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Home / Clothing and Style / Accessories / Top 8 Best Slim Wallets for Men (2021 Review)

Top 8 Best Slim Wallets for Men (2021 Review)

Published on March 3, 2020 by Ian Chandler · Accessories

May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

For most men, the humble wallet is an everyday carry staple. It’s one of the most important accessories you can own––after all, it carries important cargo like your ID and credit cards.

Think for a moment about your own wallet use. How often do you carry a wallet? What do you keep in it? Of everything you keep in your wallet, what do you use every day?

Is your wallet in your pocket right now? Can you feel it wedged between you and your seat?

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Most men carry their wallets all day, every day. And most men carry too much wallet. Chances are you don’t actually need that heavy duty trifold with the extra flap for photo ID and a zip up change pouch.

Unless you’ve got 18 credit cards, a slim wallet will likely be more than adequate.

Costanza wallet
With so many great slim wallets available, there’s no need to be like George these days.

If you’re currently lugging around an oversized, George Costanza wallet, I’m going to try to convince you to trade it in for a sleek, modern, slim alternative.

Quick Take

Short on time? Here are our top three picks for the best slim wallets you can buy right now:

Our Pick
Anson Calder Card Wallet with Cash Pocket
Anson Calder Card Wallet with Cash Pocket
$145

The Anson Calder Card Wallet (With Cash Pocket) is our #1 choice if you have the budget for a premium brand.

Check Price Learn More
Budget Pick
Slim Wallet By DASH
Slim Wallet By DASH
$18.99

This is probably the best slim wallet under $20 you can find right now.

Check Price Learn More
03/02/2021 10:06 pm GMT
Most Durable
Saddleback Front Pocket ID Wallet
Saddleback Front Pocket ID Wallet
$49

One of the most durable slim wallets of all time, this low profile wallet from Saddleback has a see-through ID slot. It will require some breaking in.

Check Price on Saddleback Check Price on Amazon

Read on for more info and the complete list…

What’s the Deal with Slim Wallets?

Before we take a look at some of the best slim men’s wallets out there, let me first address the question that’s probably on your mind: Why convert to a slim wallet?

Here are three compelling reasons:

1. Slim Wallets Are Good for Your Back

Believe it or not, sitting with a thick wallet in one of your back pockets can throw off your posture. I’m no physiologist, but I do know that research has shown that sitting lopsided over time can cause sciatica, which is basically pain in your lower back.

This means that thick, bulky wallets are literally a pain in the ass.

(Someone should probably Tweet that.)

2. Slim Wallets Are More Convenient

Picture this: You’re shuffling through a crowded line, maybe at the grocery store or the subway station. Things are busy but moving until someone throws a wrench in the whole system because they can’t find their ID, credit card, or fare card.

Have you been there before? I know I have, and it’s not a good feeling.

Slim wallets force you to carry only the essentials, so you never have to dig through them to find what you need. You can grab whatever you need in just a few seconds.

3. Slim Wallets Are Safer

I’m a fan of carrying my wallet in my front pocket, but this can be hard to do if you’ve got a wallet that’s bursting at the seams. However, you can easily slide a slim wallet right into your front pocket.

In addition to being more comfortable and better on your back, this placement also makes your wallet much harder to steal.

Granted, most of us don’t have to worry about pickpocketing on a daily basis, but it is a concern while traveling or in certain areas, and it’s good to know that you can move your wallet into a front pocket without sacrificing comfort.

Plus, when is the last time something fell out of your front pocket? Exactly.

Not convinced yet? Maybe you just haven’t found the right slim wallet for you.

Our 8 Favorite Slim Wallets

Here are some of our favorite slim wallets that cover a variety of styles and budgets.

1. wallet with Cash Pocket

If you want a slim leather wallet that has all the hallmarks of a classic men’s wallet, this Anson Calder wallet might be the ideal choice for you (see a full review here).

Anson Calder Wallet
Anson Calder Card Wallet w/ Cash Slot

It’s only ⅛” thick, but it can surprisingly fit up to 12 cards, which is probably way more than you need, anyway.

Anson Calder Wallet

You also get a lot of options here. Choose from soft French calfskin or hardy Sport Leather and six different colors that all look great.

To protect against digital theft, you can make a $15 upgrade to get RFID protection. And if you so desire, you can even get it monogrammed.

