The Ultimate Guide For Leather Wallet Owners

Everyone has to have a wallet. It’s what we all count on to carry our cards, cash, and coins. Without a wallet, we’d all find ourselves in embarrassing situations where we’re unable to pay for things. Undeniably, it’s a reliable item that we can’t live without, therefore, we should invest in a wallet that serves its purpose properly.

There are several wallets in the market, but if you’re looking for one that won’t let you down, and likely has everything you’d ever need, buy a leather wallet. When it comes to purchasing a classy wallet that can accommodate all of your cards in one place, you can’t go wrong with a leather wallet.

In this post, let’s take a look at why leather wallets are worthy of a space in your pocket. We’ll also share a few useful tips on taking care of your leather wallet so that you can keep it looking good as new.

Reasons Why You Should Own a Leather Wallet

A leather wallet is superior to other types of wallets. Aside from being durable, long-lasting, and fashionable, a leather wallet is known to age like fine wine. Unlike other wallets that go through wear and tear, and which have to be replaced due to their outdated look, leather wallets are timeless pieces that will look better and better in time.

But that’s not all – there are multiple benefits of owning a leather wallet that are outlined below:

#1 Long-Lasting

As opposed to wallets that are made from flimsy materials, it’s no secret that leather is more long-lasting. In fact, if you care for your leather wallet, it can last a lifetime. This is because brands such as Trayvax source their leather from the top tanneries to ensure that the material doesn’t undergo wear and tear. And while leather costs a couple of extra dollars, it’s a worthwhile expense. When other wallets start to break down, a leather wallet will still look brand new.

#2 Timeless

Compared to other wallets that are dependent on trends, a leather wallet is timeless. It’s in its own league and continues to be integrated into fashion (e.g. designer bags) in this day and age. Years have gone by, but there’s no denying that leather wallets are still in demand. In other words, it has never gone (and never will) go out of style.

Even if you invest in a leather wallet today, twenty years down the road, it still won’t be considered outdated. If you purchase this type of wallet, you can be assured that you’ll always be stylish, whether it’s the 2000s or the 2100s.

#3 Versatile

If you could own only one wallet for the rest of your life, it better be a leather wallet. You will never have to alternate between wallets when you buy a leather wallet as it has everything you’d ever need. It offers the basic functions of a wallet, which is to carry your cards, cash, etc., but it also provides a versatile appearance.

Whether you take it on a camping trip or to a meeting, with a leather wallet, you’ll look put together either way. It’s classic yet it can also look à la mode depending on what you wear it with.

#4 Low-Maintenance

There is a common misconception that leather wallets need to be handled with care. Although full-grain and top-grain leather need to be cleaned and conditioned, the material provides natural protection, so you don’t need to take drastic measures to take care of your wallet.

If your wallet gets dirty, all you have to do is to get a rag to remove the grime. If you’re dealing with stubborn stains, vinegar and water can do the trick and make it look good as new in no time. In the unlikely event that its seams start to come apart, all you have to do is hire a wallet repair service. In short, you won’t have to get rid of your wallet every time it shows signs of wear and tear. There’s always an easy way to mitigate the damage.

#5 Affordable

Not all leather wallets will break the bank. An affordable bi-fold wallet for men will cost around $50, but a designer wallet will be around the $300 to $500 price range. There’s no right or wrong when it comes to the wallet’s price point, but in general, you should consider buying a wallet that can last as long as possible.

Find a leather wallet that’s made from real hide as these are the most long-lasting. Although full-grain leather is considered the most durable, it tends to be costly. As an alternative, you can invest in a good, top-grain leather wallet that’s still long-lasting, but costs a fraction of the price of the former. Trayvax’s wallets, for example, are made from top-grain leather to guarantee decades of use without significant loss of patina.

#6 Classy

One of the main reasons why people prefer to own leather wallets is due to their classic aesthetic. While some people would own a wallet for practical purposes (i.e. to carry their cards, cash, etc.), others treat it as a statement piece. In short, their wallet is part of their day-to-day attire.

