Minimalist, as a style, is not for everyone. Not everyone likes minimalist décor. Not everyone likes minimalist technology. Not everyone likes a minimalist way of living.
The same cannot necessarily be said about minimalist wallets, however. Most people appreciate minimalist wallets, because the opposite – which doesn’t have a name but let’s call it a “Maximalist Wallet” – doesn’t really offer anything that a minimalist wallet offers, but does cause other issues like bulky pockets, discomfort, mess, and sweating.
If you’re looking to buy a wallet for someone, chances are the wallet they want is a minimalist slim wallet, no matter who or what kind of person they are. For example, even someone that is a bit more eclectic – someone that likes color – can still experience that with a product like the minimalist leather midnight blue slim wallets we have here at Allett. They’re still minimalist in form, but they offer a touch of color that “maximalists” are likely to enjoy.
Still, everything, even those items that are typically universally appreciated, have pros and cons. Let’s examine some of the pros and cons of using a minimalist wallet.
Advantages of a Minimalist Wallet
Comfort – Minimalist wallets are much easier to carry around in the pocket than larger wallets. They take up much less space, and thus are much more comfortable to carry. It’s why minimalist wallets are also considered front pocket wallets – a place traditionally where wallets are considered less comfortable. Nylon wallets, especially, move with the fabric of your pants, while even minimalist leather begins to shape to you.
Style – While minimalist generally may not be for everyone, it typically is for wallets. There isn’t yet anything a bulkier wallet provides that has an attractive look to it. Minimalist wallets are smooth and sleek – the way ALL wallets are meant to be – but in a way that also looks cleaner and less excessive than other wallet types.
Space in Pocket – For those that do wear a wallet in their front pocket, you’re likely familiar with the very unusual looking bulge that shows up any time you take a photo. If you ever nee to put something else in your pocket, like your phone, it is also impossible. With a minimalist wallet, they can share a pocket if you need them to, and your photos will be questionably bulge free.
Excuse to Stay Light – Ask any financial or theft expert, and they’ll tell you that, right now, you’re probably carrying a very risky number of cards and other items in your wallet. Carrying every credit card you own or all your cash is considered very high risk. Yet it’s hard not to when your wallet can hold it all. Minimalist wallets still can have space for a lot of cards (some of our wallets here at Allett can carry 12+ cards at a time) but their design and size makes it more likely that someone will organize their wallet better.
Disadvantages of a Minimalist Wallet
Not for Extensive Storage – Just as minimalist wallets are an excuse to stay light, some people do prefer a larger capacity wallet that can fit *everything* - not only cards and cash, but also every business card, gift card, receipt, check, photo, and anything else the want to carry on them. Back when people were carrying COVID-19 cards, some minimalist wallets didn’t fit the card. While it is not recommended that you carry that many items, those that are using a wallet to store everything (especially if it is a wallet that they keep at home) may want a larger one.
Not All Luxury Brands Make Minimalist – Some people are luxury brand enthusiasts, only buying well known, established luxury brands with names like Channel and Gootchi. Not all of those luxury brands make true minimalist wallets, and so it might mean that you have to look outside of your preferred brand to get the style that you want.
- Not Sized for Unexpected Items – Though situations like this may be rare, imagine a situation here you suddenly needed to grab a passport, or someone handed you a photo that you needed to keep on you. Your wallet may not be sized accordingly for that type of item, making it temporarily harder to carry.
- Potentially Limited Business Card Space – Business people that tend to carry a lot of business cards on them may not always have the space they need in all minimalist wallets. We have minimalist wallets that have space for 12 cards, where theoretically more cards could be fit inside temporarily, but even then if you are someone that hands out 20 cards to everyone you meet it may not be ideal.
Seeking Out Your Minimalist Wallet
Still, while minimalist wallets do have *some* cons, the vast majority of people are going to find that they need at least one of these wallets to carry their cards and items. If you’re looking for a high end minimalist wallet without the luxury brand pricing, browse our selection here at Allett.
