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Finding The Best Designer Wallets For Men
Choosing a wallet may seem like a no-brainer even if its contents are everything. Why neglect this small piece of leather or canvas on you, especially when you pay close attention to all else you wear?
If you’re convinced about choosing from a line-up of the best designer wallets for men, you’ve landed in the right pocket. We’ll give you the dough.
Picture this: You know you look dapper; you are confident every piece you wear doesn’t just speak to your personal aesthetics but also announces to the world your brand.
And, then, it’s time for your ‘this one’s on me’ moment when you flick open your wallet at a business lunch, or at a bar counter, or an evening out fine dining. A person with a discerning eye for labels is bound to notice your wallet’s subtle embossing even in dim restaurant lighting.
A luxury accessory or a practical utility, there’s clearly an argument to invest in designer wallets. If you are worried about putting a dent on your old wallet, we’ll tell you which designer wallets for men are worth the pinch and why. Dig deep.
How to Choose The Best Designer Wallets For Men
Before we discuss assets, let’s deliberate the basics – What is a designer wallet? Simply put, anything that costs more than the cash in it. It is expensive, but it is also the only hold-all you’ll probably need in months or years to come.
So, how do you choose the best designer wallets for men that withstand the wear and tear of time while still being stylish enough to mirror your personality?
Here are some pointers to keep in mind while choosing the best designer wallets for men, across tastes, lifestyles and purposes:
- Choose the correct size – It’s probably time to get rid of those expired gift cards and find the actual size you need
- Pick the right color – Now may be a good time to explore options beyond the classic browns
- Make sure you like the material – Hint: Consider function before appearance
- Ensure it suits your lifestyle – For example, can it handle a beating?
- Consider RFID Technology – Prevents tech-savvy thieves from reading information on your credit cards.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s delve into some of the top selling points of some of the best designer wallets for men.
Brand
If you are looking for wallets, you are probably spoilt for choice. If you are looking for something that’s durable, sleek and showcases fine craftsmanship, your options shrink.
Every wallet that is considered a contender in the race for the best designer wallets for men tag is a winner in their own right.
From the elegant monochromatic themes rolled out from the house of Montblanc to the flamboyance of Alexander McQueen, from the time-honored classic designs of Armani to the glitz of Dolce & Gabbana – all of them have the story of their brand woven into a pocket-sized piece of canvas and leather.
You could go bold with a wallet that has a recognizable logo emblazoned on it, or you could go for something that’s more muted, subtle and sophisticated. You could choose sleek leather or stiff canvas; one that is all form or function, or a bit of both.
Remember, these top designer wallets also have to keep your cash, credit cards, identity cards, that memorable movie ticket or a special moment or person frozen in a picture, in a compact package.
Material
The best designer wallets for men aren’t always in fine leather. Top designer wallets can be made of fabric, canvas, synthetic materials or a combination of these with or without leather.
If you’re all for using sustainable materials, here’s a nugget for you – wallets also come in recycled materials like paper, wood and metal.
If a wallet’s brand tells you its past, its material predicts its future. Choosing the right material is not just important for aesthetics but also indicates your wallet’s durability. It should be able to match your lifestyle.
Designer leather wallets, for example, are classic in form, but they require high maintenance and may not be for everyone. More on this later in this best designer wallets for men review.
Price
If you want to choose from the best designer wallets, you have to loosen those purse strings. The cost of some of the best designer wallets for men range from $110 to $3,000.
The pricing depends on multiple components – from the kind of materials used to the make and point of production. Most luxury wallets made in Italy are on the higher-end, especially if it is made of 100% leather and alligator hide.
No reason to be disheartened if affordability is what stops you from buying mens designer wallets. You also have the option of buying lower-end designer wallets made of a combination of materials that are just as exquisite. Want to know more? Read on.
Resale Value
A 2015 survey conducted by European luxury resale site Vestiaire Collective found that 5% of the survey participants considered the resale value of fashion items before making a purchase.
Considering the resale value of your designer wallet is a good way to justify your purchase. Also, there is a massive demand for pre-owned goods.