A leather wallet reflects the effortless style that they want to show the world. Despite being a classic piece, it can still be considered fashionable in the modern day. If you want your first impression to be “classy”, buy a leather wallet to help you accomplish that.

#7 Spacious

If you’re the type of person that prefers to carry multiple cards, you’ll be pleased to know that this kind of wallet is spacious. Leather wallets are compact, but they’re able to accommodate a lot of things, including your debit cards, credit cards, membership cards, and more! That’s because its material is meant to adapt to its contents. Over time, you’ll notice your wallet becoming more bendable but still durable.

The wallet typically contains several compartments that let you separate your cards from your cash. This allows you to easily find your preferred credit card whenever you need it, and to keep track of how much money you have left in your wallet.

How to Choose a Leather Wallet

When it comes to choosing a wallet, you should go for the one that suits your style and lifestyle. You’ll be stuck with your wallet for a long time, so be absolutely sure that it’s what you’re looking for. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a wallet:

#1 Capacity

If you’re buying a new wallet, the wallet you own now is probably filled to the brim. Before buying a wallet, be sure to trim down your essentials to the bare minimum. This will help you determine how much space you actually need in a wallet. If you skip this step, you risk buying a wallet that’s too bulky.

Once you’ve stripped your wallet down, review your options. Which wallet has sufficient card slots, cash compartments, coin cases, etc. that fit your needs? If you prefer to pay with “plastic”, you should purchase a wallet with more space for credit cards. On the other hand, if you like to carry coins, look for a wallet with a coin pocket.

#2 Material

There’s no question that you should only consider high-quality leather when choosing a wallet. Again, top-grain and full-grain leather are the top options, but you can also go for other kinds of leather if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly. However, keep in mind that other kinds of leather likely do not look as good and do not last as long. Low-quality leather also loses its “raw” or natural imperfections that you’d otherwise find in high-quality leather.

Keep an eye out for fake leather wallets. One way to tell if it’s a fake is to check its price – if it’s too good to be true, it’s probably fake. Real leather will also have a smell that’s impossible to replicate.

#3 Style

While leather wallets are classics, they can come in more contemporary styles, too. With that said, there’s a wide range of wallet designs to choose from, which allows you to purchase the product that perfectly fits your style. Whether you want a wallet with natural tones or vibrant colors, the possibilities are endless. Take for example the Trayvax Element Wallet that comes in four colors: Tobacco Brown, Steel Grey, Mississippi Mud, and Stealth Black.

If you prefer casual wear, you can choose a lighter-colored wallet. On the other hand, if you’re often in professional wear, you may want to look for a wallet with a darker surface. Exotic wallets aren’t as versatile, but they are perfect if you want to make a statement every time you walk into the room.

#4 Type

How a wallet is folded affects its function. Let’s take a look at the different types of wallets and what they’re ideal for:

Bi-Fold Wallet

A bi-fold or billfold is a wallet that features one fold in the middle. It folds the wallet into two halves and provides compartments for cash, cards, and coins. Its design is straightforward, which is why it’s the most widely used type of wallet. A bi-fold wallet is also more compact compared to a tri-fold, allowing it to fit comfortably in the pocket.

Trifold Wallet

A trifold wallet, as the name implies, is folded three times. Because of this, it allows the wearer to sort their items better, and bring more things such as photographs, membership cards, and more. The downside is that it tends to be bulkier but it still can fit comfortably in the pocket. Just know that if you opt for a trifold wallet, you need to go through its contents regularly to get rid of any junk.

Card Case

Protect your cards with a card case. A card case is designed to protect your debit cards, credit cards, and more against scratches. It’s ideal for people that prefer to pay with their credit card. It’s also a way to carry your cards if your current wallet does not feature a card slot. Alternatively, you can purchase a card sleeve that you can carry within your wallet. If you’re in the market for a card sleeve, look for one that’s made from leather so that it fits.

