wallets, because there is a literal rainbow on offer. From simple cardholder wallets to carry a few cards around with you to zip-around wallets allowing you to stuff in some notes and coins, there is much to admire about the collections here.
All Acne Studios wallets are made from premium soft-grained leather, which goes some way to explaining their price, but for something truly unique, Acne Studios is one of the best.
Carhartt
12/17Price: From $30
Customer Reviews: “It fits my pocket perfectly and keeps my cards nice and snug thanks y’all it’s a bomb ass wallet ????.”
Founded in 1889 Detroit, Michigan, Carhartt is a brand for those who need plenty of durability from their clothing and accessories. This makes the company an absolute must for anyone who spends much of their time outdoors, whether it be exploring and hiking, or on building sites.
Fortunately, Carhartt crafts gear with rugged living in mind. All of their wallets are made from tough and durable full-grain leather, come in bi-fold and tri-fold styles, and have plenty of space for cards, notes, and coins. Carhartt has even gone to the trouble of incorporating a sweat-resistant patch into some of its wallets, understanding that it could be spending plenty of time in your back pocket whilst you’re working up a sweat.
It’s little touches like this that make Carhartt a brand you need to consider for your next wallet purchase, and perhaps best of all, you only need to spend a maximum of US$ 40. Talk about a bargain!
AllSaints
13/17Price: From $65
Customer Reviews: “Great All Saints Wallet … Beautifully crafter walled. Pretty leather, and easily lockingsnap. Plenty of room inside. I love all things All Saints.”
British clothier of punk, alt-rock and premium style fashion, AllSaints knows a thing or two about leather and how to make something effortlessly cool out of it and this is certainly true of their wallet collection.
While AllSaints wallets adopt the familiar styles of bi-fold and cardholder, there is a unique look and feel to them that is almost indescribable. This is partly thanks to the overall finish of the leather, which in some cases can look slightly washed out or distressed, along with the use of subtle metal accents on some models.
AllSaints wallets also comfortably fall into the affordable bracket too, making them an easy, effortless option for your next wallet purchase.
Harber London
14/17Price: From $98
Customer Reviews: “The materials used in the product is perfect. Beautifully made and fits to my needs.”
Founded in 2012, Harber London (which, naturally, hails from London) is a purveyor of extremely high-quality leather goods, ticking off high-volume categories such as laptop sleeves, Dopp kits, backpacks, and, of course, wallets.
Whether you’re after a travel wallet for your passport, a coin purse for change, or a cardholder style wallet, Harber London has you covered with timeless aesthetics, clever wallet architecture, and hard-wearing, responsibly sourced materials that make their wallets the best for those who appreciate proper craftsmanship.
Aurélien
15/17Aurélien is a wallet brand that deserves your consideration because it’s a brand that offers Mediterranean style clothing and luxury leather accessories, without a high price tag. The company refers to this as Smart Luxury, i.e. high-quality goods, made in Italy, sold directly to the consumer to avoid the markups.
All of Aurelien’s wallets are made with the finest full-grain leather that can withstand daily wear and tear and are available in cardholder and bi-fold styles in both classic and playful colours.
Allen St
16/17Allen St is an American brand of premium leather goods and accessories, which are manufactured in France that the owners are in direct contact with. This allows them to maintain greater control over the quality of products, resulting in greater satisfaction to you, the consumer.
With regard to Allen St wallets, they are made from 100% Italian vegetable tanned leather, which is then dyed in a vast array of colours so you can inject a real pop of colour into your look. There is also a great range of styles to choose from too, including cardholder, bi-fold and even passport holders. They’re incredibly simple in their design and minimalist in their aesthetic, making them a super simple yet effective wallet upgrade.
Escuyer
17/17Escuyer is a brand dedicated to crafting exceptionally high-quality accessories for men. Their main draw is socks, but the company also had a comprehensive range of wallets and other leather accessories such as travel cases and even MacBook sleeves.
Their Slim Wallet (pictured) is our top pick, thanks to its cardholder style but with a pleasant fold over design. This wallet – and the rest of the range – is made in Portugal from Italian vegetable tanned leather which will patina over time and even gives off a smell that you won’t mind getting up your nostrils.
You really will notice the difference to Escuyer wallets, because they’re handmade. And it’s this extra touch that really does help to set the brand apart, even from some of the bigger names on this list.
