Wallets are a tricky accessory to shop for. You may be looking for something flashy but how do you know if it’s going to be useful?
Perhaps you want one with tons of features. But are you willing to pay a premium if you don’t carry many items?
Choosing a wallet has a lot to do with understanding what its purpose should be. Different activities may require different wallets. Your attire might also be a determining factor.
This article will take you through a couple of specific wallet types and their pros and cons. Once you understand their features you can stop asking yourself ‘What kind of wallet should I get?’
Travel Wallets
If you’re a frequent flier, then a travel wallet might be the most efficient option. Don’t just settle for a passport wallet. Travel wallets have a lot more going for them than room to keep your passport.
A travel wallet has enough compartments and slots to keep your credit cards and IDs. Sure, they’re bigger than usual but that comes with plenty of advantages.
If you travel between different countries on a regular basis, a larger wallet allows you to easily carry different currencies. Bills don’t come in the same size all over the world. As an added bonus, travel wallets might also have inner pockets that can hold coins.
Slim Wallets
You’ve seen these before; they’re not thicker than a couple of stacked credit cards. They have a limited storage capacity and few pockets. Most of the time, you’ll have just one interior and one exterior pocket.
These wallets can hold your ID and credit card. If you don’t use cash often, this might be a good one for you. What’s even better is that because of the very thin and light design you can keep it in any pocket.
Slim wallets fit perfectly in front pockets without bulking up your jeans on the side. They also give you quick access to your items since most don’t come with zippers.
Sports Wallets
What kind of wallet should I get for the beach? This is a question asked by a lot of men. The simple answer would be a sports wallet.
You may be tempted to think that it’s not stylish enough. While that may be true, here are some advantages that you might want to consider.
- Sports wallets can be waterproof or at least water-resistant. They come with zippers and Velcro, and they’re not easy to get into
- While sports wallets may not be appropriate if you’re a partner at a big law firm, they are very durable. They can keep some light rain, dust, or sand from getting in and ruining your credit cards or paper cash
- They don’t have amazing storage capacity but you may find larger models. The size will depend on where you want to keep them, in a jacket or a pant pocket
Leather Wallets
Whether they’re regular or long, leather wallets are usually considered classy. The darker the leather, the better you’ll look.
These wallets are usually made with style in mind more than actual pocket organization. You’ll still be able to keep a few cards or IDs and cash.
Just remember that billfolds may crease your cash. Long wallets are great but they’re not that great with a casual outfit.
Multiple Wallets
Remember that there’s nothing wrong with owning multiple wallets. If you lead an active lifestyle, you might need to change wallets depending on the occasion.
You could use a sports wallet going to and from the gym, but a regular leather wallet while you’re at your day job or when you go out to dinner.
Just because you don’t travel with your passport every week doesn’t mean a travel wallet won’t do nicely while you’re on vacation. It will allow you to keep all your important documents on hand in case of an emergency.
FINAL VERDICT
If you don’t want to buy multiple wallets, the solution is obvious. Choose the wallet that will go best with your usual outfits. If you’re going more for efficiency than looks, get the wallet that better complements your routine.
Being sure of its purpose is more than half the battle. A lot of men end up with more than one wallet, not out of necessity but because they’re not satisfied by the initial choice. Buying the coolest leather wallet on the market won’t raise your status if you’re wearing flip-flops and shorts everyday day.