A quick scan of the resale value of designer wallets for men on Vestiaire Collective reveals that the values range from $100 to $400, averaging around $325.
The 15 Best Designer Wallets For Men
We now have a fair idea of what to look for while shopping for designer wallets. It’s time to browse through what’s hot in the market.
#1 – Balenciaga Cash Square Folded Coin Black Designer Wallet
If you’re someone who likes simple but also wants to make sure no one misreads your brand, the Balenciaga Cash Square Folded Coin Black Designer Wallet is for you. Made in Italy, this cash square folded coin wallet has 4 card slots, 1 flap coin purse and 2 bill compartments.
The wallet’s grandeur comes from the Balenciaga logo perforated all over its smooth calfskin. At $550, the price may seem a bit steep considering its simplicity and its availability only in a single color and size (4.5L x 3.7H x 0.7W inches).
But no one expects anything that’s made in Italy to come cheap, right? Also, if you think the perforation may make this wallet difficult to maintain, you are in for a surprise. All it requires is a gentle wipe with a soft cloth.
#2 – Salvatore Ferragamo SF Designer Wallet
A whisper of luxury and a blend of the traditional with the modern, the Salavatore Ferragamo SF Designer Wallet is for those who want to play it cool and play it safe.
Made of calf leather, its interior is organized into flat pockets and color block card slots that are à la mode, while its exterior is stoic, subtly making a statement with SF’s new signature logo on the bottom corner.
Crafted in Italy, this billfold is available in three colors – Black, Brown and Vicuna (golden-brown) and comes in a single size (3.3H, 4.3L inches). Priced at $525, it’s a perfect fit for those who want to be snazzy and stay classy.
#3 -Louis Vuitton Multiple Designer Wallet
Want to play it really safe? You can’t go wrong with a Louis Vuitton Multiple Designer Wallet. The name says it all – at least most of it. With its signature monogram canvas, this piece is a montage of cowhide leather, canvas lining and leather trimmings.
LV’s safeguard is its rich history. The Louis Vuitton Monogram was designed by Georges Vuitton all the way back in 1896 in memory of his late father, the founder of the renowned brand.
From its handcrafted roots, this personal signature is now an international symbol on luggage and handbags.
The wallet’s multiple features merit bullet points:
- 3 credit cards slots
- 2 compartments for bills and tickets
- 2 side slots for receipts
- 2 business cards slots
Although it has multiple pockets and slots, the wallet is marketed as being neat and compact enough to fit snugly in your pocket.
Now, that’s a miracle considering few of us like to leave slots in our wallets unfilled, especially when we are spoilt with options (Am I alone here?).
Priced at $585, the wallet comes in a single size (4.5L x 3.5H x 0.6W inches). Your wallet could either be made in France, Spain, Italy or in the US.
Like all designer leather wallets, this bill-fold requires high maintenance. It has a list of nemeses to avoid – abrasive surfaces, damp and humid conditions, direct exposure to sunlight, sources of heat like radiators, greasy surfaces, perfumes, cosmetics, and water.
Phew! I had to stop to flex my fingers at the end of that list. The brand, however, assures you won’t regret taking proper care of it.
#4 – Gucci Ophidia GG Designer Wallet
If you’re tired of the classic brown, burgundy and black, the Gucci Ophidia GG Designer Wallet presents you with a colorful alternative. The bi-fold is presented in Gucci’s iconic beige GG canvas, with brown leather trim, and a green and red stripe stamped with the Double G logo in antique gold – a classic combination of the fashion house’s most recognizable colors and facets.
Priced at $560, this Made-in-Italy product has 8 card slots and 2 bill compartments, and measures 8.3 W x 3.5 H inches. You can also personalize your wallet by adding a monogram free of cost.
The wallet is a riot, but its anarchy is also what makes it such a knockout. It’s definitely bound to draw attention at a soirée with its bold prints and distinct colors.
#5 – Armani Eagle Plate Designer Wallet
Easy on the eye and pocket (literally and figuratively), the Armani Eagle Plate Designer Wallet is a personal favorite for its neat lines, smooth texture and overall minimalist style.
