The best wallets for men are more than just places to keep credit cards and cash. They’re an unexpected window into the soul of the guys who carry them. Maybe he’s a minimalist and prefers a streamlined crisp leather cardholder. Or he likes a rugged tactical wallet that’s ready for any adventure. Or perhaps he’s a traditionalist who appreciates the classic bifold. Whatever his style, there’s a wallet out there for him.
The best men’s wallets are not one-size-fits-all. Choosing the right one depends on how much you … [+] need to carry and your personal style.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
To find options to suit a variety of tastes and needs, we talked to discerning experts who believe carrying a wallet, even in today’s tap-and-go digital world, is more necessary than you might think (tips, for example, are always better in cash). Here are 11 of the best wallets for men that we’d carry ourselves or give as gifts, from Leatherology’s rich and handsome bifold to Mountain Voyage’s slick hardcase.
Leatherology
Leatherology Thin Bifold Wallet (Premium Leather)
Colors: Black Onyx, Brown, Navy Blue, Cognac, Ebony, Espresso, Black Oil, Mahogany | Materials: Vegetable-tanned leather | Warranty: One-year limited warranty against defects in materials or craftsmanship
Leatherology has everything you want in a wallet and nothing you don’t: There are six card spots, a bill compartment and two interior underside pockets for receipts or extra cards. Despite all the storage, the design is thin and fits neatly in a front or back pocket. This pick also comes a variety of colors and leather finishes and can be monogramed with your initials—which is especially nice if you’re giving it as a gift.
What the reviews say: “I have a Leatherology wallet for myself and decided to buy this as a present for someone else—they loved it,” writes one reviewer. “It’s slim and the leather is soft with a nice feel to it. It has plenty of card slots and space for cash, without being too thick and large.”
While more minimalist wallets exist, Bellroy’s slim sleeve leather wallet eshews as much material as possible to make a slender bifold wallet that can accommodate as many as a dozen cards. You get a pair of quick-access slots for daily-use cards and pockets with easy pull-tabs for everything else. And it comes in eight different colors.
What the reviews say: “I love this wallet as it looks great and is very functional while being incredibly slim,” says a five-star reviewer. “This isn’t a ‘pack every card I have’ type of wallet, so if you are looking for a wallet to carry your primary cards and cash, this is a great choice.”
amazon
Fossil Men’s Derrick Leather Wallet
Colors: Dark brown | Materials: Leather | Warranty: Not listed
Stylish and rugged with classic appeal, Fossil bifold is made from 100% leather that’s been distressed to give it the patina of a wallet you’ve had for years. The interior has six credit card slots, one bill compartment, an ID pocket and a durable cotton twill lining. You can spend a lot more a leather wallet so consider this one a real steal.
What the reviews say: “It has room for everything and then some—this a great wallet,” one buyer writes. “It’s very comfortable in your pocket while sitting. Totally satisfied and recommended.”
Colors: Black | Materials: Full-grain calf leather | Warranty: Not listed
This Tom Ford textured-leather bifold is one of the most beautiful wallets you may have the pleasure to carry. It’s crafted in Italy from full-grain leather with reinforced stitching, so it’ll hold its structure for years to come. Inside, the wallet has six card slots, three on each side, and a pocket for receipts or bills. It’s a streamlined option for a man who doesn’t need to carry a lot of cash or an abundance of cards.
Dango
Dango T01 Tactical Wallet
Colors: Rawhide, Jet Black, Jet Black-Red | Materials: Leather, silicone wallet band, machined aluminum wallet frame, stainless steel multi-tool, stainless steel screws | Warranty: One year limited warranty for defects in materials and workmanship
Dango’s innovative model is the Swiss Army knives of wallets for outdoorsy, adventurous guys. It holds cards between plates of aluminum (notched for easy access) and cash under a flexible silicone band. But the most interesting feature is the stainless steel tool with over 14 features—it’s got a serrated and sharpened edge, paracord tensioner, hex driver, smartphone stand, ruler and more. The multi-tool is also removable to make it TSA safe for travel.
