Leather Wallet Styles: Why They Matter & How to Pick Them - HIDES

Leather Wallet Styles: Why They Matter & How to Pick Them

If you want to elevate your sense of fashion, then pay attention to your wallet. We’re not talking about how much cash you have in it (although you should think about that) but rather, the style of your wallet.  The look, make, and build of a leather wallet can transform it from a bland accessory into an artful addition to your outfit. If you want to give your wardrobe that extra “oomph”, then you should think about experimenting with a new leather wallet style.  We’ll show you how to do that and how to pick the right one. 

Leather Wallet Make

Leather wallets come in dozens of styles. They can differ in terms of how they’re stitched, the number of compartments they contain and their physical shape. This will come as no surprise to anyone who has collected wallets for some time. With that said, we have distilled the vast array of wallets out there into five main categories. 

BiFold wallets

Bifolds are among the first kinds of wallets ever invented and they’re also the most popular. Their simple two-sided design makes it easy for you to grab your cards and cash with a quick lift of the flap. They also tend to be the slimmest wallets, which means you can do away with that unsightly pocket bulge in your pants. Overall, bifolds are simple and convenient to carry. 

TriFold wallets

The trifold wallet is another classic and popular wallet design. They typically have several compartments, which means that they can hold more cards and cash if you’re the type to carry many of them. They can become bulky if stuffed with too many cards, but they can retain a slim shape and fit well in your pockets if you don’t overdo it. 

Cardholder wallets

For you business men and women out there, cardholder wallets will seem like a match made in heaven. They’re remarkably slim but still roomy enough to fit the many cards that you will need to carry. Although they’re built to handle many cards, they can get bulky if you stuff things like receipts and notes in there, so make sure to keep excess paper out of them. 

Checkbook wallets

Depending on your daily routine, a checkbook wallet might be your best choice. They were designed to carry checkbooks, hence, their name. Many people now use them now to carry other important documents such as passports and small paper documents. Of course, these “heavy duty” wallets are great for storing other essentials such as credit cards and cash.  The checkbook wallet is ideal for frequent travellers and business-folk who may need to carry more cards than the average person. Checkbook leather wallets are typically larger than standard ones, but you can easily tuck them into the breast pocket of your jacket so that they don’t take up too much space. 

RFID wallets

With credit card fraud on the rise, radio frequency identification (RFID) blocking wallets have begun to take off in popularity. Essentially, these wallets block “skimming” devices that thieves use to steal your credit card info.  They’re great for urbanites who frequently take public transit or who regularly walk through high traffic areas such as city squares and marketplaces. And RFID wallets aren’t all about function - many of them are available in fancy leather stylings so that they don’t look too clunky or plain. 

Leather Wallet Material

The type of leather used in a wallet is often its defining feature. There’s a variety of leather options out there, but three common types that we carry are full-grain leather, cowhide leather and crocodile leather. They are among the highest grades of leather one can find and contribute to the aesthetic appeal and durable designs of modern wallets.  

Full Grain Leather Wallets

Full-grain leather refers to hides that have not been sanded, buffed or snuffed to remove imperfections. It comes from the top layer of the hide and is the highest grade of leather available. Leather wallets of the full-grain variety have a beautifully rugged look, and are built to last for a very long time (think decades). 

Cowhide Leather Wallets

Cowhide leather is heavier than sheepskin and often used in clothing to provide added comfort during harsh weather conditions. When it comes to wallets, cowhide leather gives them a bold and hardy look. They’re also fairly durable and can last you for years to come if you maintain them well. 

Leather Wallet Colour

The colour of a wallet will be its most noticeable trait so make sure the colour you choose is one that you’ll appreciate! For the fashion conscious among you, pay attention to how the colour of your wallet will contrast or complement your outfit. You might want to think about the predominant colours in your wardrobe and how a new wallet might blend in with these items. 

Vibrant 

Bold and bright colours are not the top choice when it comes to leather wallet colours. However, for those who want to make a statement or want to accent a conservatively coloured outfit, a bright leather wallet can be the answer. Among the vibrant colours are shades of red, orange, and blue. 

Conservative

The most popular colour choices when it comes to leather wallets are conservative. Conservative colours are safe choices and compliment all other pieces in one’s outfit. The typical conservative colours include black, grey, silver, and certain shades of brown (more on this below). 

Rustic 

Over the years, “rustic” styles and colours have grown in popularity. “Rustic” refers to items and designs that look rough in appearance like what one would see in clothing or house decor associated with rural living. Brown is a common colour in rustic fashion including leather wallets. A common option is distressed brown leather wallets, which are brown and rugged in appearance.

How to Choose the Right Leather Wallet

So with all of these options available, you’re probably wondering which wallet is the right one for you. Ultimately, there isn’t really a right or a wrong choice, but some options are better than others. You should decide what wallet to buy based on your fashion sense, your daily routine and your budget. If you factor in all three, you will find it easier to narrow down your ideal choice of wallet. 

Factors to Consider

  • Your fashion/style preferences - Think about your favourite colours, designs and textures. You might say to yourself that you’re not so fashionable, but chances are that there are certain styles you naturally gravitate to. You might need help identifying this from a friend or family member. However, the key is to find the right combination of colour, design and texture in a leather wallet that catches your eye and complements your wardrobe. 
  • Your daily routine - Your choice of wallet should also suit the type of activities you conduct on a daily basis. For example, if you’re a business person, you probably need to carry plenty of cards and documents and might opt for a checkbook leather wallet. 
  • Your budget - Ultimately, your choice of leather wallet will depend on your budget. If you have a few extra dollars floating around, you can afford to pick up one of the more expensive leathers. But be conscious of your spending though - you can still buy a leather wallet that’s affordable and yet crafted with high-quality leather. 

Choose a Leather Wallet You’ll Appreciate

A leather wallet can serve as a fashionable yet functional addition to your outfit. You can use a wallet to enhance your clothing but also to make it easier to carry your essentials. The trick is to find a wallet that strikes a balance between the two. Don’t hesitate to get some help picking a wallet if necessary, so that you emerge with a choice that you’ll love for years.