It has 4 card slots, 3 side slots, 2 compartments for bills and a coin pouch, making it not just convenient but an essential for everyday life.
The wallet is made of 100% Polyester, which explains its price of $125. Sized at 4.9 x 3.7 x 0.9 inches, it is slim and sleek even if it has multiple pockets. Armani’s signature Eagle logo is stamped in gold, lending this piece a certain distinction.
The wallet is available in two classic colors – blue and black. If budget is what stops you from investing in designer wallets, then this fine piece will make you rethink.
#6 – Dolce & Gabbana Dauphine Calfskin Designer Wallet
If you want to go all out and add some color to your pocket, then the Dolce & Gabbana Dauphine Calfskin Designer Wallet is a fine piece of art.
Inspired by the colors of the Mediterranean, the wallet has stripes in brushstrokes, setting it apart for its detailing and delightful aesthetic. This one promises to raise eyebrows.
Made with 100% Calfskin on the outside, and the interior with a mix of calfskin and viscose, this multicolor objet d’art from Italy comes with 2 card slots and 1 coin pocket on top with zipper and branded slider. Its front flap has a hidden press-stud fastening.
Sized at 4.2 x 3.4 x 1.2 inches, this man-purse is bound to make heads turn. Did we mention it also comes with a detachable strap? Here’s your chance to not just carry your wallet, but wear it in style.
It is currently available at a discounted price of $387, down from its original price of $645.
#7 – Burberry Check Print Leather Designer Wallet
If you are worried about the environment (well, you do have solid reasons to be), then the Burberry Check Print Leather Designer Wallet could be your way to make a statement.
Made with what Burberry describes as “environmentally conscious” canvas, this hold-all is made using renewable resources that require less water and generate lower CO2 than conventional coated canvases.
While its outer check canvas is made with a mix of elastic and cotton, the trim is made with 100% leather and has hand-painted edges.
It has 4 exterior and 3 interior card slots in leather, including an expandable central slip compartment for cards and notes. All these features are assembled in a compact 4.1 x 3 inches square.
The wallet is available in three colors – Military green, birch brown and solid black. Priced at $300, this pouch makes for a great gift for someone who is a fan of check prints.
Burberry offers free gift packaging in its signature Burberry gift box finished with a hand-tied ribbon.
#8 – Givenchy Trompe L’oeil Designer Wallet
A minimalist wallet that roars the brand, Givenchy’s Trompe L’oeil Designer wallet isn’t really subtle although its overall make is. With its smooth calfskin leather in black, the wallet’s embellishment is in the bold white Givenchy Paris print on the exterior in a trompe l’oeil effect and an embossed silver Givenchy signature on the inside.
Made with 100% calfskin leather and lined with viscose, this is yet another stud from Italy, tagged at $490. Its interior is simple and shorn of any trimmings – 2 bill pockets and 8 card slots.
The price may seem on the higher side, but if it’s any consolation, shipping and returns are free if you order from Givenchy’s official website.
#9 – Bellroy Note Sleeve Designer Wallet
Now, here’s something that has definitely given a lot of thought to function over form. The Bellroy Note Sleeve Designer Wallet prides itself in being spacious and slim. Let’s open the wallet to fact-check this claim:
- 3 quick-access slots for your daily cards
- Pull-tab storage for additional cards
- A full-sized section for bills
- A slim coin pocket with flap closure
All these, and priced at $125? Well, that’s a steal. The exterior may be a tad underwhelming for those looking for a designer wallet that’s exceptional in style.
The Bellroy Note Sleeve Designer Wallet does look refined, made with leather sourced exclusively from the Netherlands, but there’s little in style that sets it apart from a row of designer wallets. Its only embellishment comes in the form of stitched thread that subtly contrasts with the leather texture.
The wallet is available in four colors – Natural, Black, Aragon and Dark Wood – and a single size (102 x 90 mm).
The wallet makes up for the lack in style with its quality and the brand’s commitment to the environment. The leather, for example, is tanned using a technology that reduces water and chemical use. The wallet is RFID protected and is backed by a three-year warranty.
If you’re looking for something staid, solid, and affordable, this one is perfect for your pocket.
