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Even amidst advancements in mobile phone tech—tap to pay, digital driver’s licenses, contact transfer, and more—physical cards are still a part of everyday life. And presumably, they’re here to stay for a while.
Gone are the days of bulky bi folds with wads of cash and your ID from freshman year of college. Men today want convenience, minimalism, and compactness. I rounded up a few of the most popular wallets on the market today to try them out in real life.
From Ridge’s iconic two-plate pouch to Tod’s luxurious leather holder, these are the best wallets for men this year. Keep reading to find out how they performed.
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How We Tested
To find the best wallets available today, I received products from the brands to actually try them in person and consulted men’s accessories expert Zene Colson to get an experienced perspective on what men should look for in a wallet.
The main things that I evaluated were storage capacity (how many cards it could reasonably hold), how well it fit in my front and back pockets, and how quality the materials felt.
The Best Wallets for Men of 2024
Best Overall:
Materials: Various | Capacity: Up to 12 cards | Value: 4.0 out of 5.0
I’m a bit biased here because ever since I did a full review of Ridge a few years ago, it’s been my wallet of choice. That being said, I’ve continued to use it for a reason. It comfortably fits all of my cards between its two plates and I can store my most-used cards, driver’s license and main credit card, on the outside band (though it’s designed for cash). It’s just about indestructible but if something does happen to it, Ridge will send a replacement—I’ve had to get one replacement in the past two years. Plus, the actual size of the wallet is almost exactly the same as a credit card. There’s almost no extra fluff. For around $100 depending on what material you go with, it’s hard to beat as you basically don’t need another wallet the rest of your life.
Our Tester’s Overall Thoughts: “Aside from ultra-premium leather or designer wallets, I can’t think of a better go-to than Ridge for the average guy.”
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Best Budget:
Materials: Leather, polyester | Capacity: Up to 12 cards | Value: 4.5 out of 5.0
Fossil is a classic accessory brand and at around $60, the feature-packed Derrick Bifold is a steal. It has plenty of card slots, a big compartment for cash, and two ID windows. For me, it has too much storage, but I’m certainly an outlier in terms of how many cards I carry. This is everything you want a wallet to be and its genuine leather will develop a nice wear over time.
The interior polyester material makes it durable enough to use every day and it also features RFID protection, which protects your debit cards from unwanted scanning and theft.
Our Tester’s Overall Thoughts: “It’s too much for me personally, but if I was looking for an inexpensive leather wallet this is what I’d go with.”
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Best Luxury:
Materials: Leather | Capacity: Up to eight cards | Value: 2.0 out of 5.0
I wasn’t super familiar with Tod’s, but when I received a package in the mail I quickly understood why the brand has been beloved for over 100 years. The Card Holder has a timeless silhouette, made in Italy of perhaps the finest leather that I’ve ever felt. It has three internal pockets and three internal card slots—great for me, but perhaps too minimalistic if you carry more. The metal “T” logo on the front is subtle, but still noticeable and will probably strike up nice conversation with other in-the-know fans of the historic shoemaker. While Ridge is my daily carry, I’ll be switching to this wallet for dressier occasions like fine dinners and important meetings.
Our Tester’s Overall Thoughts: “From the packaging to the product, this wallet screams opulence.”
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Best for Travel:
Materials: Aluminum | Capacity: Up to 12 cards | Value: 4.0 out of 5.0
I’ve been aware of Ekster for several years now, drawn in by the unique click-to-expand button. The cardholder “fans” out your cards when you click it and they’re protected by space-grade aluminum plates. The back plate and strap expands out so you can fit more cards or cash in addition to the main compartment. Because of its RFID-blocking build, ultra-durable aluminum, and ability to carry up to 12 cards, this is my selection for the best wallet to take with you on your next adventure. It also has a two-year warranty, so you can rest assured if something happens to it when you’re en route to your next destination.
Our Tester’s Overall Thoughts: “This is a fun one; if I was ever looking for a daily carry other than Ridge, I’d go with this.”
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Best Storage:
Materials: Leather, brass | Capacity: Up to eight cards | Value: 3.5 out of 5.0
Shinola’s zip wallet is great if you have coins or other small trinkets that you need to take on the go. It has an external pocket and four internal pockets, protected by brass hardware. I estimate that it’d comfortably fit eight cards, but I think you may be able to squeeze a few more if you really needed to. The wallet acts as a small pouch, so if you find yourself carrying coins a lot, you’ll appreciate how much space this has. Despite its deep pockets, it won’t become bulky unless you really fill it up. It’s the kind of pouch that you can comfortably slip in and out of your jean pockets.
