AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.
Men’s wallets have evolved a lot over the years. Virtually gone are the days of conspicuous bulgy mounds in our rear pocket, as wallets have become smaller and slimmer and credit and debit cards have become more popular in lieu of carrying cash. But the best wallets for men are not just about storage, they’re about style, as well. With that in mind, I’ve compiled this guide with a fashion industry expert to help you find the most suitable wallet for all your needs.
What to consider when buying the best wallets for men
Purpose
First and foremost, choosing the proper wallet should begin with asking yourself, what type of storage does my lifestyle entail? Do you carry a lot of cash, or are credit and debit cards your usual mode? Does your profession require you to tote business cards? Are you a man who stores receipts after purchases? The answers to these questions will dictate the type of wallet you’ll need, so consider your needs before you buy.
Style
According to men’s styling expert Chris Lawrence, an editor at Everlane, your wallet’s personal style is just as important as its purpose. “Your wallet should be an extension of who you are,” he says. “Are you a man who puts his wallet in his pocket or inside a bag? Are you looking for the best slim wallet? Or, do you prefer a card case?” Lawrence feels that these style factors matter. “Also, go for the best quality materials you can afford,” he instructs.
Durability of materials
Wallets for men are made from a host of different materials — fabric, metal, leather, aluminum or even carbon fiber. Arguably, the least durable material for a wallet is fabric. It’s less expensive and easy to clean, but it doesn’t age well and can become misshapen in subsequent years, so you might be better off sticking to the other materials listed, which have better durability.
Features
When buying your next wallet, carefully consider the features you’ll need. The design and capacity should suit what you carry every day. For example, if you carry your smartphone in your wallet, a longer billfold is probably best. If you have to store several cards, a wallet or case with different slots will function better for you. Whatever you choose, be sure the features meet your needs so you don’t get stuck with a wallet you can barely use.
Our top picks for the best wallets for men
Best leather wallet for men: Bellroy Hide and Seek Wallet
Bellroy Hide & Seek Wallet in Caramel at Nordstrom
Bellroy packs a good punch with this super slim wallet made from imported, vegetable-sourced leather. Along with its five card slots it also has hidden pockets in the billfold for extra storage. Some reviewers say the metal owl logo can snag on pant fabric, but I find the logo otherwise charming. With a reasonable price point and quality, this is a leather wallet that’s both functional and attractive.
Specifications:
- Style: Bifold.
- Dimensions: 4.5 inches wide x 3.25 inches high x 0.5 inches deep.
- Card capacity: Five.
- Material: Leather.
- Color options: Caramel, ranger green, ocean.
- Price on publish: $89.
What we like:
- Five card slots.
- Hidden interior pocket.
- Super-slim design.
What we don’t like:
- Some reviewers say the metal logo snags on fabric.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
If you don’t mind cute brand logos, this ultra-slim leather wallet has plenty of storage space for your cards and cash.
Get it here: Bellroy Hide and Seek Wallet
Best hard case wallet for men: Secrid Miniwallet
Secrid Miniwallet in Prism Black-Red
I actually own this mini wallet, which is ideally designed in a streamlined 4-inch x 2.6-inch case and holds up to six cards at the push of a button. It also stores cash in the trifold center and has interior slots for extra storage of receipts, business cards or other paper notes. No worries about bulges with Secrid — this Dutch-made wallet wonder is one of the most inconspicuous carry cases on the market.
Specifications:
- Style: Trifold.
- Dimensions: 4 inches wide x 3 inches high x 1 inches deep.
- Card capacity: Six.
- Material: Leather, aluminum.
- Color options: Black-red, titanium.
- Price on publish: $99.
What we like:
- Unique, eye-catching design.
- Compact, durable design.
- Stellar user reviews.
What we don’t like:
- Center billfold capacity holds only a few notes.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
A compact, functional wallet that holds up to six cards at the touch of a button.
Get it here: Secrid Miniwallet
Best designer wallet for men: Louis Vuitton Slender Monogram Eclipse
Louis Vuitton Slender Wallet Monogram Eclipse
The leather in this monogrammed billfold is supplied by a tannery audited and certified by the Leather Working Group, which gives it even more authenticity and class than you already get from this luxury brand’s design. The price point is naturally higher, but the quality and durability of this wallet is guaranteed to last over the years.
Specifications:
- Style: Bifold.
