For most men, it’s a big deal for such a small item.
I don’t know about you but I buy myself a new wallet about once a year. The reason? I love wallets and I’m always looking for one that’s newer and better than the one I currently use.
Plus, I travel a lot and my wallets take a lot of abuse. I also keep almost all of my old wallets and use some of them occasionally.
For example, my RFID blocking wallets (I have 2 of them) get the most use when I travel abroad. They’re slimmer and lighter because, before I leave, I take out everything I won’t need when I’m traveling.
My Costco card, for instance, and store-specific cards too. (There’s no Macy’s or Kohl’s in South America, at least not that I know of.) Frankly, I don’t want a massive wallet in my pants as a target for pickpockets and card skimmers. By taking out all but the bare necessities I do that and keep my wallet slim and safe.
But the thing is, I’m a little different than most guys when it comes to wallets. Most guys buy a new wallet once every never, holding on to the one they have until it completely falls apart.
So, for those of you out there that need a new wallet (desperately) this article will give you some tips on how to choose one that fits your lifestyle and your pants pocket. Enjoy.
Choose A Wallet that Fits Your Lifestyle
Let’s say you’re an executive who wears suits every day or travels a lot. The wallet you want is going to be much different than, say, a guy who works in a foundry, operates a massive earth mover or ropes steers for a living.
As an exec, salesperson, or any other white-collar worker, a slimmer wallet made from high-grain leather is probably your best choice. It’s sleek, professional and will fit in the pocket of your suit jacket.
For any man who uses his hands or works in a rough-and-tumble industry, a more rugged wallet is best. One made from ballistic nylon, for example, will be much more durable and won’t get damaged if, say, it gets wet, dusty, muddy, or whatever.
Ballistic nylon wallets can be slim, no doubt, but they’re tough. You might also consider a carbon fiber wallet, which is about as tough as they get. I mean, you can run over a carbon fiber wallet with a truck and all you’ll need to do is wipe it clean afterward.
Choose a Wallet That Fits All Your Cards
Maybe you’re the guy who has more credit cards than Carter’s got pills. For you, a wallet with extra spaces for all those cards is a definite must. You should also consider a gusseted wallet, which comes with a lot of extra space for cards. Your wallet’s going to be thick, no doubt, but that comes with the extra credit card territory.
If you’re the opposite (like me) and have very few CCs (I carry three, one credit, and two debits) a super-slim wallet with only a handful of spaces to put your cards is best.
If all you need are spaces for two or three cards and some cash you could also go for a money clip card case instead of a wallet. These are super-slim, really lightweight and will fit in a shirt pocket if that’s what you prefer.
Choose a Wallet that Fits Your Style
Lifestyle and style are two different things. You might work on an oil rig and be one of the toughest hombres on planet earth but, when you go out in the evening, you might want to look like you just stepped out of GQ.
A gorgeous, high-end leather wallet in tan or black would likely be a better choice and match perfectly with any of your slickest looks.
Then again, maybe you’re a guy who never wears anything dressier than a tracksuit, in which case a basic, faux leather wallet might be a better choice. There are so many different types of wallets on the market that you’re bound to find one that fits your particular style.
Or you could just get the one you like best and say to heck with it, it’s your choice. Frankly, nobody’s going to pay much attention to your wallet besides you, so always get the one you like most.
Choose a Wallet that Protects Your Data
Last but not least is whether to choose an RFID blocking wallet or not. RFID blocking wallets block scammers from being able to ‘skim’ your credit cards and steal your data from them.
While this has become less of a problem over the years the fact is that scammers and criminals are always looking for better and faster ways to make a buck. If they can, they’ll steal whatever data they can get their grimy hands on and use it in any way that they possibly can.
There’s a wide variety of RFID blocking wallets on the market, no doubt. Leather and faux leather. Ballistic nylon and carbon fiber, Bifolds, tri-folds, and L-folds too.
There are even RFID blocking card cases, money clips, and passport wallets. It’s the best way to protect your data and identity from criminals and scammers and, these days, you need as much protection as you can get.
One Last Choice
If you work somewhere that requires you have an ID card, a multi-window card case or wallet might be your best choice. These are wallets that have ‘picture windows’ on several of the card slots so that you can either show or access your ID cards and driver’s license quickly and easily.
I just wanted to throw this one in there because I have one and it’s great. I use mine for my Costco card (which you need to show every time you go into a Costco). Most other retail membership stores are the same so if you’re a member it’s a great way to show your card quickly.
I hope you liked this article and that it gave you the answers you were looking for. If you have more or want advice please let me know, and best of luck buying your next wallet!
