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How to Buy the Perfect Wallet

Last Updated on January 31, 2019 by Sarah - West Virginia University
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.
wallet

Image Credits: 1, 2

A wallet is one of the most important accessories a girl can own – after all, you use it multiple times a day, every single day.

When picking out a wallet, there are a lot of factors to consider: Do you prefer a wallet that zips shut, or would you rather have something with a snap closure? Is it important that your wallet be a neutral color, or do you prefer something more fun? Wallets are meant to be practical, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring!

Below, we’ll guide you through the process of investing in a new wallet, plus show you some adorable wallets for every budget.

If you’re ready to pick out a new wallet…

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1. Consider the Size

You should first think about what size is best for you. Do you want something that folds up, or do you prefer a long wallet? Are you going to be carrying around a checkbook? What about your passport? Does folding your money bother you? Do you plan on carrying your wallet in all your bags, clutches and small purses? How many items are you planning on keeping in your wallet?

If you’re not sure if a specific wallet will meet your size needs, it’s a good idea to test it out in the store (assuming the sales associates are OK with it!): bring everything you plan on keeping in your wallet, as well as the smallest bag in which you plan on carrying it, and try before you buy.

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2. Consider What Currency You’ll Carry in It

If you usually carry coins and don’t want to use a change purse, make sure the wallet has a compartment for keeping coins so they don’t fall to the bottom of your bag – or worse, all over the floor whenever you take out your wallet!

Coin compartments are especially important if you travel outside of the US,, since many countries use coins more frequently than we do in the states – for example, the UK uses one-pound coins instead of notes, so you’re probably going to end up carrying around more coins than you’re used to!

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3. Think About Storage for Cards

Make sure you pick a wallet with a ton of card slots; this is especially important if you carry around a ton of important cards!

Stuffing one slot with a bunch of cards will stretch it out and make it more likely that your cards will fall out. Plus, it’s simply a lot more convenient to know exactly where your cards are located, instead of having to dig through your wallet to find out in which section a certain card is hiding.

If quality and durability are important to you…

You may want to think about spending more money on one wallet, rather than buying multiple cheaper wallets. It’s really a pain to switch out cards and everything else you carry around every time you want to wear a new bag!

If you can afford to spend a little extra cash, a wallet is a great accessory to invest in. A well-made wallet will last you ages, and it’s something practical that you’ll use literally every day.

Want a nicer wallet, but convinced you can’t afford one? Don’t forget to check outlet malls! Stores like Coach, Kate Spade and Saks (“Off Fifth”) have many outlets across the US where you can find great deals. If you live in a city like NYC or LA with tons of sample sales going on, those are also great ways to find a quality wallet for cheap.

Not sure where to start looking?

Here’s a few cute wallet suggestions that’ll meet a variety of budgets and variables!

Long wallets

Long wallets

Top row: 1. Madewell, 2. Topshop, 3. Marc by Marc Jacobs
Bottom row: 4. Rebecca Minkoff, 5. Coach, 6. Kate Spade

Short Wallets

Short wallets

Top row: 1. Coach, 2. Kate Spade, 3. Folli Follie
Bottom row: 4. Rebecca Minkoff, 5. Topshop, 6. Comme des Garcons

What about you?

What’s the most important thing you look for when picking out a wallet? Do you use the same one all the time, or do you switch out depending on which bag you’re carrying? In your opinion, what’s the most useful feature a wallet can offer? Leave a comment and let us know!

Tags : Accessories

9 Comments
Originally published on November 3, 2011
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Comments

  1. Jenny in Jacquard says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:04 pm

    I totally believe in investing in a quality wallet, especially considering that it goes everywhere with you and gets pulled out multiple times a day. Kate Spade is definitely my favorite wallet brand. They come in cute colors and patterns which won’t get lost in the giant black hole that is my purse. 🙂

    Reply
  2. Mina says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:04 pm

    Great post! I always find myself looking for a new wallet because the ones I buy are always too small. I have a lot of cards and carry a lot of change, so size is definitely important.

    Reply
  3. Kassandra C @ OCCC says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:04 pm

    Something I’ve found to be really important in a wallet is whether or not it can double as a clutch, preferably with a wrist strap. That way if I don’t feel like hauling around my bag, I don’t have to fuss with transferring things over into a different clutch, I just pull the clutch/wallet out of my bag and go.

    Reply
  4. Reggie says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:04 pm

    I really recommend the Vera Bradley wallets. Especially the ones you can wipe down because the cloth is almost like laminated. When I bought mine it was part of the Frill collection. They aren’t calling it that anymore but still make it out of that fabric. I’ve used my wallet every single day for a year and a half and it still looks like I just bought it. I’ve never had anything show so little wear in my entire life. They are indestructible.

    Reply
  5. Evelyn says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:04 pm

    One of my best Salvation Army finds was a brown leather Coach wallet for 25 cents. I didn’t event realize it was Coach til after I bought it. It’s great quality!

    Reply
  6. Fashionista says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:03 pm

    I recently got a Marc Jacobs look alike long bright red wallet shown above and I am very happy with my purchase. I can put a strap and use it as a clutch and remove the strap and carry it in my bag. I use a two wheeler and need to carry my license, bill book, debit/ credit cards, Id cards, my locker keys, mobile recharge cards, a small hankerchief and many more needed by during the day. This wallet I bought has so many compartments, card holders, zippered pocekts and a big space, Really loving it………….and final note I loved the long wallets shown here, would like to buy one of them……so will start saving from today……

    Reply
  7. British Bombshell Daisy says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:12 pm

    I had this beautiful red armarni wallet what was given to me as a birthday present. A couple of weeks ago, my staff puppy decided to eat it for his tea! I cried for hours! Thank you for posting this as now I think I may be able to move on! (yes, I live in the UK and I’m English!) – British Bombshell Daisy

    Reply
  8. Jan says

    April 15, 2019 at 11:13 am

    I am about to purchase a nice wallet myself, I would rather invest than buy a cheap one. I am thinking a Marc by Marc Jacobs, I usually always get everything in black, but I want to do a neutral (like #5 long). Great article, I love this website!

    Reply
  9. Kişş Mihăiţă says

    April 15, 2019 at 11:56 am

    I like simple and yet sophisticated or luxurious bifold wallets.
    That’s my style.

    Reply

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