What the reviews say: “I’ve been using this wallet for two years already and it’s the best men’s wallet I ever had,” writes a reviewer. “It’s durable, easy to use, doesn’t age and does everything I need. Buy it with confidence even though it is pricey—you pay for quality things in life.”
It’s easy to get carried away and spend three figures on a wallet, but there are some excellent budget-priced alternatives. Herschel’s Hank Wallet is a versatile wallet that should appeal to anyone on-the-go: It has multiple card slots, an ID window, bill compartment and a RFID-blocking layer—a feature that prevents electronic pickpocketing (which truthfully is pretty rare, according to experts). This pick is available in 11 designs, making it easy to find a good style match.
What the reviews say: “I decided to skip the ultra-slim trend after finding it difficult to fit everything I needed into my wallet including cash,” says a reviewer. “This wallet still manages to stay slim even with extra cards. I don’t feel the need to stuff receipts elsewhere in my pocket or jam dollar bills into a tight slot or clip. It even has space for my tile tracker card.”
MOST POPULAR
Colors: 10 total, including Black and Navy | Materials: Crossgrain calf leather | Warranty: Repair services offered on case by case basis
London-based Smythson of Bond Street designs men’s accessories with form and function in mind. This wallet’s external card slots and central compartment can accommodate an ID, credit cards and spare cash, without adding unnecessary bulk to your back pocket. If you’re looking for an ultra-minimalist wallet, this checks all the boxes.
Nordstrom
Bosca Leather Trifold Wallet
Colors: Black| Materials: Leather | Warranty: Not listed
Most trifold wallets are linear affairs, folding neatly into thirds. But the Bosca Leather Trifold is a different animal altogether. It unfurls into three sections, giving you access to five card slots, a large currency sleeve, two receipt slots and an ID window with RFID security lining, all bound from supple Napa leather. While it holds a lot, this wallet has a slim, elegant profile.
What the reviews say: “I was looking for a quality leather wallet with plenty of pockets,” says a reviewer. “This wallet is very portable and durable. Don’t let the dimensions fool you, it’s very thin and folds into a compact space.”
Colors: Black, chocolate, tan | Materials: Leather | Warranty: Not listed
Most money clips have one thing in common: a surprising lack of convenience. Yes, they are simple, but that simplicity makes it hard to manage the cash and cards they’re keeping pinched. Mark And Graham’s is a smarter solution. It has a sturdy magnetic clip on one side, slots for cards on the other and a compartment slot on the top for business cards or small change. For a customized touch (that costs just $12.50), you can add a monogram, too.
Colors: Army green, matte black, matte carbon fiber, matte grey, walnut wood | Materials: Carbon fiber with metal finishes | Warranty: Two-year limited manufacturer warranty
Mountain Voyage’s Minimalist Wallet For Men is protective in more ways than one: It’s made of a durable, scratch-resistant carbon fiber casing and boasts state-of-the-art RFID blocking technology for identity theft prevention. The compact design is only 0.35 inches thick, yet holds more than most slim tactical wallets—15 cards and eight bills. The removable money clip is an added bonus, offering flexible functionality for your daily needs.
What the reviews say: “This upgrade from my dated wallet to my new Mountain Voyage was long overdue,” writes one reviewer. “This experience optimized my appreciation for wallets that are lightweight and comfortable to sit with—no more one-sided bulge.”
Bloomingdale’s
Royce New York Leather RFID-Blocking Passport Case & Wallet
Colors: Black, blue, brown, purple, red, tan | Materials: Leather, fabric lining | Warranty: Not listed
Royce New York’s Leather RFID-Blocking Passport Case & Wallet has room for travel essentials without being too bulky. The fold-over closure wallet measures half-an-inch thick, with both passport and document pockets. An interior billfold and three card slots keeps everything organized, plus RFID-blocking technology gives you a little extra peace-of-mind protection against identity theft.
