In the digital age where everyone has a smartphone that does all the work, one might almost believe that carrying a wallet is sort of…unnecessary? Granted, our smartphone can carry pretty much all the functions of a wallet does (and more) but there’s something about a person carrying a wallet that screams elegant! A leather wallet has a vintage appeal to it that speaks volumes about the person carrying it. But, if you are planning on investing in a wallet, there are certain factors to explore before moving ahead. Here we will guide you through the key factors to keep in mind before you make the purchase.
1. Go for simple and stick to the basics. Nothing says elegant like a classic leather wallet without too many ornaments. A beautifully designed wallet with minimal designs is like a shapeshifter. It can blend well with fancy work attire as well as with a T-shirt and jeans. It is simply impossible to go wrong when you have a sleek yet simple wallet hanging by you. Here we are not just recommending a simple wallet for you, rather we are insisting that a simple wallet is what you need.
2. Introspect. No really, who are you as a person? Now that you have finalized on choosing the simple but elegant wallet type (as per our insistence thank you very much!), you need to identify what type of simple wallet do you need? Do you need a big one with a good storage capacity? Or a cute little one that can slide into any pant pocket no matter how tiny? The key factor here is to reflect on who you are as a person, not who you wish to be. We suggest that you spend some time reflecting on your lifestyle. Think about how you spend your day and how often the wallet comes into the picture. For instance, do you find yourself on the move a lot and in places with hot temperatures? Find a wallet that can handle a tolerable amount of weather change and rough use (and is friendly to sweat!) Your wallet type should compliment you and your lifestyle. Not the other way round!
3. Decide on the tentative time frame
Despite some manufacturers claims, no leather wallet (or any item for that matter) can last a lifetime. Even the $100 ones! While it is more than reasonable to expect a good quality wallet to last for over a decade, one must consider the level of usage that the owner has in mind. Over time and with heavy frequent usage, the edges around the wallet and folds will begin fraying over time. The higher the quality of leather, the longer it will last. Not to mention, they always tend to look classier too! 😉
4. Choose the right size Identifying the right size might seem like an easy decision to make, but is it though? How do you decide the size that’s right for you? A simple wallet might seem the most appealing, but what if you end up carrying more items than what you initially estimated? What about the days when you have to carry a little something extra and later struggles to fold the damn thing and stuff into your back pocket? Here’s what you can do…
- Empty out your current wallet and place the items on the table. Do you really need to carry ALL of them on a daily basis? Discard the unnecessary items such as expired cards and whatnot. Look at the remaining items and then take the call. Knowing how much you carry is key to choosing the right size.
- Do you carry a lot of cash and change? Go for a wallet that provides ample space for large notes and can fold easily. Also, opt for a wallet type with money clip if you have the option. Click here to explore wallet types designed for heavy use.
- Do you carry a lot of cards? Go for a wallet that has INNUMEROUS card slots. There’s nothing worse than stuffing 2 cards in the slot meant for just 1. Explore here.
- Are you a frequent card user? Unless you work in the organized crime sector, I’m going to go out on a limb and assume you own a bank account and at least 1 credit card. If payment through the card is an indispensable part of your daily life, find a wallet with card slots that can actually hold your cards in place. You would be surprised how often people end up with wallets that are either too big for their cards, or too small. If you are purchasing the wallet online, don’t forget to keep an eye out for its measurements.
(On a related note, there is nothing more undignified than handing out a credit card with heavily damaged edges!)
5. Choose the right material. What is the climate like in your area? Where are you going to be placing the wallet most often? Do you want it to match the briefcase/handbag/ aesthetics of your surroundings? How long and how often are you going to be using this particular wallet? All of these are key in identifying the right type of leather for you.
6. Think of it as an investment. People often make the mistake of going for popular brands while choosing the wallet. An expensive brand does not ensure high quality. Rather, invest in the right product rather than the name. The best and the worst part about leather is that it can last for over a decade if you take the right care of it. So the purchase must be made after thinking long and hard. You do not want to be spending a large sum of money on a product you don’t truly like, or worse, does not reflect the authentic you!