This is a great option for guys who just want to get in and out of their wallet with minimal fuss. You’ll easily remember where everything is so you can retrieve anything at a moment’s notice.

2. Saddleback Leather Slim Leather Card wallet

Saddleback Leather calls this their most simple yet complex wallet, which is a pretty good description of how versatile it is.

Saddleback Leather Card Wallet
Saddleback Slim Card Wallet

With a natural, rustic look, this wallet can hold 8 cards and a fair amount of cash. It comes in four appealing colors, all of which nicely complement the full grain leather.

3. Saddleback Leather Front Pocket Leather ID wallet

Another offering from Saddleback Leather, the Front Pocket Leather ID Wallet offers a different take on the slim leather wallet.

As the name suggests, this wallet has a front window that’s designed for an ID card, but it’s no one trick pony; you can fit up to 10 total cards in the window slot.

Saddleback Leather ID Wallet
Saddleback Front Pocket Leather ID Wallet

Impressively, this wallet was voted #1 best front pocket wallet by Lifehacker forum members. With its slender profile that belies its carry capacity, it’s easy to see why.

4. Bellroy Card Sleeve

If you want the sleekest men’s wallet out there, you’ll be hard-pressed to find something that can one-up the Bellroy Card Sleeve.

Bellroy Card Sleeve

One of the slimmest wallets on this list, the Bellroy has a gracefully sloping silhouette that barely takes up any space, measuring in at only 103mm x 71mm.

This super slim wallet has a few unique features, such as a pull tab that allows you to pull out your main card with ease.

It also has quick access slots on the front and back for other daily necessities you often find yourself reaching for. If you want to go full Marie Kondo on your pocket, the Bellroy is worth serious consideration.

5. Taylor Stitch Minimalist wallet

While most slim wallets are minimalist by nature, this Taylor Stitch wallet doubles down on the minimalist aspect to offer one of the thinnest, lightest wallets on the market.

Taylor Stitch Minimalist Wallet
Taylor Stitch Minimalist Wallet

It features four exterior card slots, one side slot for cash, and a hidden card slot liner to mitigate bulk and stretching.

Even though it’s slim, it doesn’t sacrifice durability. Made of 100% full-grain Spanish cowhide, this wallet will last you a long time, and you’ll probably even be able to pass it down to your kids and grandkids.

6. Secrid Slimwallet

Looking for something a bit different aesthetically? You might like the Secrid Slimwallet.

Secrid offers many thin wallet options, but the Slimwallet is arguably the most versatile.

Secrid-Slimwallet-1
Secrid Slimwallet

It’s a slim bifold wallet that uses aluminum to both block RFID signals and fortify the wallet itself.

The Slimwallet line offers a whopping 49 different styles, all of which look fantastic. (The one above is the trusty Vintage Brown.)

This wallet holds up to 12 cards, and you can store cash in its unique billfold. It’s a more modern wallet than some of the more traditional styles on this list, so if that’s important to you, the Secrid is definitely worth a look.

7. Ridge wallet

You might recognize the Ridge name––the company has been making waves thanks to their distinctive approach to the contemporary wallet.

The Ridge is unlike any other wallet on this list, and really, it’s a reimagining of what a wallet can be.

Ridge Wallet
The Ridge Wallet

Instead of a plush leather affair, the Ridge is made of metal for maximum sturdiness. (It comes in aluminum, carbon fiber, and even titanium.) In fact, it’s one of our favorite metal wallets.

Thanks to the carefully placed cutouts, you can easily slide cards in and out, and with the addition of a cash strap or money clip, you can store your bills securely.

So if you want to go full minimalist or opt for something leather-free, the Ridge is a great choice. It’s not your grandpa’s wallet, but you may just find that it works much better for your modern needs.

8. Dash wallet

Dash is another brand that specializes in slim wallets, and the 3.0 is one of their top sellers.

Dash Wallet 3.0
Dash Wallet 3.0

Another great leather-free option, this wallet is made from rugged vegan canvas that’s undergone the classic Saffiano process, giving it that timeless crosshatched look that will fit right into your wardrobe. And since it’s reinforced canvas, it’s tough as nails and virtually weatherproof.

This wallet is for the true minimalists out there. Featuring a quick slot, a card pocket and a dedicated cash pocket, the Dash 3.0 gives you the essentials, allowing you to say goodbye to heavy pockets forever.

