Trifold wallets are a bit thick and bulky, but they do offer a lot of storage. Check out our top picks for the best men's trifold wallets.
Trifold wallets aren’t for every guy. They’re a bit thick and bulky, and not everyone enjoys the loud tearing sound of a velcro closure.
But the best trifold wallets do have something to offer: Storage. They have a lot of storage.
If you’re a guy that likes to keep a lot of stuff in his wallet, from receipts and milk club cards to your credit cards and some cash, a trifold wallet might be the best choice for you.
Mathematically speaking, you automatically get 50 percent more wallet over a bifold wallet.
Compared to a front-pocket minimalist wallet, the amount of storage a trifold wallet offers is like the difference between a Miata and an Expedition.
While a trifold wallet does offer more storage, it does it in a smaller footprint. If you’re using a large bifold or biker wallet, it may be difficult to fit it in some of your pants pockets. A trifold wallet, while thicker, is quite a bit smaller than the other options.
If your old billfold is starting to age less-than-gracefully or your slim, minimalist wallet is bursting at the seams, it might be worth taking a look at some of the best trifold wallets on the market.
Table of Contents
Quick Take
Short on time? Here are our top three picks for the best trifold wallets you can buy right now:
The Buffalo Jackson Denver Leather Trifold Wallet is a great choice for guys looking for a rugged wallet made from the best materials.
There are a lot of reasons to like the Timberland Trifold Nylon Wallet; it’s simple, it’s affordable, and it’s made from a durable material.
Leather trifold wallets tend to run short on storage, but not this one. The RM Williams Small Trifold Wallet has eight credit card pockets as well as an ID window, and a cash slot, allowing you to keep all of your important cards on hand.
Read on for more info and the complete list…
Materials
Just like choosing the right watch or the perfect pair of boots, materials should play a significant role when selecting the best trifold wallet for your needs. You want something that represents you, your taste, and your lifestyle. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular materials for men’s wallets.
Leather Wallets
Choosing a leather wallet is the classic and traditional move, and it’s the perfect material for most guys. A good quality leather will be tough and durable and age nicely over time.
You’ll want to shop for a wallet made with 100 percent leather, not a synthetic blend substitute. Also, full-grain is the best quality leather, while top grain is just a step below. Both will produce a fine, durable, and handsome wallet.
There is also a debate over which leather is better; vegetable-tanned or chrome-tanned. Realistically, both tanning processes create a quality leather fine for most guys.
The main difference is that vegetable tanning is a more environmentally friendly process, where chrome tanning does use chemicals that are harsher on the environment.
The downside of leather is that it absorbs moisture and retains heat, so keeping a leather wallet in your pocket on a hot day can be uncomfortable and downright gross. Also, it tends to be the heaviest of the options.
Nylon Wallets
Before you shrug off the idea of rocking a nylon wallet, this is a material worth considering. If you’re a guy that works in manual labor, a nylon trifold wallet could be the right choice.
First off, a nylon wallet is usually less expensive than a leather wallet, so if you’re on a budget, nylon is not a bad move. Second, nylon is incredibly tough and long-lasting, meaning it will hold up to just about anything you put it through.
It’s also lightweight and water-resistant, a big plus for a long day on a job site. It won’t absorb sweat or harbor bacteria either.
With all of these benefits to a nylon wallet, what could be the downside, you ask? Ultimately, it’s style. Nylon wallets, in general, aren’t very attractive. They often look immature, and the loud tearing of a hook and loop closure reminds most people of standing in their high school lunch line.
There are some very nice nylon wallets, but leather wallets tend to offer more to your style.
Canvas Wallets
If you want a wallet made from a meet-in-the-middle material, canvas is an interesting choice. Traditionally, canvas was a blend of cotton or linen and hemp. It was a durable material used for a ton of practical purposes; bags, tough outerwear, sails, and tents.
Today, canvas tends to be a blend of cotton and polyester, which isn’t a sacrifice. While it may not be as soft, poly blend canvas is more waterproof and extremely tear-resistant—neither of which is a bad thing for a piece of EDC.
Depending on the blend, canvas can be fairly rigid and durable, making it an attractive choice for a wallet. It also presents a rugged, earthy, or even nautical style.
It makes a great choice for a guy with an adventurous lifestyle who doesn’t take himself too seriously. Canvas is usually hand washable too, so if it gets too dirty or grimy in your pocket, just break out some detergent and get to work.
