Looking for the best slim wallet to streamline your everyday carry? Here are 23 high quality minimalist wallets to choose from.
Table of Contents
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?
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.
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:
Harber London RFID Card Holder is a solid choice for guys who only carry a few cards. This card holder is a truly minimalist solution that aims to minimize pocket space.
Fossil Leather Minimalist Card Case is a front pocket wallet that fits 3-6 cards. This is a top choice for anyone who wants a nice slim leather wallet without breaking the bank.
Bellroy Apex Slim Sleeve uses pre-molded leather and a magnetic closure. It can hold 6-8 cards and has room for a few bills. Apex Slim Sleeve is a pure minimalist wallet.
Read on for more info and the complete list…
Why are slim wallets better?
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:
Are slim wallets actually better?
Here are three compelling reasons to switch from a bulky wallet to a minimalist wallet:
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. Minimalist 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 more minimalist 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.
Top 23 Slim Minimalist Wallets
Here are some of my favorite slim wallets that cover a variety of styles and budgets.
Anson Calder 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).
It’s only ⅛” thick, but it can surprisingly fit up to 12 cards, which is probably way more than you need, anyway.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Aurochs Nano Card Holder
This lightweight card holder is made from Pakistani full-grain leather, and like Aurochs’s other offerings, it’s gotten a lot of praise from wallet enthusiasts around the world.
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.
This card holder can carry up to 10 cards and a small amount of cash. It comes with a 100-day refund policy and a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty.
For more info, check out our Aurochs wallets review.
Stuart & Lau Slim Wallet
This wallet merges minimalist philosophy with traditional design, a feat that few other wallets achieve.
The result is a slim bifold wallet with a surprisingly large carrying capacity.
Made from full-grain Italian leather, Stuart & Lau’s slim wallet can hold up to 10 cards and features a quick access slot on the back. A suede-lined pocket provides a smooth surface for bills, and the RFID lining protects against theft.
This wallet should be on your radar if you have old-school design sensibilities. Check out our Stuart & Lau wallet review for more info.
Airo Collective Stealth Wallet
Airo Collective doesn’t mess around. The California-based company claims that its Stealth Leather Wallet is 15x stronger than steel and is the “thinnest full-capacity leather wallet on the market,” and the specs are indeed quite impressive.
The Stealth uses a ballistic-resistant material called ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) to reinforce the Italian leather. This high-tech material helps to make for an exceptionally thin wallet that can hold up to 8 cards plus cash.
It’s fairly expensive at $115, but if you’re after the slimmest leather bifold possible, you should consider the Airo. For more info, check out our review of the Stealth wallet.
Harber London RFID Card Holder
This simple card holder is another solid choice for guys who only carry a few cards.
Available in six colorways, the RFID Card Holder can hold and secure 6-8 cards.
And that’s all there is to it — this card holder is a truly minimalist solution that aims to minimize pocket space. After all, if you only carry a handful of cards, you really don’t need any more wallet than this.
It’s built by hand in Spain, so it’s not cheap in any regard (about $85 USD), but it’s made to last.
Harber London Classic Leather Card Holder
If you like the design of the RFID Card Holder but need a little more room, consider Harber London’s Classic Leather Card Holder, which is similarly sized but provides more space.
The Classic Leather Card Holder can fit up to 10 cards and also has a money clip. The easy access cutout on one side is a nice touch that adds extra convenience.
Even though the Classic is bigger, it doesn’t have RFID protection, so it’s a bit cheaper (about $50 USD). However, it’s made from the same full-grain leather, so you’re not missing out on quality.
Read our Harber London wallet review for more info and photos!
Bellroy Hide & Seek Wallet
Bellroy is well-known in the EDC community for its minimal yet classic products, and the Hide & Seek Wallet continues this trend with its bevy of features.
The RFID-secure Hide & Seek is a slimmed-down version of the traditional leather bifold that has familiar slots for cash and cards (up to 12).
A secondary compartment and hidden coin pouch provide additional functionality, and the mix of quick access and protected card slots allow for maximum management.
While the Hide & Seek isn’t the slimmest wallet on this list, it’s a great transitional wallet for anyone looking to size down.
If you’re not quite ready to convert to a bite-sized card holder, the Hide & Seek might be right for you.
Bellroy Apex Slim Sleeve
Bellroy also offers slimmer options for those after a more “pure” minimalist wallet. The Apex Slim Sleeve is one such option, and it has a few features that set it apart.
The Apex uses pre-molded leather and a magnetic closure for a more form-fitting structure. It can hold 6-8 cards and has room for a few bills. A thin pull tab reveals more card storage and allows for easy access.
It’s a more luxury option — you’ll have to drop $129 for one of these — but it ticks a lot of boxes.