What the reviews say: “The RFID-blocking and the passport pocket made this wallet perfect for travel,” writes one reviewer. “I also use it as my everyday wallet but it is a little larger than I’m used to. (It’s slightly larger than a passport of course.) Other than that, it is super high-quality with an exquisite look and feel.”
Best Of The Rest
Choosing a wallet is a very personal experience and every man’s preferences are different. If the winners above don’t speak to you, here are additional models that are also popular with readers and might work for your needs.
Leatherology
Leatherology Money Clip Card Holder (Premium)
Colors: Black Onyx, Tan, Brown, Cognac, Black Oil, Mahogany | Materials: Vegetable-tanned full grain leather | Warranty: One-year limited warranty against defects in materials or craftsmanship
For a minimalist option from Leatherology, this sleek card holder has a non-magnetic leather-wrapped metal money clip, one interior pocket and a thumb-slide ID window. It’s a slim wallet—measuring just a half-inch thick—and hold about 10 bills and three credit cards. Consider this pick if you only carry the essentials.
Bloomingdales
Saint Laurent East West Leather Bifold Wallet
Colors: Black | Materials: Leather, fabric lining | Warranty: Not listed
Saint Laurent puts a luxurious twist on a classic wallet design with their made-in-Italy East West Leather Bifold Wallet. You’ve got ample storage with two interior bill compartments, two interior slip pockets and eight card slots. The textured leather is a step up from your average leather and bodes well for years of durable wear and enjoying its patina over time.
Mr Porter
Acne Studios Leather Trifold Wallet
Colors: Black | Materials: Leather | Warranty: Not listed
Unlike a traditional trifold wallet that folds on top of itself, Acne Studios’ leather trifold opens into a L-shape, giving you two quick-access pockets and two additional storage locations, along with a center slot. There’s also a compartment that snaps closed with a button, which allows this wallet to store coins as well—a rarity among men’s models.
Amazon
Bull Guard Mens RFID Blocking Bifold Wallet Soft Genuine Leather
Colors: 11 total, including Mountain Forest Black, Storm Cloud Blue and Wild Buck Tan | Materials: Leather| Warranty: Full refund or free replacement
This affordable bifold wallet from Bull Guard doesn’t skimp on storage or functionality: It features 11 credit card slots (three of which have easy thumb access), a two-pocket money divider, and two slip-in pockets, plus a third overflip panel opens to reveal a see-through ID slot. The leather softens with use so the wallet will eventually mold to your cards and pocket.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted fashion team are experts on all things style. Our archive includes articles on the most essential accessories, including the best leather wallets for men, the best slim wallets and the top wallets for women. Senior fashion editor and co-author of this story, Kari Molvar, is a veteran in the industry and has covered everything from the best messenger bags for men to the best work pants for women. Co-author and contributor Becky Eaton also has extensive experience researching and reviewing fashion picks, like the best shoes for standing all day.
To gather the most accurate information on men’s wallets possible, we also looked to a team of outside experts, including Derek Lall, former men’s buyer for The Bay lifestyle store in Canada, and Jian DeLeon, men’s fashion and editorial director at Nordstrom. Joseph Tang, fashion director at Holt Renfrew in Canada, also weighed in on the types of factors to consider for men’s wallets.
We regularly update this story to make sure we’re providing the best, most accurate recommendations. We recently updated our picks in August 2023 to add an option for the best hardcase wallet and the best RFID-blocking leather wallet.
How We Chose The Best Men’s Wallets
When making a list of the best men’s wallets, we first spoke with our experts to determine which factors are most important. Derek Lall helped us determine the types of materials that are best for men’s wallets, while Jian DeLeon and Joseph Tang offered guidance on sizing.
We then looked to top-rated brands and selected styles with not only excellent reviews, but superior functionality too, since men’s wallets are an everyday essential that experiences a lot of wear and tear.