- Dimensions: 4.3 inches high x 3.5 inches wide.
- Card capacity: Eight.
- Material: Leather.
- Color options: Charcoal gray.
- Price on publish: $438.
What we like:
- Luxury design.
- Environmentally friendly.
- Eight-card capacity.
What we don’t like:
- Not many colors.
- Very expensive.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
A soft, well-designed leather wallet by a luxury brand.
Get it here: Louis Vuitton Slender Monogram Eclipse
Best luxury wallet for men: Prada Small Saffiano Leather Wallet
Men's Small Saffiano Leather Wallet - Black
This Prada wallet is all about luxury, but it’s also very functional in its design. The snap closure, zipper coin compartment, four card slots and two internal pockets keep your belongings secure inside the full-grain Saffiano leather, making it just as practical as it is high-end.
Specifications:
- Style: Bifold.
- Dimensions: 4 inches wide x 3.5 inches high.
- Card capacity: Six.
- Material: Saffiano leather.
- Color options: Black, white.
- Price on publish: $675.
What we like:
- Luxury brand.
- Saffiano leather details.
- Snap-closure and zipper coin pocket.
What we don’t like:
- Only standard shipping available.
- Extremely expensive.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
A top-of-the-line designer wallet made with quality leather and classic features for all your monetary carriables.
Get it here: Prada Small Saffiano Leather Wallet
Best minimalist wallet for men: Coach Bifold Card Case
Bifold Card Case
What this wallet lacks in storage, it makes up for in style. The polished pebble leather is soft and sleek in a slender bifold that neatly organizes your cards and ID. The four interior pockets are sufficient to hold a few cash notes without allowing for overstuffed bulkiness, which comes in handy when you’re on vacation or on a local errand.
Specifications:
- Style: Bifold.
- Dimensions: 4.25 inches long x 3 inches high x 0.75 inches wide.
- Card capacity: Four.
- Material: Leather.
- Color options: Moss, gray blue.
- Price on publish: $95.
What we like:
- Neat, compact.
- Polished pebble leather.
- Designer brand.
What we don’t like:
- Limited colors — would look good in black.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
If you’re on vacation or on the go, this compact wallet is ideal for carrying your cards and a spot of cash.
Get it here: Coach Bifold Card Case
Best money clip for men: Ekster Cash Clip
Ekster Cash Clip
This option is a sleek, minimalist way to carry your cash. The logo is a bit conspicuous, but the space gray metal finish adds a flash of no-nonsense modern style to your pocket. The streamlined, slim design allows you to carry a large amount of notes while keeping them sorted and secure.
Specifications:
- Style: Clip.
- Dimensions: 2 inches long x 0.8 inches high x 0.3 inches thick.
- Card capacity: Three.
- Material: Metal.
- Color options: Space gray.
- Price on publish: $29.
What we like:
- Attractive metal finish.
- Three-card capacity.
- Slim design.
What we don’t like:
- Logo is a little big.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
This is a worthwhile money clip if you’re looking to minimize pocket space while securing a maximum amount of cash.
Get it here: Ekster Cash Clip
Best leather card holder for men: Polo Ralph Lauren Pebbled Leather Card Case
Polo Ralph Lauren Pebbled Leather Card Case
This slim single-needle-stitched case is perfect for carrying your essential cards on the go. It hosts three card slots on both sides and even has a middle slip pocket for a few monetary notes. The signature Ralph Lauren embossed logos finish the classic leather look with a touch of deliberately snooty charm.
Specifications:
- Style: Case.
- Dimensions: 3.25 inches high x 4 inches long.
- Card capacity: Six.
- Material: Leather, polyester.
- Color options: Saddle.
- Price on publish: $69.50.
What we like:
- Single-needle-stitched edges.
- Middle slip pocket for cash.
- Signature brand-embossed logos.
What we don’t like:
- Small.
- Only one color.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
A great choice if you’re looking to carry your essential cards and a bit of cash on the go.
Get it here:
Best RFID-blocking wallet for men: The Ridge Metal Aluminum RFID Cash Strap
the Ridge Metal Aluminum RFID Cash Strap in Black at Nordstrom
In our current age of contactless card payments, the convenience of tap-and-go can also subject you to digital thieves. RFID-blocking wallets are designed as a digital force field around your cards to keep them safe from unauthorized intrusions. The Ridge cash strap does just that while looking attractive in metal and making it easy to grab your cards and cash for quick use during your travels.