Money Clip

This wallet is similar to a card case in the sense that it’s mainly for cards. But compared to a card case, it comes with an interior clip where you can secure your folded bills. A money clip is perfect for people that want to be forced to practice minimalism because it can carry only the basics. By using a money clip, you’ll be able to strip down your wallet and bring only what you need for the day, such as your identification card, one or two credit cards, and a few folded bills tops.

How to Take Care of Your Leather Wallet

Earlier, we mentioned that a leather wallet can withstand the wear and tear that other wallets wouldn’t be able to handle. This, of course, is true only if the product is properly cared for. By taking care of your wallet, you won’t ever have to buy a replacement wallet, and you can keep it looking brand new for as long as possible. For it to last a lifetime, you need to ensure that your wallet receives the attention it deserves.

#1 Do Not Over-Stuff Your Wallet

Although it’s a good thing that the material can stretch, you shouldn’t stretch it out too much, either. By over-stuffing your wallet, you’re causing it to stretch to the point where it can’t be reversed. You’ll end up with a wallet that looks wrinkly and about to burst. To avoid this, don’t fill it with stuff that you don’t need. Don’t make the mistake of stashing old ATM receipts, tickets, and the like in your wallet, but instead, throw away the clutter as often as possible.

#2 Do Not Over-Clean It

You should clean your wallet, but you shouldn’t over-clean it because it will ruin its natural appearance and “wipe away” its patina. Note that your wallet contains natural oils that you should allow to add shine. When cleaning your wallet, make sure to be gentle – there’s absolutely no need to wipe your wallet as if your life depended on it.

#3 Clean It Correctly

Be careful! There are several ways to clean your wallet, and if you apply the wrong one, the damage could be irreversible. As a rule of thumb, you can use a commercial-grade leather cleaner to maintain your wallet’s natural “gloss”, but you shouldn’t use it to get rid of dirt, dust, and other grime.

• Dirt and Dust. Use a dry cloth to get rid of dirt and dust that hasn’t hardened. Do not rub vigorously over the wallet. If the dirt or dust has set in, get a commercial-grade leather cleaner or conditioner to get rid of it. Do not use soap as this can affect the treatment of the leather.
• Water. If your wallet gets wet, do not wait for the spot to dry on its own. Wipe it with a dry towel immediately so that it doesn’t turn into a water stain, and then allow it to air-dry. If your wallet gets soaked, do the same, but do not use a hair-dryer, or else it’ll become wrinkled.

#4 Store it Properly

If you’re switching between two leather wallets, be mindful of where you’re storing the wallet you’re not currently using. It shouldn’t be placed under the sunlight due to its tendency to fade. Also, it shouldn’t be placed inside a plastic bag because this doesn’t provide proper ventilation. Remember, your wallet needs to be able to breathe.

#5 Moisturize Your Wallet

Does your wallet look like it has wrinkles? That likely indicates that it’s too dry. Like skin, leather needs moisture to keep its soft surface. If your wallet looks like it needs a bit of moisture, it would be best to buy a leather conditioner. It’s worth investing in an all-natural conditioner if your wallet is made of vegetable-tanned leather.

As a rule of thumb, you should condition your wallet twice a year, but this ultimately depends on the amount of use. What’s important is that you don’t allow your wallet to get too dried out.

The Bottom Line

A leather wallet is the type of wallet that you can’t go wrong with. It’s a very versatile accessory that can be worn with any attire, whether casual or classy. It will always be fashionable, and it isn’t dependent on the trends. However, it also has the power to make or break an impression, to be sure to take care of your wallet.

At Trayvax, we believe that your wallet is a worthy part of your everyday ensemble. That’s why we provide a wide variety of wallets that will make you feel confident every time you keep them in your pocket. Check out our collection of well-crafted leather wallets today to find the one that suits your style.