RFID-Blocking Fabric
Granted, this is more of a feature than a material you’d find an entire wallet made from, but it’s worth mentioning.
Manufacturers use RFID-blocking fabrics inside their wallets to provide an extra layer of protection from someone stealing your credit card numbers with a remote scanner.
This layer typically consists of a copper and nickel weave that keeps these scanners from catching your info while walking through a public place. It’s certainly worth considering if you live in a busy city or spend a lot of time in crowds.
The Best Trifold Wallets for Men
Now that you’ve got an idea of the best materials for your trifold wallet, here are some great options worth considering. From high-end leather billfolds to affordable nylon wallets with velcro closures, there’s probably a choice on this list for you.
Best Leather Option: Buffalo Jackson Denver Leather Trifold Wallet
The Buffalo Jackson Denver Leather Trifold Wallet is a great choice for guys looking for a rugged wallet made from the best materials.
Buffalo Jackson makes this wallet from full-grain cow leather, so it looks and feels incredible when new, but it will take on an awesome patina as time goes by.
It has a center ID pocket as well as two card slots on the left and two on the right. There are no see-through plastic slots, velcro, or zippers—just old fashioned cow leather and stitching.
Pros:
- Full-grain cow leather
- Rugged styling
Cons:
- A bit bulky
If there’s a wallet meant for a man’s man, the Buffalo Jackson Denver wallet is it.
Best Canvas Option: Timberland Canvas and Leather Trifold Wallet
The Canvas and Leather Trifold Wallet from Timberland is a solid choice for active guys who need a rugged wallet that still has something to offer to their style.
It’s handsome and tough but stands out a bit among standard leather wallets—thanks in part to its unexpectedly striped liner.
Timberland uses durable canvas and genuine leather for this wallet, so it will hold up to some abuse. It features a clear ID pocket, a large slot for cash, and room for six credit cards.
Pros:
- Stylish striped interior lining
- Very slim for trifold wallet
Cons:
- Not 100 percent canvas
It’s also slim compared to most other trifold wallets, making it a really attractive option.
Simplest Pick: Saddleback Simple Trifold Leather Wallet
The Saddleback Simple Trifold Leather Wallet is as straightforward as a trifold wallet can be.
With only four card slots and a bill slot, there are no frills or extras to get in your way.
Saddleback makes this wallet from full-grain leather but lines it with pigskin to create an incredibly strong and durable billfold. The outer layer is slightly oversized, which allows this wallet to lay completely flat—a nice touch for a potentially bulky piece of kit.
Pros:
- Rugged Styling
- Made from full-grain leather
Cons:
- Not much storage
The Simple Trifold Leather Wallet comes in your choice of four colors; black, chocolate, brown, and tan. For a classy touch, you can have your wallet monogrammed with your initials. Plus, Saddleback throws in a 100-year warranty.
Best Design: Aurochs Infinity Trifold Wallet
When it comes to a trifold wallet with a really awesome design, look no further than the Aurochs Infinity Trifold Wallet.
Unlike typical trifold wallets that sandwich one of the wallet sections when they close, the Infinity Trifold is double-sided, allowing each section to lay flat without sandwiching the other layer.
The result is a wallet with more storage that lays flatter.
The Infinity Trifold holds up to eight cards and ten bills. Aurochs makes these wallets from full-grain leather as well, making them durable and attractive. You have the choice of RFID blocking or just a standard wallet as well.
Pros:
- Great design
- Plenty of storage
Cons:
- Could be confusing to use
The only downside is that it might take you a little longer to find your card or ID, since you’ve got two sides to shuffle through.
The Best Traditional Trifold Wallet: Filson Bridle Leather Trifold Wallet
Filson made its name by creating durable gear for the outdoorsman. This Bridle Leather Trifold Wallet carries that tradition, as it’s fit for long hikes, camping trips, or any other rugged pursuit you have to throw at it.
It’s made from full-grain bridle leather, meaning it’s strong enough to rein in a horse. It’s also more water-resistant than other leathers.
Pros:
- Bridle leather is super tough
Cons:
- A little pricey
This wallet has five card pockets and a slot for cash. It comes in dark brown and tan— the tan is our favorite. It also comes in a reusable moleskin pouch.
The Best Trifold Leather Wallet Storage: RM Williams Small Trifold Wallet
Leather trifold wallets tend to run short on storage, but not this one. The RM Williams Small Trifold Wallet has eight credit card pockets as well as an ID window, and a cash slot, allowing you to keep all of your important cards on hand.
