You’ve got your cash, your cards, and maybe a stimulus check? Now all you need is a super chic wallet to house them all in!
Whether your wallet is living in another bag or in your pocket solo, we’ve rounded up the best wallet styles to carry. They’re timeless, versatile, and work for every occasion.
To make it easier for you, this post shares the ‘101’ on different wallet styles available, as well as the best textiles to get them in to help you make an informed shopping decision. From cardholders to envelope pouches, these wallets are guaranteed to last and, of course, turn heads wherever you go. So let’s get started!
Wallet Styles
First off, wallets are magical. They come in an array of shapes, styles, and sizes, and can be carried alone or in a bag. Depending on your needs, a certain style might work better for you than others. Some can even double as a clutch! You might as well collect one of each for ultimate wardrobe versatility!
1. The Zip Around Wallet
The zip-around style is likely one of the most classic silhouettes out there. Typically of a horizontal orientation, the zip-around style most commonly features an external zipper and a compartmentalized interior with card slots, coin storage, and more. This type of wallet is the perfect style to secure all your important essentials all year long.
Long-lasting textiles such as coated canvas and hearty leathers are great options when considering zip-around wallets, especially because they’re likely to be used more than any other accessory. These hold up for years. Check out these industry favorites from Louis Vuitton and Bottega Veneta to maximize both fashion and function in your wardrobe.
2. The Pochette/Chain Wallet
When we hear pochette, we think Louis Vuitton. The brand offers fantastic wallet options, from their traditional monogram pochette (and equally adorable mini pochette accessories) to envelope style pochettes – such as the Kirigami wallets perfect for storing your cards, keys, and phone. When in doubt, you can always rely on Louis Vuitton to offer tons of chic wallet-style options.
The ever-charming chain style of wallets typically features a chain strap and an envelope-facing flap. Really, it’s the ideal hybrid of a handbag and a wallet. Consider Chanel for their gorgeous wallet on chain options or a hyper-chic Hermes Epsom Kelly Wallet. If by chance you’re a die-hard wallet on chain fan, we have more on that topic, here.
3. The Card Holder
With just enough room to stash your credit cards and driver’s license, cardholders are a great option when you want to keep it light or when you just want to keep all your cards nice and organized. Available in a healthy assortment of colors, styles, and materials, cardholders are a great way to add a pop of luxury to your life.
Brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and more all have fabulous cardholders (and oftentimes at great prices). You can’t go wrong with a quilted card case – like these from Chanel, or ones with a splash of logomania like these miniature saddle cardholders from Christian Dior.
4. The Coin Purse
Let’s not forget the coin purse! They’re the smallest of the bunch, and the perfect place to store your quarters, nickels, and dimes. Oftentimes, some of our favorite handbag styles come in mini coin purse variations. We’re particularly smitten with the Dior Mini Saddle Bag Coin Purse. Tres chic!
The Best Textiles For Wallets
Wallets come in an assortment of textiles, as you can tell. They’re a huge part of our day-to-day and are likely to show signs of wear faster than other accessories, which is why we recommend investing in wallet styles with long-lasting materials.
These include but are not limited to coated canvas, nylon, and hearty leathers such as calfskin. Although not as rare or unique, it’s a much more practical investment than wallets containing fragile embellishments or exotic skins like ostrich, snakeskin, and lizard.
In all honesty, exotics require maintenance, and anything with fragile embellishments oftentimes snags or lose their beaded parts when in contact with other surfaces. This is a small feat to be mindful of when making any luxury purchase decision. If you’re interested in reading more about the resale value of exotic skins, check out our post on “The Myth of Exotic Skins and Resale.”
With that said, allow me to suggest a few smart alternatives for tossin’ a wallet without abandon into your handbag.
1. Chanel’s Caviar leather
Caviar is a type of grain calfskin and is designed to resist wear over time. The name itself is just luxurious. It’s a beloved textile that you can find available in almost all Chanel handbag styles. Read more on choosing Chanel textiles for your next designer investment.
2. Hermes Epsom, Clemence, and Togo
Epsom, Clemence, and Togo leather from Hermes have been around for years and are popular for a good reason. They’re top-notch selections.
First introduced in the ’80s, Clemence leather has large shallow grain and is anti-scratch.
The Togo textile was first introduced in 1997 and provides a sturdy shape making it designed to last a lifetime. The Epsom textile introduced in 2003 features a fine stamped texture throughout making this type of leather very easy to clean and very durable.
3. Louis Vuitton Coated Canvas, Epi & Empreinte
What’s not to love about Louis Vuitton? Their coated canvas is a staple and always looks great no matter the style. It’s easy to clean and maintain and still looks luxurious regardless of how worn it is.
If you prefer all leather, then Epi and Empreinte textiles are great choices. Epi leather is instantly recognizable and has great durability. Empreinte is slightly softer and has the LV monogram embossed throughout. But because it’s leather, it makes a great contender for a wallet.
