Fashion Pick: 5 Essential Tips to Choose a Wallet for Men
Buying a wallet is not as easy as it may seem, and the huge number of varieties to choose from only makes the task even more tougher. We furnish some tips that men need to consider before buying a wallet.
Rohini Mohan
Last Updated: Sep 26, 2018
Did You Know?
Dunhill manufactured the world's first biometric wallet in 2012. Apart from being made of carbon fiber, it also has a fingerprint scanner and Bluetooth connectivity!
For a man, one of the few things that he carries with him whenever he chooses to step outdoors is his phone, keys, perhaps a watch, and his wallet. Talking about wallets, it is an essential accessory that he purchases after investing a lot of thought.
Secondly, very rarely will men prefer buying different wallets to suit the occasion, and would rather go in for one that is good enough for both casual as well as formal events. Here are some essential tips to help choose a wallet for men.
Billfold Wallet
The first thing to consider is the type of wallet you seek. The quintessential American billfold wallet has been around since the 1950s and is still the most popular choice among men.
The breast wallet is a long billfold which is longer, sleeker, and thinner, and is meant for being kept in jacket and suit pockets. These wallets can hold large banknotes and checks without folding or damaging them.
Zip Wallet/ Travel Wallet
A zip wallet lets you secure your valuables with an additional zipper. A travel wallet, on the other hand, is equipped with several compartments and an additional zipper that allows you to carry your passport, credit card, and cash in one wallet while traveling.
Check for the Design and Folds
A good wallet is determined by the need and comfort of its user. Therefore, if you prefer carrying a lighter wallet and do not intend to carry many items, you may want to consider going in for a thin bifold wallet with very few compartments. The lesser number of compartments will prevent the wallet from becoming too bulky, thus, making it less heavy.
On the other hand, a trifold wallet would offer multiple compartments, which can be used for storing your cards, cash, photos, and receipts among other things.
Compartments for Organizing
Although a wallet may have several compartments, go in for a wallet that has sufficient storage space. Try to insert your cards into one of the compartments of the wallet to check whether it fits.
The reason being that unless the wallet is manufactured in the US, the compartments made in the wallet may be designed to fit banknotes that are bigger or smaller than the desired size.
Secondly, your credit card and driver's license must fit snugly in each of the card slots, and not slip out of the wallet. Thirdly, the wallet must have a separate and sealed compartment that allows you to store coins without having to fish for it in the wallet.
Material Used
Perhaps one of the most important aspects to consider while selecting the perfect wallet, is to search with a specific material in mind.
That being said, leather being extremely strong, durable, and form-fitting continues to remain one of the most popular materials used for making branded wallets.
Although fabric, synthetic, and faux leather wallets are available in the market as well, you will need to decide which material suits your needs. The finish of the wallet must complement the material used in it.
Check both the inside and outside seams of the wallet for defects such as tears, peeling, discoloration, lose threads, or protruding fabric. You must also make sure that the buttons/zips in the wallet are functioning well.
Consider the Cost
Depending on the make, material, style, and manufacturer, the cost of a wallet can differ by leaps and bounds. High-end designs and exceptionally durable wallets are more likely to be expensive.
However, the price of a wallet does not determine its quality, and thus, must be bought after careful inspection.
You may also come across many fake wallets, but one way to avoid buying a fake product is to visit trustworthy retail outlets or from the company's official actual or online store. The only disadvantage of shopping for utility products online is that you will not be able to check the size, feel, and weight of the wallet before buying it.
Finally, speaking of the colors they are available in, although black and brown are the usual colors, wallets can also be found in unconventional shades of red, green, blue, and orange.
