The wallet is the window to the soul—that’s how the saying goes, right? Either way, like any accessory, the wallet you choose to carry every day says a lot about you, and the best leather wallets will say it loud and proud.
A slightly worn, stylishly scuffed, vintage number? Its carrier is an old soul (who may have a penchant for Indiana Jones). A classic, sleek design with maxed-out card pockets on the inside? That’s a man who’s all about utility.
You may be reading this in a panic now, thinking about the last date you pulled your wallet out on and wondering what judgments were made about you at that moment, but you don’t have to. Even if you’re not clinging to your old middle-school duct tape wallet, chances are you’re still due for an upgrade sooner rather than later.
Key Takeaways
If you’re looking for your next do-it-all and then some wallet, welcome to my master list. While choosing the best leather wallets is not as easy as closing your eyes and pointing at something, it doesn’t have to be a stressful situation. Remember to consider your needs (size, carrying capacity, appearance) and your aesthetic (minimalist, colorful). Leather is a beautiful medium, worth splurging on if you’re looking to find something that will last.
Overall, I’d recommend the Bellroy Hide and Seek, it’s budget-friendly and comes in a variety of colors. But if you’re looking for that special something that will never go out of style, don’t pass on the Luca Faloni Black Bifold (you can thank me later).
Keep reading to learn about my picks for the best leather wallets for men that suit every lifestyle and aesthetic.
Bellroy’s Hide & Seek Wallet is the best leather wallet for men just getting in on the fashion game, combining all the features you need in an everyday wallet in a cool, modern style.
Despite its slim, bi-fold design, this wallet has the carrying capacity of over 12 cards and a space for dollar bills. Its “more-than-meets-the-eye” style makes it a great everyday choice for guys on the go, as there’s plenty of space for business cards and receipts to build up, but feels barely there in your pocket.
One thing we love? You can find this wallet in a variety of colors, from basic black and tans to pops of color like forest green, blue and orange, so you don’t have to worry that upping your accessory game means you have to do away with any pops of originality.
Reviewers have mentioned that with all that card space, more bulk can accumulate in this wallet, so if you’re someone who just needs an ID and a credit card to leave the house, you may want to look elsewhere on this list.
If women have ‘little black dresses’, then the male equivalent has to be a little black wallet. There’s no easier way to spruce up a dinner or meeting outfit than with a little bit of sleek black leather, which is why
You can’t be slowed down throughout your day trying to cram cards and cash in a too-small card sleeve, which is why this full-grain leather wallet uses separate sides for cards and cash, with 6 card slots and a coin purse on one side, and a full bill sleeve on the other.
An elastic pen loop on the inside and the fact that this zips fully are unique features that make this wallet functionable as well as fashionable. The only thing to keep in mind is that this wallet is a bit larger than the others on this list, so if you’re looking for something you can forget about in your pocket this may not be your best choice.
This wallet has your name all over it. Well, it’ll be on your cards at least. With its high-quality Italian veg-tanned leather and incredibly texturized outer layer, the Elm Compact wallet is definitely the best leather wallet for men who have an eye for the finer things in life.
And this wallet doesn’t just look cool. It has a minimalist bi-fold design so it fits comfortably in a pants or jacket pocket, a large back pocket for dollar bills, and easy access card holders.
Even though this wallet can fit up to 4 cards, this wallet definitely focuses on style more than utility. If you’re looking for a higher carrying capacity or any hidden pockets, somewhere else on this list might be the best leather wallet for you.
Luca Faloni’s Bifold Cardholder is proof that luxury doesn’t have to mean opulence. This slim profile wallet is one of the best leather wallets for guys who want to invest in quality craftsmanship.
Luca Faloni wallets are made of genuine Italian leather, so even with its steeper price tag you can rest assured that you’re getting the most
This wallet comes fitted with 4 card slots and 4 sleeves that provide room for a few folded dollar bills. The Luca Faloni site recommends using the card slots for a maximum of 2 cards each, so if you’re a person who accumulates a lot of things throughout their day, you may want to look elsewhere on this list.
The good people of Roderer have leather down to, well, a science. Which is why their Award Wallet is second to none in terms of both carrying capacity and style, and the best leather wallet for men require more than just the essentials. While on the outside this leather wallet looks like a slim, unassuming place to store a handful of cards and a few bills, on the inside it’s the Mary Poppins bag of wallets.
The color is second to none, yes the traditional black or brown is great for most but if you want something that stands out that much more (or really like a full monochrome moment), here’s your best bet. Plus, this wallet is handmade, lined, and has a 2-year warranty to rest your nerves.
Troubadour’s Pivot wallet lets you cash in on the trendy look of a leather wallet while committing to a minimalist look—now who wouldn’t want to take that deal? Not ideal for all your cards, this wallet is ideal when you’re out and looking to carry minimal items on you. Even better, use this as a flash business card holder while networking.
If you’re looking for some of the best leather wallets in the game, you should be looking at Leatherology—it’s literally in their name. Their bifold wallet is the best leather wallet for men who haven’t given any thought to upgrading their wallet until reading this article. Leatherology keeps things simple on this one—no frills, no hidden pockets, just space to store your cash and cards in a few essential colors that will match anything in your wardrobe.
This wallet also comes equipped with RFID technology, an invaluable quality in our digital age, which helps your credit card information from being picked up by accidental scans. Reviewers have noted that the dollar bill pocket of this wallet isn’t as large as they anticipated, so the cash-carriers reading this list may want to look elsewhere for their perfect fit.
