A good men’s wallet is more than just a way to carry cash and cards. It’s also a way to show off your personal style, whether you want a hard-wearing leather wallet with a patina or a clean, minimalist money clip.
That said, the men’s fashion experts we spoke to say there are a few guidelines you’ll want to follow. “Look for something that is classic, handsome and that will wear nicely in your back pocket without taking up so much space,” says Preston Konrad, lifestyle expert and founder of Preston Lane.
Matt Hranek, the founder and editor of WM Brown Magazine, offers similar advice. “I like to keep wallets trim and streamlined” so they don’t interrupt the line of a jacket or jean pocket, he says. Still looking for inspiration? You can’t go wrong with the following men’s wallets. We’ve got bifolds, money clips, card cases and more — most of which come directly from men’s style experts.
Best bifold wallets
Konrad is a fan of Bellroy for its simple, durable leather goods. “Their wallets are made of premium durable materials, they feel good in the hand and claim to really age well, which is something I always look for in a leather wallet,” he says. Associate writer Maxwell Shukuya is also a Hide & Seek admirer, describing it as a "buy-it-for-life product." After more than a decade of use, his Hide & Seek wallet is still going strong.
For men who want a classic bifold, fashion stylist Sarah Nearis nominates this wallet from Leatherology. Although you have the option to add personalized debossing, RFID blocking and premium leather (for a price), every wallet is compact and made from full-grain leather. We recommend snagging it in mahogany.
For a wallet with more secure storage, this bifold has four card slots, two hidden pockets and a lengthwise pocket for bills. It’s also available in seven gorgeous leather shades.
When it comes to casual and utilitarian men's fashion essentials, Filson remains a trusted mainstay. “What I love about Filson wallets is their heirloom quality without being too pricey,” DeLeon says. “What you’re looking for in a reliable billfold is quality leather that’ll slowly stretch and conform to the stuff you put inside it, and this wallet will definitely do that.”
“If someone is just more of a casual guy in general, or you’re shopping for someone younger, Herschel is a great option,” Konrad says. “The Hank Wallet is a really cool utilitarian option that’s relatively indestructible.”
“For a guy who likes a billfold, Carhartt makes an oil-tanned leather wallet” that’s affordable but still refined, Hranek says of the Passcase. It comes with two ID windows, six card slots and three interior slips.
Best card cases and cardholders
For a low-profile wallet that will seamlessly slip into your back pocket, consider this card wallet from Nomad Goods. Nearis appreciates the card case's minimalist design and leather quality, calling the style "classic." Add the company's Apple Find My-compatible Tracking Card, and you'll never lose your wallet.
Detroit-based men’s brand Shinola is also known for handcrafted and durable goods designed to be well used and worn out, such as this beautifully crafted leather card holder.
“Billykirk is a small American brand that is doing really well-crafted, small-format wallets in beautiful natural leather,” Hranek says.
Hranek’s pick for a leather wallet that refines with age comes from Tanner Goods. “Their natural leather beautifully coco patinas as you hold it and use it,” he says.
“If you’re looking for a Prada look without the Prada price, I always love Tumi,” Konrad says. “It’s all black and features minimal branding,” he notes of the brand’s Nassau Money Clip Card Case. “If you sat down in a business meeting and put it on the table, you could get a little street cred for the Tumi brand without it being over the top.”
“If you’re an understated luxury kind of guy, I think Want Les Essentiels [is] a really nice lane to go down,” Konrad says. Though Konrad recommended an older version of the Branson cardholder, the 2.0 version is just as sleek.
If card cases are more your style, this one from Filson comes with six slots for your essentials, and the brand’s signature rugged twill exterior.
Best zip wallets
When unzipped, this fan-favorite wallet opens like a bifold, revealing a magnetic coin pouch, bill section and enough slots to hold eight cards. It's also got built-in RFID protection, so thieves can't steal your personal info.
Best money clips
With its compact, 0.1-pound design, Nearis recommends this hybrid money clip and card case for concerts and festivals. It's got two card pockets on the front and a money clip on the back.
Hranek carries a money clip in his front pocket, reserving slim wallets only for cards. “I love money clips, and I always look for unadulterated, straightforward, almost paper clip-style,” he says. With its streamlined design and durable steel construction, this clip is just about as classic as you can get.
The top-rated Fossil Derrick is part money clip, part bifold wallet, ensuring you get the best of both. With the built-in clip, you have easy access to your cash and cards, while the ID window and credit card slots provide a tad more organization than the M-Clip.