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2021.02.16 update

How to choose the right men's wallet from the classic options: long wallets, bi-fold wallets, and mini wallets?

Many people are probably thinking about buying a new wallet for reasons such as "getting ready for a new life," "celebrating a new job or promotion," or "how cashless payments have changed how we use our wallets."
This time, we'll introduce key points to consider when choosing a wallet, as well as the characteristics of three classic wallet types: long wallets, bi-fold wallets, and mini (compact) wallets. Please use this as a reference when choosing your wallet.

  1. 5 key points to consider when choosing a wallet
    1. A slim "long wallet" is recommended for those who prioritize thinness so it won't be bulky even when placed in a breast pocket.
    2. A bifold wallet is recommended for those who prioritize storage capacity, as it can hold bills, coins, and cards.
    3. For those who prioritize size and only want to carry the essentials, a "mini (compact) wallet" is recommended.

5 key points to consider when choosing a wallet


  • Storage capacity: How much cash, coins, and cards can it hold?
  • Design & Color: Easy-to-use design, matches clothing and other leather goods, and comes in accent colors.
  • Size: A large size that can hold banknotes without folding them, or a palm-sized one that fits in your pocket.
  • Materials: Leather (cowhide, horsehide, exotic leather, etc.), synthetic fibers (nylon, polyester, etc.)
  • Carrying scenarios: Putting it in a jacket or pants pocket, or carrying it in a bag.

  • Other points of interest
  • Brands: Favorite, popular brands, etc.
  • Aging: Materials that allow you to enjoy the aging process (changes over time), or materials that are resistant to scratches and stains.

The type of wallet you choose will vary greatly depending on the occasion, your attire, and how much cash, coins, and cards you carry. When buying a new wallet, it's a good idea to take the opportunity to organize the contents of your old one as well.


A slim "long wallet" is recommended for those who prioritize thinness so it won't be bulky even when placed in a breast pocket.




The Warmcrafts Manufacture Long Wallet: ¥66,000 (Horsehide/Cordovan leather/Coin purse included/11 card slots/Size: 9.2cm (height) x 18.8cm (width) x 1.2cm (thickness))
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If you want a wallet with decent storage capacity but prefer to keep your bills unfolded, and you want to carry your money neatly in the breast pocket of your suit or jacket, or in your bag, then a "long wallet" is the perfect choice.
The biggest advantage of a "long wallet" is its slim profile, which means it doesn't get bulky even when filled with bills and cards. Furthermore, a long wallet made from high-quality cordovan leather, a basic yet durable material, allows you to enjoy the gradual changes in the leather over time.

■Recommended brands for "long wallets": CAMILLE FOURNET, THE WARMTHCRAFTS-MANUFACTURE, BALLY

See more "long wallet" products




A bifold wallet is recommended for those who prioritize storage capacity, as it can hold bills, coins, and cards.



Ettinger bi-fold wallet ¥44,000 (Cowhide/Bridle leather/Coin purse/3 card slots/Size: 9cm (height) x 11.5cm (width) x 2cm (thickness))

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Even in this cashless era, a bifold wallet is recommended for those who want to keep their bills, coins, and frequently used cards easily visible at a glance, while also prioritizing storage capacity.
With its convenient size and ease of use, making it ideal for carrying around in a bag or pants pocket, this is a style that almost every man has probably held at least once.
Furthermore, since this style is available from various brands, it's also recommended for those who want to unify the colors of their accessories or those who prefer to collect leather goods from the same brand.

■Recommended brands for "bi-fold wallets": BALLY/Whitehouse Cox ETTINGER/Ettinger CYPRIS/Cypris

See more "bi-fold wallet" products.



For those who prioritize size and only want to carry the essentials, a "mini (compact) wallet" is recommended.



Larco Baleno Smart Mini Wallet ¥24,200 (Goat leather / with coin purse / 3 card slots / Size: 8cm (width) x 12cm (height) x 0.5cm (thickness))

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For minimalists who mostly shop using cashless payment methods such as IC cards and credit cards, and want to keep their cash and coins to a minimum, a "mini (compact) wallet" is highly recommended.
A wide variety of mini wallets are available from various brands, in diverse designs and sizes, offering plenty of choices. You can play with colors to add a pop of color to your outfit, or use different wallets for different occasions—find a way to use them that suits your lifestyle.

■Recommended brands for "mini (compact) wallets": the RIDGE / SMYTHSON / L'arcobaleno

See more "Mini (Compact) Wallets" product list



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Photo: Tatsuya Ozawa
Text: ISETAN MEN'S net

*All prices include tax.
*The information in this article is current as of the publication date. Product information may be revised or changed without notice.

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