#10 – Tom Ford Alligator Chain Designer Wallet
Subtlety is foreign to you. You love being the centre of attention. You don’t shy from having it and flaunting it. The Tom Ford Alligator Chain Designer Wallet is your match. With its zip wallet and gold chain detail, this piece is made with 100% alligator.
A Made in Italy product with alligator is not going to be easy on the pocket. Priced at a whopping $2,990, the wallet is expensive, but it looks expensive too. And if you’re still reading this, subtlety is certainly not up your alley.
The wallet has 4 card slots, 2 compartments for bills and a coin pouch with a flap. Sized at 11.7 x 10 x 2 cm, this is slightly bulkier than most designer wallets, but that’s a small price to pay for the attention that’s bound to come your way.
#11 – Bally Baliro Designer Wallet
Move over squares, it’s time we explored other corners and edges. The Bally Baliro Designer Wallet may not sit easy in your pocket given its clutch-like shape, but it’s perfect to carry in your sleek work satchels and for travel.
Made with 100% bovine leather, the Baliro continental wallet comes in black and has 8 card slots, a coin pocket with top zip closure and 4 internal note flat pockets. Its adornment comes in the form of the Bally Stripe detailing on the front.
Its size at 7.5 x 3.7 inches is what lends it its distinction. Priced at $340, this one may not be for all occasions but it will serve you well when it does.
#12 – Harber London Leather Bifold Designer Wallet with RFID Protection
Minimalist in design, conventional in make and classic in colors – the Harber London Leather Bifold Designer Wallet has everything you need in a traditional wallet with no frills. Crafted in Spain, marketed in London and shipped around the world, this designer wallet has been around quite a bit.
The wallet is made with Harben London’s signature full grain leather. This means the leather has not been sanded or buffed as traditionally done to remove any marks. All of the oil-absorbing properties and original characteristics of the leather remain intact, which will patina and endure over time.
Priced at $110, this one’s a keeper if you’re looking for a designer wallet that’s durable. It fits more than 18 cards while staying slim, has magnetic closure, and is RFID protected.
The Harben London Bifold is available in seven colors – Tan, Black, Navy Blue, Deep Brown, Grey, Burgundy and Stone. You can also customize it by embossing a monogram in a font and color of your choice for a nominal amount.
#13 – Alexander Mcqueen Studded Billfold Designer Wallet
If you’re considering owning an Alexander McQueen, simplicity clearly isn’t your game. Christened as fashion’s enfant terrible, Alexander McQueen’s ingenious vision and designs live on in the fashion house’s range of accessories. The Alexander McQueen Studded Billfold Designer Wallet is no exception.
Embellished with silver-finished studs on the outside and lined in red inside, the designer wallet has 8 card slots, 2 flat pockets and 2 bill compartments. Made with 100% calf leather, these designer leather wallets are priced at $490.
The piece is great for a night out. Now brace yourself for the disappointment: The product is currently out of stock on Alexander McQueen’s official website. Let’s hope they come back on the virtual shelves soon.
#14 – Montblanc Sartorial Pocket 5cc Designer Wallet
Think Montblanc, think precision. The Montblanc Sartorial Pocket 5cc Designer Wallet is all about precision. Made with full grain calfskin and dyed through in black, this square piece has 5 credit card compartments, and is 100 x 10 x 75mm in size.
No frippery, no fuss. Even the Montblanc emblem is understated here. The insides are lined with jacquard. This is minimalism at its minimum.
If you want to personalize it, Montblanc gives you the option of embossing your initials free of cost. You get to choose your font and you get to call this piece your very own.
The only drawback is its hefty price tag. At $195, excluding taxes and shipping, the pocket designer wallet is overpriced given its limited utility.
#15 – Bottega Veneta Bi-fold Designer Wallet
Another example of Italy’s fine craftsmanship, the Bottega Veneta Bi-fold Designer Wallet has the brand’s signature intrecciato weave, which involves meticulously braiding together strips of leather. The result: A conspicuous design that is at once discreet and stylish. This scores high on style for me.