When selecting styles, we also took into consideration different uses—some men may want a more sleek, compact wallet while others may prioritize security and anti-theft features. If you’re looking for a durable, yet compact option, consider the Mountain Voyage Minimalist Wallet, which is made with carbon fiber and metal finish for extra sturdiness. A pick like the Royce New York’s Leather RFID-Blocking Wallet is great for those concerned about identity theft, for example.
What To Consider When Buying Men’s Wallets
Material: “Leather and nylon are the best materials for a wallet,” says Derek Lall. “With something that goes in and out of your pocket or a bag, you want a material that is smooth and durable, and something that can withstand consistent use.” Jian DeLeon, men’s fashion and editorial director at Nordstrom, agrees. “Leather breaks in nicely, conforms to what you put in it, and develops a patina that gives your wallet a sense of personalization.”
Size: DeLeon suggests putting the wallet in your front and back pockets before buying. “It’s like test driving a car,” he says. “Put your stuff in it and see how it feels, but more importantly make sure it fits securely inside the pocket and isn’t annoying when you sit down.” Joseph Tang says to keep your wallet as slender as possible. “A slim wallet can fit multiple cards and minimize the clutter that can accumulate in a larger wallet,” he says. “If there is room, you will tend to fill it, so keep your wallet light enough to carry only what you need to get by.”
Zipper or no zipper: “For every day, I suggest a classic bi-fold–it’s slim and easy to carry,” says Tang. However, if you are traveling, and need something that’s large enough to fit a passport and different currencies, a zipper is useful. Lall has a zippered wallet for that very reason. “I travel enough that it doubles as a place to put coins,” he says. “It’s also infinitely more elegant than well…Velcro.”
More Expert Tips About Men’s Wallets
How much you decide to spend on a wallet is a personal decision. The experts, however, say a high-quality option that stands up to daily wear and tear generally goes for $100 to $300. If you’re the kind of guy who’s into style, your wallet makes an impression when you pull it out of your pocket or pick up the tab. Our advice is to invest in an option you feel confidently carrying.
Keeping your wallet in good condition should be easy and low-maintenance. Dampen a washcloth with mild soap to gently remove stains (this works for leather too, although there are special leather cleaners out there).
Don’t cram your wallet with too many cards, bills or miscellaneous items—this weakens the seams and generally shortens the lifespan of your wallet. If your wallet starts to get misshapen from overstuffing it, think about upgrading to a larger size or being vigilant about de-cluttering once a month.
Good Question: Do I Even Need To Carry A Wallet?
It’s a reasonable question to ask in today’s digital, tap-and-go world. If you can load all your credit cards on your smartphone, there’s less need to carry around a bulky wallet in your back pocket, right? For advice on the matter, we turned to Forbes Vetted’s senior fashion editor, Kari Molvar, who weighed the pros and cons of going wallet-less.
Pros: “I recently tested a bunch of small-sized bags for one of our fashion stories and had to drastically downsize my daily carry as a result. I put all my cards in my Apple digital wallet on my phone and said goodbye to my old leather trifold. I felt liberated. I felt lighter (literally! That old wallet weighed a ton). And I felt more of today’s times and less like the Gen X-er I actually am.”
Cons: “On the flip side, there were instances when I actually needed a wallet: When I went to the doctor’s office and had to whip out my insurance card. When I needed to show my driver’s license to check into a hotel. When I had to pay for parking in cash. I learned that there are times you just need to carry around some stuff. However, I didn’t resort to using my old wallet. Instead, I transferred the absolute essentials into a slim, sleek cardholder that someone had given to me as a gift nearly 15 years ago and I had put on a shelf, thinking ‘I’ll never use that thing—it’s so small!’ Well, now I worship that cardholder. It’s the perfect compromise between a hulking wallet and carrying nothing at all.”
Bottom Line: If you can transfer all of your cards and forms of ID to your phone, and never have a need for cash, you can go wallet-free. However, if your life requires carrying some essentials—insurance cards, a bit of cash, your driver’s license—then you need some type of holder. In this case, a minimalist cardholder is the most versatile option, according to our fashion editor.
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