Our Tester’s Overall Thoughts: “I don’t carry coins ever so the pouch function isn’t on the top of my priority list, but I could see myself stuffing receipts or tickets in it.”
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Best Unique:
Materials: Ostrich leather | Capacity: Up to seven cards | Value: 3.5 out of 5.0
Tecovas knows how to make much more than just boots. The Ostrich Billfold is made from authentic Ostrich leather and features a beautiful pimple design that’s soft, but rugged. It has seven slots for cards, two of which could act as pockets for cash. This wallet is simple, stitched well, and will have your friends asking questions about its distinctive design. The slim profile allows for easy front or back pocket carry and the dotted exterior adds eye-catching elegance. The two colors allow you to easily match it with your favorite leather footwear or accessories. This is the wallet for the brave and the bold.
Our Tester’s Overall Thoughts: “I really appreciate the craftsmanship and simplicity of this one, bonus points for the funky pattern.”
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Best Leather:
Materials: Leather | Capacity: Up to 10 cards | Value: 3.0 out of 5.0
Ghurka has been crafting fine leather goods since 1975. Primarily known for its bags, the brand has a wide range of items that incorporate its rich heritage in creative production. The Classic Wallet No. 101 is the best selling style, with eight card slots, two extra slots for papers (but you could easily fit more cards), and two dividers for cash. This is just about some of the best leather you can get, and the scent is phenomenal. If you like the smell of leather, that is. It’s available in four different colors and you have the option to add custom monogramming to the inside.
Our Tester’s Overall Thoughts: “If I was a leather loyalist, this would be the brand and wallet I go with—you simply can’t get any better.”
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Best Bifold:
Materials: Leather | Capacity: Up to 11 cards | Value: 4.0 out of 5.0
I love how simple this wallet is. Bellroy’s original slim wallet is made of Leather Working group gold-rated leather and feels buttery soft in the hand, which made it easy to pull in and out of my pockets. It has a unique cut, although a little confusing, and has nice compartments for cash and other papers. This is just a good, slim wallet at an affordable price. You can store your most-used cards in the two quick access slots and there’s a pull tab for spares. You can fold your bills twice or thrice and the Bellroy Slim wouldn’t appear bulky when you put it back in your pocket.
Our Tester’s Overall Thoughts: “This is a bestseller for a reason, it’s just good.”
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Best Minimalist:
Materials: Leather | Capacity: Up to eight cards | Value: 4.0 out of 5.0
If you want the simplicity of Ridge, but also like the look of leather, then Nomad’s Card Wallet is for you. Although it has a few different variations, I went with the classic Card Wallet. It has three external pockets and one main inner pocket, and it’s “thermoformed” to reduce any extra space. (Thermoforming is the process of forming a piece of material into a shape—similar to vacuum packing food.) It can’t hold the most stuff, but if you’re like me and only have a few trusty cards, this will get the job done. This model is available in Horween or regular leather, and both develop a nice patina with time.
Our Tester’s Overall Thoughts: “The word that comes to mind with this wallet is “reliable”—the packaging is crisp and the overall experience is wonderful.”
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Best Durable:
Materials: Proprietary polyethylene or nylon | Capacity: Up to eight cards | Value: 4.0 out of 5.0
One of the few non-leather wallets I tried, the Altitude Billfold from travel accessory brand Pioneer Carry is like the Stanley tumbler of wallets. No matter which material you go with, they’re specially developed by the brand to be able to handle the most grueling scenarios. Reinforced stitching ensures that no matter how tough you are, this wallet won’t fall apart. Take this on your next adventure worry free—it’s sweat proof and washable. It also comes with a three-year warranty. Durability isn’t this wallet’s only feature as it can hold up to eight cards total. The full-length cash slot lets you squeeze in bills nice and tight and its waterproofness keeps them all safe from getting wet, even in heavy downpours.
Our Tester’s Overall Thoughts: “If I was outdoors all the time, I would go with this. Hikers and bikers take note!”
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Other Wallets I Tested
Materials: Leather | Capacity: Up to 24 cards | Value: 4.5 out of 5.0
The Ashland Leather Johnny the Fox is made of rugged, handcrafted Horween Dublin leather. It has a simple, sleek exterior that can age to a beautiful patina. The more you use it, the more elegant it’ll become. More than the design, it’s functional enough to hold up to 24 cards between six pouches that can hold up to three each. Use the two hidden slots underneath if you need more space. The bill pocket can hold US dollar notes that are smaller than 193mm x 80mm. Built to take a beating, the Johnny the Fox adds plenty of style and attitude to your staples.
