The kind of wallet you carry says a lot about you. It shows your style, lifestyle, and preferences.
Wallet seams must be durable to withstand regular, heavy use. Look for dense and uniform stitching without loose threads at edges or creases.
This minimalist bifold wallet from Secrid features a spring-loaded lever for accessing your cards. It also has a slide for paper money and a pocket for storing loyalty cards or other items.
1. RFID Protection
Many credit cards, debit cards, passports, and ID cards now contain RFID chips that communicate with card readers via radio waves. This makes it super convenient to make payments without swiping your card. But it can also be risky. Criminals can use RFID scanners to capture the information on your unprotected cards — a process known as electronic pickpocketing. This type of theft is a growing concern and the reason you need a wallet with RFID protection.
Modern RFID-blocking wallets protect your cards by creating a protective shield around them. The technology is incorporated into the material so it doesn’t interfere with the wallet’s design or functionality, and it often looks and feels just like your regular wallet.
An RFID wallet is especially useful when you’re out and about in crowded areas where thieves are more likely to be active. This includes sporting events, festivals, and other busy areas where people are focused on having fun and not on keeping their wallets closed. In these cases, an RFID-blocking wallet for men is a great way to enjoy the event and feel safe in your choices when it comes to protecting your personal information. It’s an inexpensive piece of wallet armor that could save you from becoming a victim of RFID theft in the future.
2. Water-Resistant
Most wallets today feature a waterproof coating that keeps contents dry and safe. This is a great feature to look for in a wallet, especially since modern men spend more time on the go and are less concerned about carrying cash as they focus more on cards and mobile payments.
In the past, thick bi-fold wallets were the standard but now the modern man demands a slimmer and sleek design to match his busy lifestyle. A slimmer wallet is also more discreet and safer to carry in a public place and makes it harder for criminals to target your valuables.
Some wallets offer a hard-cased construction that is completely waterproof, meaning it would stand up to even a full submersion in water. This kind of protection is great for those who regularly spend their day in and out of water.
Other wallets are considered water-resistant and will protect your belongings against splashes and rain but wouldn’t hold up well if fully submerged in water. For this reason, look for a water-resistant wallet with good seams and stitching. You also want to make sure the edges of the leather or fabric are rounded rather than cut to form sharp right angles as this can lead to fraying over time.
3. Removable ID Card
A removable ID card allows you to easily and quickly show your ID, while keeping the rest of your wallet concealed. You don’t need to open your whole wallet and risk showing everyone your name, birthdate and other personal information.
This feature is especially helpful if you carry a work or government ID card or use the Metro or other public transport systems where an ID is required. It also keeps people from peeking into your wallet as you swipe to pay.
The passcase is usually in the shape of a flap that can flip to reveal your ID. Some designs feature a plastic ID window that faces inward to protect your information from the elements and increase durability.
Whether you’re a minimalist or simply prefer a slimmer profile, the option to remove the passcase flap is a great one. Having this versatility allows you to customize your carry based on your needs and reduces the overall bulk of the wallet.
Another way to enhance security is with a RFID-blocking design. Almost all credit, debit, bank cards and ID cards contain RFID chips that store information. Men’s wallets with RFID blocking capabilities will shield these chips from unauthorized scanning.
4. Money Clip
Money clips are the perfect minimalist wallet for people who don’t want to carry around a large amount of cash or credit cards. A money clip is slim and compact, fitting comfortably into your front or back pocket with a capacity of 6-8 credit card slots and a bank note clip.
This sleek piece of gear isn’t the cheapest on this list, but it’s also one that will last you for as long as you do – and maybe longer. Made from carbon fiber, the buzzy metal that’s found in everything from sports cars to spaceships, this wallet will look badass in any setting and patina over time to create a style uniquely your own.
Not into carbon fiber? This bifold wallet is a great alternative. Slide in your bills and cards (twelve in all) and lock them securely with adjustable tension on the clip. You can also choose whether to use the clip or keep the insert for a more traditional look.
5. Bill Divider
Men’s wallets have experienced a noticeable shift in recent years. Thin bifold wallets were once the dominant type, offering quick access to cards and a bulk-free pocket experience. However, as lifestyles change and modern tech introduces new opportunities for theft, the need for a sleeker, minimalist design emerged.
This shift has led to the creation of new styles like the streamlined card holder. A popular choice for proponents of a minimal lifestyle, this slim option can hold credit cards, a driving license and perhaps some spare change.
Another option is a bi-fold wallet that includes two separate cash pockets. This allows you to keep small bills on one side and larger bills on the other, making it easier to retrieve the right bill when needed. A drawback of this solution is that it adds some extra thickness to the wallet compared to a single cash pocket, but many find the added convenience worth the additional bulk.
Ultimately, the right wallet for you will come down to personal preference regarding aesthetics, size, material and tech features. But if you’re ready to upgrade your EDC, there are plenty of high-quality options to choose from. Check out premium brands like Forrest & Harold and Ekster Parliament for innovative designs with enduring elegance.
6. Receipt Pockets
Many wallets use an open pocket for paper bills and a series of card slots. Those with hinged openings allow the owner to carry a lot more cards than the average bi-fold. They’re great for people who need to carry extra shopper’s cards, business cards, pictures, SIM cards, or other essentials.
This style of wallet uses a slim profile that fits easily in the front pocket. Its compact size encourages users to organize their belongings in a structured way, which minimizes the time spent searching through a jumbled pile.
The pouch also has a stash pocket and RFID-blocking technology to prevent electronic theft. Its aerospace-grade materials make it a robust and long-lasting investment, while its Mag-Lock cover plates make it easy to switch styles for a new look.
If you’re shopping for a modern wallet that offers a sleek, minimalist design while remaining durable and affordable, consider the Rouge Front Pocket Wallet from Maine-based Rouge Leather. Crafted in premium bison leather, this front-pocket wallet delivers an uncompromising combination of strength and style that ages beautifully over time. It also features a windowed ID pocket, a cash pocket, and center divider for paper money. Moreover, it comes with a lifetime warranty to ensure its durability.
7. Pull-Tabs
Whether you’re looking for a wallet that can carry 12 cards, a wad of cash and some receipts or something a little more minimalist and compact, there’s an option out there. From leather-trimmed bifold wallets to metal options that can fit into tight pockets, these wallets come in a variety of shapes and sizes.