The dilemma of choosing a present for your better half is quite real.
You need something classy yet practical. Something that won’t burn a hole in your pocket, nor it’s too cheap. Finding that “something” could keep you fidgety and anxious for hours, especially if a special occasion is right around the corner.
All our bets these days are on wallets. They make a perfect gift as they are affordable and unique. Plus, everyone uses them!
Now, the question is, how to find the best wallet? You see over hundred options at the nearby bag store, and you are just dazed at the variety. If that’s the case, this is the blog for you.
Find something in leather
Leather made is the safest choice when it comes to choosing wallet material. Carbon fiber and metallic wallets are also available in the market. However, when it comes to style and feasibility, nothing beats leather.
A well-stitched and perfectly crafted leather wallet is a timeless piece that can gracefully stand the wear and tear. Pair it up with a stylish leather jacket, and you are all set to stump the ladies out there!
5 Tips to find the best leather wallet
Choosing a durable wallet is a daunting task. But take heart, there are plenty of ways to toss out the junky ones. Here is the wallet buyer’s cheat sheet that will help you pick the finest model in store:
1. Understand different leather qualities
Leather is a versatile material that is available in several qualities. The quality and type of leather from which a wallet is crafted can differentiate between a good and average wallet quality. There are many classifications of leather, the most important of which are as follows:
- Full-grain leather – thickest and most hardwearing type
- Split-grain leather – thinner than full-grain leather
Good quality wallets are almost always made of full-grain leather. It is tough and can resist wear/tear more than other types of leather. It develops a beautiful patina when you use it for a long time.
One way to identify full-grain leather is to check the dots on the surface. These are the points where hair existed once. Secondly, the full-grain leather also has insect bites and natural imperfections. We recommend you use a magnifying glass to examine the surface closely.
2. Choose a design that fits your needs
Whether it is present or you are looking to replace your old wallet, it is essential to examine the functionality of each design. You don’t want to stay stuck with a cool, high-quality wallet that doesn’t serve a viable purpose.
The first step in this task is to clean out your existing wallet. Place all items on the table, throw the useless ones, and figure out all the essentials. Knowing how much you carry is primary to choosing the right size.
Nowadays, designers are struggling to balance aesthetics with functionality. Those slim wallets with minimalist designs are all in rage lately, but there are many compromises to make. If you are a minimalist with just a couple of cards in your wallet, a slim design could work for you. But if you are a hoarder like me, you better look for more spacious designs.
3. Evaluate a feasible size
Again, the wallet size depends on how much cash and cards a person carries around. It is vital to note that a more significant size doesn’t always mean more capacity. A poorly designed wallet with extra layers of leather and useless pockets could have a bigger size but serve no purpose.
You might be aware of how wallets come in different sizes. You have to pick by evaluating how you carry them. If you are habitual of keeping your wallet in a briefcase or a messenger bag, you can opt for a bigger size. But if you mostly carry the wallet in the front pocket of your jeans, you might want to check out the front pocket wallets.
And if you are like most people who carry wallets in the back pocket of jeans, a bifold wallet will work for you. An average size of a wallet that’s feasible for most people has a size of 4×3.5 inches. A wallet smaller than this size will keep sliding sideways, and bigger than this won’t fit.
4. Examine the craftsmanship
The craftsmanship of a wallet can make loads of difference in its appearance and convenience. It is about paying attention to every minute detail, down to perfect stitching. You can expect the best leather wallet from a company that’s been in business for years.
Poor craftsmanship can overshadow the design and high quality of leather. On the other hand, good craftsmanship makes the product live longer.
There are two steps to judge the craftsmanship of a leather wallet:
- Check the manufacturer. You can expect a superb quality of leather craftsmanship if the product comes from the South Asian region. People in that area have been associated with this craft for over a thousand years.
- Next, look at the product. You should pay attention to corner bends, internal pockets, stitching, and other hidden wallet areas. As the adage goes, the devil is in the detail. Make sure the wallet you pick is as functional (and even more) as aesthetically pleasing.
5. Ensure RFID protection
As technology paces forward, it has penetrated the field of leather products too.
Credit cards used magnetic strips to conduct transactions at checkouts. Now, RFID-enabled cards are making transactions contactless. Simultaneously, these cards are prone to RFID skimming that involves unauthorized scanning.
It is essential to find a wallet with RFID protection to shield contactless cards from unauthorized access. This will block all radio and electromagnetic waves from penetrating the wallet and reading classified data on the cards. Thus, these are highly secure and reliable.
Parting Notes
It is imperative to handle wallets with care. No matter how high the quality is, careless handling of the wallet could cause damage over time. Ensure you adhere to the basic instructions like keeping it away from sunlight, water, and substances that could taint its appearance.
If handled with vigilance, your wallet could last many years without losing form or beauty.