Our Tester’s Overall Thoughts: “The fact that this has a lifetime guarantee makes this a very solid choice for me.”
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Materials: Leather | Capacity: Up to six cards | Value: 3.5 out of 5.0
Luca Faloni is a relatively new brand, at least compared to some others on this list, and makes all types of luxury menswear and accessories in Italy. This wallet is constructed of full-grain leather from Santa Croce and handmade in Florence. It has four pockets specifically for cards and another generous four slots for cash. It’s very flat and fits nicely in pockets. This also competes for our Best Luxury and Best Leather superlatives.
Our Tester’s Overall Thoughts: “I love everything about Luca Faloni and if you’re looking for a specific shade of leather, chances are one of the four that the brand offers with this wallet will suit your needs.”
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Materials: Leather | Capacity: Up to six cards | Value: 4.0 out of 5.0
Sleek, thin, and boasting minimalist elegance, the Leatherology Bifold Wallet has enough room for your daily essentials like six cards and a few bills. It doesn’t have unnecessary storage that will make the pouch bulky and heavy. It’ll comfortably fit in your front or back pocket minus an unsightly bulge. Apart from the usual compartments, the two interior pockets have enough room for receipts and spare cards. The leather build gives the accessory a buttery soft texture and the onyx color gives it a timeless, versatile look. Pair it with your casual jeans or dress pants and you’ll never look sloppy or out of style.
Our Tester’s Overall Thoughts: “Leatherology is a super popular brand for good reason; this wallet is classy—nothing crazy, but also would work for anyone.”
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Materials: Leather | Capacity: Up to 10 cards | Value: 4.5 out of 5.0
Andar The Apollo is the lovechild of the brand’s most popular wallets. This accessory comes off as the remixed design of their bifolds. It contains the unique pull tab feature and a quick access notch at the front, allowing you to easily access your most used cards. Opening the wallet will bring you to the ID window in case you need to identify yourself and a clip to keep your pocket money in. The Apollo has five card slots, including the one at the front, but it can hold up to 10 if you put more than one in each slot. It’s also RFID-protected so you won’t have to worry about scammers hijacking your information.
Our Tester’s Overall Thoughts: “This is a bit too confusing for my liking, but at under $100 it’s a great value.”
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Wallets for Men FAQs
Are expensive wallets worth it?
A wallet’s value will vary depending on the price and the man. If you’re simply looking for a wallet that gets the job done without any frills and can last you several years, then you shouldn’t have to spend any more than $100. But if you’re looking for a wallet that is fashionable, made of quality materials, and is from a recognizable brand, then spending $100 or more is reasonable as those added benefits come with a price.
What kind of wallet do most men carry?
Men typically carry a bifold wallet because they tend to be more compact and still allow you to carry cash and other random slips of paper. Recently, unique styles from brands like Ridge and Ekster have risen in popularity because of how compact and functional they are.
Wallet Tips & Considerations
Different Materials for Different Activities
You can find a wallet in just about any material—leather, aluminum, nylon, and more. Some materials are more rugged, while others pair better with more formal events. Consider what your needs are most of the time. Men’s accessory expert Zene Colson tells me “When I’m looking for a wallet, I typically look for a quality leather piece that will take a long time before it inevitably starts to fray or wear.”
If you are in a professional setting most days, a dressier wallet would likely leave a better impression on your associates, but if you do a lot of travel or hands-on labor, a durable wallet will suit you better.
Features & Storage
How many cards you need to carry on a regular basis is one of the most important questions when deciding on a wallet. Personally, I like to only carry the most essential cards (ID, personal and business credit cards, and insurance card) in the case of theft or loss, so I require less storage. But, think about how many cards you regularly carry when deciding on a good wallet for you.
Colson says “My ideal wallet is also a bi-fold, smaller style that doesn’t take up too much room in my pockets. Occasionally I’ll use a card wallet for nights out or short trips to lessen the amount I have to carry.”
Maintenance & Durability
You don’t want to have to care for a wallet like you would taking your car to the car wash or your suit to a dry cleaner. When choosing a wallet, make sure the materials can handle the impact of daily use. Leathers are great options for maximum durability but they also need specific care instructions.
Why You Should Trust Us
Joe Niehaus is an experienced commerce writer and product tester at sites like Travel + Leisure, Men’s Health, and Business Insider. He has extensive travel experience that has helped him uncover what men truly need when it comes to everyday carry accessories like wallets.
For this article, he physically tested the products hands on to gather information and make recommendations that are based on real evidence, not generic marketing claims, allowing readers to get first-hand knowledge when making a purchase.