If you’re looking for a way to really make your mark (pun intended) on your accessories, look no further than Swanky Badger’s Personalized Wallet. It may just be the best leather wallet for men who want to stand out without breaking the bank.
With Swanky Badger, you can choose between black and brown, and 4 different dynamic monogram options to reflect your bold personality. With their low price tag but high style factor, they’re the perfect option for a groomsmen gift or other special occasion.
Made of split cow leather, this wallet not only looks sleek, but is durable enough for everyday use. It boasts 8 card slots, a clear ID space, a back pocket for bills, and a zippered pouch for coins. The only thing to keep in mind with this wallet is that you’re limited to the designs Swanky Badger provides—so if you’re in the market for something completely personalized this may not be your best fit.
There’s nothing worse than the discomfort of a bulky wallet in your pocket as you go about your day. Which is why Bellroy’s Slim Sleeve Leather Wallet is the best leather wallet for men who only need a wallet for an ID and a card or two . This wallet takes the phrase small but mighty to a whole new level, as it can fit up to 8 cards as well as cash in an unassuming, bi-fold design you’ll barely realize you’re carrying.
Another great spec we love about this wallet are the pull tabs included to easily slide out less frequently used items, like membership or gift cards you typically keep in the back of your wallet but don’t want to leave at home. Even though this slim wallet can fit an impressive amount, it doesn’t have a full size bill sleeve, so if you’re looking for a way to carry more cash we recommend looking elsewhere on this list.
It’s important to treat yourself every now and then, and with Givenchy’s Grained Leather Wallet you can feel good that you’re splurging on something practical. This wallet is made of 100% high quality calfskin, so you can count on its durability and longevity with proper cleaning and care. The pure black goes with everything, while its 4 G silver emblem adds a flash of elegant luxury.
You can put any skepticism about designer products not having the utility of their cheaper counterparts with this wallet as well. It has a full bill sleeve in the back and 8 card slots, the front two being notched for easier access. As you probably guessed, the only pain point here is the price tag—but if you’re going to spend a couple hundred dollars on a wallet, this is one of the best leather wallets to spend it on.
If you’d rather keep more in your wallet than you spend on your wallet, this option is for you. Since the 1980s, Fossil has been providing people with the best leather wallets and other leather goods for quality prices, and their Derrick leather wallet is proof that they’re not stopping anytime soon. This wallet keeps things simple with its bifold design: it has space for 6 cards as well as a full-size back pocket for bills.
This is the best leather wallet for men who want a wide range of design options for a reasonable price—you can choose from basics like vintage tan and black leather, to funky patterns and bold colors that show off your fun side. Our main suggestion with this wallet is to triple check before you buy—the inside of the wallets and storage capacity can change with the different designs, so depending on what your needs are, certain designs may not be for you.
What to look for When Buying The Best Leather Wallets For Men
Material
While you may look at this category with confusion, there are a lot of subcategories to leather that you should be considering while shopping for a wallet. You have to consider the type and breed of animal the leather is coming from, the layer of hide that’s used, the quality of tanning, etc. The type of leather your wallet is made of will affect the style, longevity, and durability of it.
Color
When you think of a leather wallet you most likely picture only black or brown, and while basic isn’t bad, it’s not always best. Leather can come in a variety of rich, rugged colors, so it’s best to consider what matches the items already in your wardrobe. If you like a pop of color, maybe consider earth tones like forest green, mustard yellow, navy, or a burnt orange. The best leather wallets will not just just carry your essentials, bit reflect a bit of your personal style.
Capacity
While style is important, the true function of a wallet isn’t to look cool, it’s to carry things. So when you’re shopping for a wallet, always consider what you’re going to need to have with you every day. For example, the best leather wallets for men on the go may be simple leather money clips to hold their cash, while a tri-fold wallet is a better option for holding cards, cash, and anything else you may accumulate throughout the day.
Final Verdict
Buying the best leather wallets is no easy feat, there is no way you can just waltz into any store (or domain) and magically find what you need. Make sure when buying a leather wallet, there are several factors you should be considering.
If you’re looking for something to last, the first thing should be the quality of the leather. Ideally, you’ll spend the extra bit of cash to get something made of full-grain leather, like my favorite, the Award wallet from Roderer. Remember that real leather can have slight imperfections or patterns that show up, making it all the more unique.
The next option should be to consider what your needs are. Do you need something slim? Something with a lot of carrying capacity? Do you carry a lot of cash and need some kind of snap closure?
Hopefully, you’ve already found your next leather wallet from the list above, if you’re still searching I know that this was a great place to start. Happy hunting!
FAQ
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Like the saying goes–if you want something done right, do it yourself. The best way to clean a leather wallet is by hand, rather than machine. With a dry paper towel, first wipe off any surface dust on the wallet. Then, apply leather cleaner in a circular motion with a soft cloth, and finish off by using a lightly damp cloth to remove any excess cleaner.
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When it comes to a leather wallet, you want to be sure you’re investing in long-term quality. In terms of style and durability, full grain leather typically makes the best leather wallets. Full grain refers to the outermost part of the animal hide, and is typically the strongest part of the hide.
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The most important factor in the longevity of a wallet is how you care for it. The best leather wallets, ones that are made of full-grain or any other high quality leather, can last up to 10 years with proper care.
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