Dash Wallet 3.0
Dash Wallet 3.0

I recently picked up this wallet, and I’m absolutely loving it. It’s so slim and light that I often forget it’s in my pocket. It has a nice sturdy construction with tight stitching that’s held up like a charm.

Plus it’s nice to be able to just whip it out and instantly get what I need instead of having to unclasp and unfold a clunky billfold.

And, of course, it looks classy. Whether you’re a working professional or a student, this wallet will fit right into your EDC.

9. Aurochs Nano Card Holder

This lightweight card holder is made from Pakastani full-grain leather, and like Aurochs other offerings, it’s gotten a lot of praise from wallet enthusiasts around the world.

Aurochs Nano Card Holder
Aurochs Nano Card Holder

Starting at $40, the Nano Card Holder is a steal for what you’re getting.

It’s not as premium or low profile as the Anson Calder Card Wallet, but it’s 1/3 the price.

Aurochs Nano Card Holder thickness 2

Aurochs Nano Card Holder thickness
This is a very thin wallet.

This card holder can carry up to 10 cards and a small amount of cash.

Aurochs Nano Card Holder money pocket

It comes with a 100-day refund policy and 5-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Final Thoughts

Even if one of these 8 wallets isn’t the perfect one for you, I hope you do consider switching to a slim wallet. It’s hard to go back to a standard trifold (or even bifold) after making the switch to a slim.

What kind of wallet do you currently own? Thinking about switching to a slim wallet? Let’s talk in the comments!

Accessories Filed Under:Anson Calder, buying guides, saddleback leather, wallets 24 comments

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About Ian Chandler

Ian Chandler is a freelance writer with a penchant for men's hair and style. He also enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, reading, playing music, and overthinking.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Zack says

    March 6, 2015 at 10:00 am

    I use a money clip and keep it in my front pocket!

    Reply
    • Manny says

      March 11, 2015 at 7:44 pm

      Agreed Zack, that’s the way I roll too!

      If I wasn’t carrying a money clip, I’d opt for a card case. Keep it simple.

      Reply
    • Ray McLellan says

      June 24, 2020 at 6:47 pm

      I use currently a bifold with two interior flaps. With window IDs for two cards. As I’m a professional driver and I need to be able to access my driver’s license or my security badge and on road qualifications cards at a moment’s notice. Anybody know of anything that’s got that? I carry 14 cards in total.

      Reply
  2. Adam Fowler (@F0WL3R) says

    March 6, 2015 at 10:06 am

    I bought the Saddleback Leather Co front pocket wallet about a year ago (http://www.saddlebackleather.com/frontpocketidwallet) and I LOVE it. Beforehand I had used a normal bifold and I’m pretty sure I can attribute a few years of back pain to that thing. I was a bit hesitant to pare down what I carried every day to the small wallet, but it was a worthy time investment. Great article!

    Reply
  3. Jakub says

    March 6, 2015 at 10:10 am

    I made my own :3

    Reply
  4. Ruchir says

    March 6, 2015 at 10:21 am

    You are writing this when I’m actually confused between a minimalist wallet and a money clip. But yeah, anything less bulky is definitely less pain in the ass!

    Reply
  5. Jon says

    March 6, 2015 at 10:32 am

    I sort of have two wallets. My real wallet is a rather large bi fold leather wallet I got from Etsy. It holds most of my credit cards, cash, and my Field Notes note book. It does fit in my back pocket but I generally carry it in my sports coat inner pocket or sometimes just leave it at home depending on the occasion. My every day carry “wallet” is my cell phone case from HEX, which has two slots, one for my go to credit card and one for my license. This is always on me and is the only thing I carry when I want to “slim down”

    http://www.shophex.com/shop/cases/iphone-5-iphone-5s-cases/solo-wallet-for-iphone-5

    https://www.etsy.com/listing/170630644/field-notes-wallet?ref=shop_home_active_1

    Reply
  6. Brian Cerasuolo says

    March 6, 2015 at 11:10 am

    I really like the Architects wallet from formfunctionform. It’s a really high quality chromexel leather that will last forever if cared for. For me it’s a no brainer because I always carry a small notebook with me anyways to jot down new ideas and tasks as they come up.

