These are the best wallets for a gentleman
It pays to carry your cash and cards in style. We’ve dug deep and rounded up a selection of the finest leather wallets on the market…
Words: Jonathan Wells
We live in a cashless world. From Apple Pay to Bitcoin, transactional tech has left ours notes untouched and our coins unspent. But, now and again, it still pays to pull out a quality wallet. Whether you’re passing out business cards or stashing your driving license, it’s a must-have modern man’s accessory.
A fine leather wallet is a sure-fire signifier that you’re a man who understands the importance of investing in style and craftsmanship over throwaway fashion. If you choose correctly, it’ll last decades. So allow us to point you in the direction of some of the best wallets to buy now…
To go for the minimalist option, try a card holder
Slim, smart and sophisticated, the card holder is the ideal stripped-back wallet for the man who likes to pack light. Enough room for your essentials, but without the temptation to ram it full of ticket stubs and loyalty cards you’re never going to use again, it’s the perfect way to overcome pocket bulges — while still keeping all your cards and cash in one safe place.
Aspinal of London’s slim case has a deep shine black crocodile pattern, with four external card slots and a central pouch for an additional two cards or folded notes. From Charles Laurie, ‘The Card Holder’ is available in several different shades, comes lined with silk and can be embossed with up to four initials. And, from Ettinger, this contrast case has a bright yellow band across its top.
If you’re flash with your cash, opt for a billfold
You like to carry around a little more cash, do you? Like the flash of high-value red notes when you flip open your wallet? Then you’ll need a one with a smidge more capacity. A billfold with a built-in money clip is the way to go if you err on the profligate side, and will ensure you never lose an errant fifty ever again.
Cut from soft bridle leather, this billfold wallet from Ettinger is lined in bold yellow. Or, if you fancy something a little more openly vibrant, Aspinal of London’s offering could be the best option for you. Alternatively, Charles Laurie’s ‘The Folding Card Wallet’, made from the finest vegetable tanned leather, will patina beautifully with age.
To protect the lines of your coat, go for a coat wallet
For men who like to make a statement — but only when paying — a coat wallet is the ideal purchase. When you stow it in the folds of your coat, it’s nigh-on invisible. But, when you pull it out, there are more card slots and money pouches than you can shake a crisp twenty at.
If you’re really looking to make an impression, this trifold wallet from Aspinal of London is sure to impress whoever is sat across the table from you. Or, if you like a more conservative look, then Smythson has you covered both here and abroad with its ‘Marshall’ travelling companion. And, never one to disappoint, Ettinger’s ‘Sterling’ coat wallet is lined in a red deep enough to complement your fifties.
Gather up your loose change with a coin purse
Because real men don’t jangle. Nobody wants to hear you rattling around the office; coppers sounding off in your pockets. So why not give your shrapnel a proper home, and throw it into a sturdy coin purse?
Crafted in supple small-grain leather with Engine Turn engraving, dunhill’s ‘Belgrave’ coin purse is an understated start. Comme Des Garçons adds a splash of colour with its verdant green option, complete with handy zip. And Ettinger’s minimalist accessory, fitted with a practical popper, is available in nine different designs.
Want more style? Here are 8 accessories every modern man should own (under £250)…
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