Specifications:
- Style: Case.
- Dimensions: 3.25 inches wide x 2.25 inches high x 0.25 inches deep.
- Card capacity: 12.
- Material: Metal.
- Color options: Black, gunmetal/aluminum
- Price on publish: $95.
What we like:
- External elastic strap for cash.
- RFID shielding.
- 12-card capacity.
What we don’t like:
- Some reviewers say it’s a little small for holding cash.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
This wallet is ideal for protecting against unauthorized contactless breaches in crowded places.
Get it here: The Ridge Metal Aluminum RFID Cash Strap
Best waterproof wallet for men: Otterbox Waterproof Drybox 3250
Otterbox Waterproof Drybox 3250
It may be a bit on the bulky side, but if you want a completely waterproof case for your wallet, this Otterbox is your go-to. Its durable polycarbonate construction means it’s waterproof up to 90 feet for 30 minutes, so your cards, cash and even your phone stay dry inside the polyethylene foam interior during any water activity, from jet skiing to whitewater rafting.
Specifications:
- Style: Case.
- Dimensions: 8.32 inches long x 5.09 inches wide x 2.51 inches high.
- Card capacity: Multiple.
- Material: Polycarbonate, stainless steel.
- Color options: White.
- Price on publish: $39.99.
What we like:
- Durable.
- Pressure release slot.
- Interior foam liner.
What we don’t like:
- Bulky.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
If you don’t mind a larger storage wallet for all your essentials, this waterproof case is a fortress during water activities.
Get it here: Otterbox Waterproof Drybox 3250
Best handcrafted wallet for men: Dents Eden Jacket Wallet
Dents Eden Jacket Wallet
Finding a quality handcrafted wallet that doesn’t break the bank isn’t easy, but this model by Dents is a one-stop shopping solution — unless you’re prone to losing stuff, in which case you may be better off with one of the best AirTag wallets on the market. This wallet is oversized and holds up to 12 of your cards, with a large note pocket that’s zippered and doesn’t require folding your money. Throw in the RFID-blocking technology and under-$100 price point and this wallet is a handmade beauty worth every penny.
Specifications:
- Style: Bifold.
- Dimensions: 6.9 inches long x 4.13 inches wide.
- Card capacity: 12.
- Material: Nappa leather.
- Color options: Black, olive, English tan.
- Price on publish: $83.
What we like:
- Handcrafted nappa leather.
- Multiple card slots.
- RFID-blocking technology.
What we don’t like:
- Bulky.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
This handmade wallet is fully equipped with plenty of card slots and currency space if you don’t mind a larger-sized wallet.
Get it here: Dents Eden Jacket Wallet
How we selected the best men’s wallets
I enlisted a top fashion industry expert for his professional insight on choosing the best wallets for men. I also conducted extensive research into the expert’s choices and screened multiple customer reviews for my picks.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What makes a high-quality wallet?
Lawrence says quality is in the materials the wallet is made of more than the price point. So, just because some wallets are expensive doesn’t mean they’re of the highest quality. Keep this in mind when making your selection and seek out the best bang for your buck.
How long should a wallet last?
“About the length of your last relationship,” Lawrence jests. “Generally, about five to 10 years is the expected wallet life. But if you’re like me, you have more than one and can swap out when the occasion calls for it.”
Is RFID-blocking really necessary?
“In my opinion, no,” Lawrence opines. “Unless you have some top secret specialized credit card, just do your best not to click wrong links and never give out your information to untrusted parties.”
How do we prevent card slots from stretching?
“Do not overstuff the slots,” says Lawrence. “If the cards don’t fit, it may be time for a new wallet, or fewer cards.”
Are slim wallets better?
“In my opinion, yes,” says Lawrence. “Especially in an almost cashless society. Wallets should be able to slip comfortably in your front and back pockets. If it’s too bulky, you have a bulge, and not in a good way.”
How do you care for a wallet?
“It’s important to have a weekly to biweekly inventory of your wallet,” Lawrence instructs. “Take out any excess receipts or business cards you may have collected. Also, if it’s leather, make sure to wipe it down with a soft cloth between uses. When it’s not in use, store it in a safe place, not the jeans you wore last night. Use a leather cleaner on a monthly basis to preserve the materials and keep it looking new and fresh.”
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AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.