    This wallet merges the two in a way that is very convienet for everyday carry. So while the price is a little high at first, when you consider that the notebookpack and pen are included, those would be about 45$ bought separately. It’s a great value for a “buy it for life” item.

    http://formfunctionform.com/product/architects-wallet/

    Reply
  7. josh says

    March 6, 2015 at 11:10 am

    The 88 series is by far my favorite. I carry a fossil trifold wallet that was a gift from my wife. I love the wallet, but it is to bulky and too much wallet for what little I keep in it. I will be buying one of these wallets, more than likely the 88 series!

    Reply
  8. Larry Bivens says

    March 6, 2015 at 11:13 am

    Brock, Nice article I’ve been using a Kyono slimmy for about 4 years love it, its about time for a new one. These wallets will definitely make you pare down what you carry.

    Reply
  9. Tu says

    March 6, 2015 at 11:54 am

    I use the Gustin slim card case. Works great for me. I am looking for a nice money clip that is slim and small as well.

    Reply
  10. casey says

    March 6, 2015 at 12:29 pm

    I like that you have the Modest Man business cards because it proves you actually tried all of these wallets instead of just pulling pictures from online like so many other fashion bloggers.

    Reply
  11. Allen (@allen_a_h) says

    March 6, 2015 at 12:41 pm

    I use an Exentri wallet that I bought from their website. It took a while to get to the states but it’s a great front pocket wallet!

    Reply
  12. Annie Kip says

    March 6, 2015 at 2:19 pm

    Great run-down on slim wallets, Brock! I need my menswear clients to read this! A slim wallet makes such a big difference in the way clothes look on the body – especially trimmer styles. It is always a shame to me that a man would buy a suit coat that is larger in the chest to accomodate a larger wallet. And who needs more padding on their behind?!? Good article!

    Reply
  13. 415er says

    March 6, 2015 at 2:34 pm

    I’ll second the recommendation on the Dopp. Great layout, it has enough slots for a few credit cards, ID window for when you need to flash it, a slot of for cash, and wider open slot which I use for stuff like receipts. The price makes it a no brainer.

    Reply
  14. kavimelb says

    March 6, 2015 at 5:45 pm

    This amazing card case from Finland is what I use daily to carry important cards complimented by a money clip.
    http://www.thinking.fi/
    After a couple of days, I realised that 90% of what I used to carry in my wallet only got used on very rare occasions.

    Reply
  15. Bruce says

    March 6, 2015 at 11:57 pm

    My favorite slim wallet is a bi-fold by Big Skinny. It’s made of a microfiber synthetic that might not be as impressive as leather, but performs even better. It’s small enough to fit in my front pocket, even with skinny jeans.
    Their website is bigskinny.net
    Priced around $25

    Reply
  16. eugene says

    March 7, 2015 at 1:16 am

    I have a leather fossil bi-fold wallet with a built in money clip. I love it. Looks sophisticated and bad ass at the same time. Carries all my cash, my license, debit card, credit card, and health insurance card comfortably. Would recommend a bi-fold wallet with build in money clip anytime of the day.

    Reply
  17. James Donabed says

    March 7, 2015 at 7:31 pm

    On your advice, I ordered the Dopp 88. Its available in variety of colors.

    Reply
  18. The Kentucky Gent says

    March 9, 2015 at 8:56 pm

    Note one to usually carry a wallet, thanks to the fact that I’m usually carrying a pouch, or a backpack, but when I do just carry around a wallet, it’s definitely a slim one. Nothing more unattractive then a large lump in someone’s back pocket.

    Best,
    Josh – The Kentucky Gent
    http://thekentuckygent.com

    Reply
    • Beau says

      October 27, 2015 at 3:26 pm

      No just unattractive – possibly dangerous. A friend of mine took a tumble and landed on his butt. Actually, he landed on his left butt cheek – and his wallet. He herniated a disc at L5/S1 and has had to use a standing desk since then – over a year ago.

      Reply
  19. Tim says

    March 3, 2020 at 9:06 pm

    I’m a huge fan of Andar wallets. The Scout is my favorite slim, front pocket wallet and their prices are really inexpensive…

    Reply
  20. Nigel A says

    March 4, 2020 at 2:42 am

    I use the Bellroy Designer Edition Card Slip in Saddle
    Brown. It’s a sleek combination of minimalism and luxury. I carry my drivers license, bank card & some notes. I love how slim it is!

    Reply
  21. Prasanna (@PrasDev) says

    March 4, 2020 at 8:15 am

    Hardgraft capable card case 💯🔥

    Reply

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