5 Types of Men’s Leather Wallets
BY Buffalo Jackson Insight
Men’s leather wallets: it seems like a pretty basic category, but in reality, men’s wallets include seemingly endless variations. You’d think it would be easy to find the right one, but the sheer number of options can make the task overwhelming. To help, we’ve broken the whole category down into 5 Types of Men’s Leather Wallets. Any wallet will fall into one of these types, so consider the features and limitations of each, and choose the right one for you.
1. Bifold Wallets
Bi-fold wallets are a type of billfold with two sections (thus, the “bi” in “bi-fold”). To close the wallet, it is folded in half. Since it’s folded only once, a leather bifold wallet is usually slimmer than a trifold (depending on how it’s filled, of course). Although the two sections, as opposed to the three in a trifold, provide a bit less room for cards, the slimmer design typically makes a better option for carrying the wallet in a pants pocket.
2. Trifold Wallets
Tri-fold wallets are billfolds with three sections (hence, “tri”) and two folds. Being folded twice makes leather trifold wallets thicker than leather bifold wallets, but depending on the design, it’s possible for a trifold wallet to take up less space in a pocket than a bifold. Since this wallet is divided into thirds, it typically provides more space than a bifold for debit/credit cards, business cards, and ID.
3. Checkbook Wallets
Checkbook wallets are more than just a checkbook cover. A good checkbook wallet will have a slot for your checkbook (travelers' checks or otherwise) or cash, as well as cards and ID. These wallets are not considered billfolds because, well, they don’t fold your bills. Whether you plan to use it primarily for checks, cash, every day, or travel, a leather checkbook wallet carries a sophisticated air and tucks nicely into a chest pocket.
4. Travel Wallets
Whether you’re traveling across the globe or just across town, when you need your passport handy, it can be a lifesaver to have it in one place with the rest of your essentials. Cue: leather travel wallets. Travel wallets (also called passport wallets) are just the right size for carrying your passport along with a bit of cash and a couple of cards. Conveniently, travel wallets are also just right for use as a field notes journal cover so you can jot down all your thoughts and plans along the way.
5. Slim ID Wallets
A slim ID wallet works well for carrying the essentials with minimal bulk. An ID window is front and center. Then, on the flip side, you’ll find cards slots and a slim inside space for a few bills. If you need to carry coupon cards, membership cards, insurance cards, and 14 receipts at all times -- this is not the one for you. But if you’re taking advantage of the electronic wallet on your smartphone for all those extras, a leather slim ID wallet is a fantastic low profile choice.
At the end of the day, all types of men’s leather wallets serve one purpose or another. But regardless of which type suits you best, it’s worth investing in a quality wallet that can not only stand up to the demands of daily use but look and feel good doing it. For some exceptional options, be sure to check out our collection of men’s leather wallets.
