Given the less-than-stable state of the economy, we’ve determined the best place to keep your money:
In your back pocket.
So you know the where. How you store your greenbacks, though, is up to you.
Are you a man of few means but great taste? A George Costanza, stuff-it-till-it-breaks hoarder? Do you know what RFID means, and want to block it?
One thing all 10 of these billfolds have in common: they look good, no matter what’s inside.
For the minimalist: Aecraft
A pint-sized (3mm thick), veg-tanned cardholder, with one interior compartment for your money and one access slot on each side for quick grabs. What sets it apart: a built-in key ring, which reduces your pocket clutter by one.
For the wallet you’ll always want to open: Paul Smith “Naked Lady” Print
Made in Italy, this black calf leather wallet is a beauty, outside and also in, where a nude pinup awaits. Also: a good, Costanza-level contender for storage (see below), thanks to six card slots, one large pocket for notes/receipts and two side compartments near your new lady friend.
For the (colorful) traditionalist: The Diderot by D’Alembert
When you’re named after a couple of French philosophers, you’re going to look at the world in a different, more colorful way. Individually hand-dyed patinas (vermillion, lapis, citronelle) transform these minimalist calfskin leather wallets into something unique.
For the aesthete: Jack Spade Embossed Anchor Bill Holder
Anchors aweigh. A favorite of our creative director/style editor (“I have this one and people compliment it all the time”), this veg-dyed leather bill holder is etched with a snazzy burnished anchor pattern.
For the traveler: Bellroy Travel Wallet
A well-tanned bi-fold designed to safely and stylishly carry all your most important travel docs. Features a dedicated passport pouch on one inner sleeve, four easy-access card slots on the other, two more inside and a large note section that fits pretty much any currency. Plus a micro-pen for filling out custom forms and slotted in the center of the note pocket — which allows all your travel documents to bend smoothly around its base and prevents folds/creases.
For the thoughtful buyer: Field Notes Wallet by Bexar
We’re already big fans of this Texas leathersmith. Here, they hand sew a veg-tanned leather billfold with two card pockets, pen insert and a larger sleeve to host a Moleskine journal. You know, to jot your musings.
For the Costanza: Tanner Goods Workman Wallet
This Portland co. crafts a series of long Meridian English Bridle leather card holders, each with four card slots, two spacious interior pockets and a zippered coin pocket. Bogging you down? You can even pair it with a tether to your belt. Available in cognac, natural, saddle tan, hickory or black.
For the smart nature lover: Hudwood
Essentially, a handsome wooden coin box that you’ll top with bills and cards, then wrap in a black or white band. Everything’s at your fingertips, and you can even rejigger as a smartphone stand. Currently in Kickstarter mode.
For the (justifiably) paranoid: Aki Bifold
Vintage-looking black, blue and brown “Crazy Horse” leather wallets with some nice tech, including built-in RFID protection. Bonus: a concealed “ninja” slot that gives you quick thumb access to your favorite card, as well as a hidden coin compartment and hidden SIM card holder. And … a pen.
For the iPhone guy: Edward Field Wallet
A nice mix of old-school know-how and new-school needs. Inside the leather wallet, there are slots for credit cards and two pockets: one for receipts or business cards, another for cash. The real selling point: a micro-suction foam sheet bonds to your iPhone without leaving sticky residue (you can clean it with a damp cloth or Scotch tape). Basically, it’s now impossible to drop your phone. And always right where you need it.
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