RM Williams makes these wallets out of yearling leather, which could understandably be an issue for some. But, that does guarantee that you’ll get an excellent-quality wallet, free from blemishes or marks, so you’ll have to decide where you stand on that topic.
Pros:
- Plenty of storage from a small wallet
- Made from yearling leather
Cons:
- Only comes in one color
- It’s made from yearling leather
The only other issue is that it only comes in a dark, chocolatey brown. It would be nice to have a black or tan offering to pair with other leather items like dress shoes, boots, or watch straps.
The Best RFID Trifold Wallet: Stealth Mode Trifold Leather Wallet with RFID Blocking
If you need an attractive wallet that will keep your credit card numbers a secret, the Stealth Mode Trifold Wallet is a solid choice.
This handsome wallet uses Crazy Horse leather. This type of leather has a pull-up effect (temporary discoloration caused by scratching, pinching, etc.), giving it a unique look and great patina over time.
It has nine card slots, two cash slots, and an ID window, providing plenty of storage.
Pros:
- Crazy Horse pull-up leather
- Blocks credit card theft
Cons:
- A bit bulky
Stealth Mode uses an RFID blocking fabric layer behind the leather to block your cards from portable scanners. Stealth Mode designs these wallets to block high-frequency RFID signals used for stealing your credit card and governmental ID’s information.
The Best Nylon Trifold Wallet: Timberland PRO Cordura Nylon RFID Trifold Wallet
When it comes to a hard-working, tough as nails wallet, it’s hard to beat the Timberland PRO Cordura Nylon Wallet.
Made entirely from Cordura fabric, this wallet’s shell is water-resistant, tear-resistant, and incredibly durable.
The nylon interior lining covers an RFID-blocking fabric, making this a great wallet for active guys that need a little protection from identity and credit card thieves.
Pros:
- Tough as nails
- Lots of storage
Cons:
- Velcro closure
- Boring styling
This wallet has a ton of storage; 13 card pockets, an ID pocket, and a cash pocket. It stays closed with a hook and loop Velcro closure, though that’s actually one of the downsides.
Ripping the Velcro opening is loud, and when coupled with the somewhat dull styling, can make this hard-working wallet seem a bit childish.
Best Affordable Trifold Wallet: Timberland Trifold Nylon Wallet
There are a lot of reasons to like the Timberland Trifold Nylon Wallet; it’s simple, it’s affordable, and it’s made from a durable material. Is it great to look at? No. Is refinement an issue? Possibly. Is it a good deal? Definitely.
At this price point, it’d be hard to beat the Timberland Trifold Nylon Wallet.
It has 13 credit card pockets, an ID window, and a cash pocket. It also has the same striped liner that several, more expensive Timberland wallets have.
Pros:
- Lightweight design
- Comes in a few colors
Cons:
- Velcro closure
- Not very refined
This wallet’s strength is not fit and finish, and it won’t win any beauty pageants. That’s because these things get thrown together rather quickly.
However, the durable nylon material and stitching make this a long-lasting yet affordable option for guys that tend to beat their wallets up a bit. It’s also completely hand-washable.
Final Thoughts
While it’s probably not a great idea to load up your wallet full of every receipt or business card you’ve ever received, knowing you have the room to store all of your essential cards and cash is a bonus.
Whether you choose to go with a trifold wallet or not, the choices on this list are pretty compelling.
From the high-end Buffalo Jackson Denver to the budget-friendly Timberland Nylon Wallet, you have the choice of several excellent wallets for your everyday carry needs.
If you’re a traditional guy, try the Denver leather wallet from Buffalo Jackson. If you spend your free time on mountain bike trail rides, check into the Timberland PRO Cordura Nylon Wallet—it’s tough and lightweight.
Whichever wallet you choose from this guide, you’ll find a durable wallet that will work well for years to come.
Hi Brock, Good review and timely. I just purchased 2 new wallets from Mack Weldon neither are trifold though. The Ion bi-fold and Ion card case. I’ve had several trifold over the years and although they’re handy they’re also very bulky and don’t look good and can be uncomfortable when dressed to go out especially when wearing slim cut pants or a shorts. The problem with card case and bi-fold wallets are once you stuff them with one too many cards the pockets are irreversibly stretched never to return to original size.