Made with premium quality leather (100% calfskin), this exquisite piece has 8 card slots, 2 note compartments and 2 additional pockets. It comes in a single size at 9.5 x 11 x 1 cm.
They are available in five colors: Black, Mallard, Fondant, Light Graphite and Taupe. At $660, this wallet may seem expensive, but customers vouch for its fine make even after years of usage.
The Bottega Veneta Bi-fold Designer Wallet is an example of how attention to detail coupled with an intuitive understanding of leather can result in an accessory that is high-end and yet not ostentatious.
This is a top pick for jetsetters who want more storage space in an elegant package.
Are Bi-Fold Or Tri-Fold Wallets Better?
A quick online search on bi-fold vs tri-fold leads you to multiple online discussions on this age-old fashion debate. A bi-fold is a wallet that can be folded in half. A tri-fold comprises two flaps that can be folded to the centre with each portion making one-third of the wallet’s length.
While a majority vouch for bi-folds arguing that it tends to be slimmer than a tri-fold, a handful swear by tri-folds contending that they provide more room. In the end, it all comes down to personal preferences.
If you think you’re a tri-fold person, go for it by all means. Let no one tell you otherwise.
What Is The Best Material For Designer Wallets?
Before we judge a winner, let’s go into the pros and cons of popular materials used to make some of the best designer wallets for men:
1. Leather: Leather remains among the top picks given the material’s time-tested durability. However, remember, leather does not always assure quality. Make sure to feel the thickness, smoothness and the overall texture of the material.
Con: It may not be the best option for those looking for something that’s low maintenance.
2. Combination of materials: A mixture of synthetic materials, fabric, metal and leather, among others, this is a hot favorite for many who aren’t a stickler for leather. It scores high on style.
Con: The quality depends on the kind of materials used and may not be as durable as 100% leather.
3. Elastic: Lightweight, this is a great option for those looking for a cheaper alternative to leather.
Con: It lacks the premium feel
4. Metal: Strong and hardy, this is a great option for those constantly on the move and travel to places with extreme conditions where the chances of damage is higher.
Con: Its size – most metal wallets are minimalist in size because of the static nature of metal and the difficulty to create a bi-fold.
There’s clearly no one best material for designer wallets. The debate again comes down to your personal preference and lifestyle.
Are Designer Wallets Worth It?
If price is your prime consideration, then, no, designer wallets may not be worth it. You can find quality wallets that don’t come with hefty price tags. However, if you see luxury wallets as an investment, then it’s definitely worth it. Designer wallets will last you years and have a great resale value.
When you put down money to own the best designer wallets for men, you aren’t just paying the price of the product, you are paying for the label, the designer, the creative inspiration, the manufacturing practices – all of which are clearly superior in quality for brands that have been around for a long time.
So, if you have cash to splash and you really want to own a piece of luxury, then this is a worthwhile buy. Also, buying a designer wallet is a great way to kick-start your journey into the world of high-end brands.
Which Mens Designer Wallet Is the Best?
It’s hard to judge a clear winner in the competition for the best designer wallets for men. Every piece is unique and scores high for different reasons.
If you’re looking for something sharp, neat and luxurious, and still affordable, then the Armani Eagle Plate Designer Wallet ($125) and Harber London’s Leather Bifold Designer Wallet ($110) would be your go-to.
Minimalist in design with ample storage space, both these wallets are versatile and can be used for everyday life. Harber London also has multiple options in colors that aren’t offered by many high-end brands.
If you are someone who equates value for money with the number of compartments in a wallet, a word of advice – please don’t. The last thing you want is a bulge in your pants (No pun intended). So, which one scores high on value for money?
For me, the Bottega Veneta Bi-fold Designer Wallet is a winner in this department. It’s got style, space, and finesse. Priced at $660, it is on the higher-end, but given the quality of its leather and detailed design that’s conspicuous yet not over the top, makes it worth the buy. It ticks the form and function boxes for me.
If you want to go all out and splurge on a designer wallet that screams luxury, then the Tom Ford Alligator Chain Designer Wallet could be your fit. Priced at $2,990, the wallet oozes wealth with its gilded gold chain and opulent alligator hide. This one piece on you is enough to dazzle.
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