Tanner Goods Journeyman
The Journeyman slim wallet from Tanner Goods is a noteworthy choice for ultra-minimal needs. With just four card slots and one central cash pocket, the Journeyman is one of the slimmest wallets on this list.
Even though it’s so simple, the Journeyman is made well. The outer pockets feature pleasingly curved cutouts that resemble a hillside ascent, and even though this is subtle, it makes a big difference.
The Journeyman is ideal for guys who carry their wallets in their front pockets, but it’s slim enough to stash in any pocket. This wallet won’t be for everyone, but it’s a standout selection for those who don’t carry a lot.
Carhartt Oil Tan Front Pocket Wallet
Carhartt is probably most famous for its quintessentially American workwear, but the brand also sells plenty of accessories that often get overlooked, and the Oil Tan Front Pocket Wallet falls into that category.
It’s a slim bifold with a cash pouch and six card slots, but the real eye-catcher is the oil-finished leather. There’s also a magnetic money clip on the outside for extra storage.
Like all Carhartt products, this wallet has a simple and rugged design, and it can be found for around $30 on Amazon.
Carl Friedrik Hatton
Two Swedish brothers founded Carl Friedrik, and if anyone knows how to do minimalism well, it’s the Scandinavians.
While Card Friedrik is best known for its Palissy Briefcase, the company has a thoughtful collection of small leather goods too.
True to Nordic design principles, the Hatton slim wallet gives you only the essentials. You get five card slots and a cash compartment that you can open from two sides for easy access.
Crafted in Portugal from Italian Vachetta leather, the Hatton is an elegant take on the slim wallet that’s simple and intentional.
Tumi Men’s Delta
Luggage brand Tumi knows a thing or two about sturdy leather goods, and the Delta wallet underscores their expertise.
Made from full-grain napa leather, the Delta features ample storage for cash and cards. The plastic ID window is a handy feature that slim wallets tend to lack.
This one’s definitely for fans of more traditional wallets, but it’s slim enough to make a difference in your pocket
Ekster Parliament
If quick access is a top priority, then you’ll like what the Ekster Parliament has to offer.
This slim wallet can store over ten cards thanks to its retractable card slider that pops out with the click of a button. There are extra card pockets for even more storage, and the elastic band can hold quite a bit of cash.
You can easily retrieve your cards without having to open the wallet, so the Ekster is a nice solution if you’re constantly using multiple cards on a daily basis.
Nomad Card Wallet
The Card Wallet from Nomad Goods provides a nice balance of minimalism and carrying capacity.
This slim wallet can fit up to ten cards in its three external card slots. The large inner pocket has a good amount of room for extra cards, though it doesn’t fit cash.
Despite its large capacity, the Card Wallet has an impressively thin silhouette. If you need more room, there’s also the Card Wallet Plus, which can fit up to 16 cards plus cash.
Herschel Men’s Charlie Wallet
The ultra-compact Charlie wallet from Herschel Supply Co. is one of the more casual options on this list.
This 100% polyester wallet has four external card slots and one inner compartment that can hold cards and/or cash. Its snug form keeps everything secure while taking up minimal space.
It only costs about $20, so it’s a great affordable entry point into the world of slim wallets.
Fossil Men’s Leather Minimalist Card Case
Another budget option is the Minimalist Card Case from Fossil. It’s a front pocket wallet that fits 3-6 cards and features both a bill compartment and an ID window.
This is a top choice for anyone who wants a nice slim leather wallet without breaking the bank. While this obviously isn’t premium leather, it’s also sturdy enough to last a long time.
You can pick one up for around $24, which is a great deal for this wallet (especially when you consider its balanced mix of features).
Popov Leather Card Holder
Popov Leather is a relative newcomer to the world of leather products, but it’s already made a splash with its range of handcrafted goods.
The Leather Card Holder is an excellent example of Popov’s craftsmanship. It’s made from full-grain Horween leather and features burnished edges for a refined touch.
Its two compartments fit up to 6 cards as well as folded cash. The outer pocket wraps fully around the wallet, so you can use a few different storage methods depending on your needs.
FAQs About Slim Wallets
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about about the best minimalist wallets for guys:
Why are slim wallets better?
Slim wallets are better for your back if you keep your wallet in your back pocket. Plus, unlike thick wallets, minimalist wallets can be carried in your front pockets.
Do minimalist wallets damage credit cards?
No, minimalist wallets don’t damage credit cards. Trust me: I’ve personally tested most of the slim wallets on this list, and I’ve carried a slim wallet for many years. None of my credit cards have ever been damaged.
Why do guys put wallets in their back pockets?
Most guys carry thick wallets that are too bulky to keep in their front pockets. But slim wallets can be carried comfortably in front or back pockets.
Are minimalist wallets worth it?
Yes, minimalist wallets are definitely worth it! They don’t cost more than traditional wallets, and once you make the switch, you’ll never look back.
What type of wallet should a man have?
I love low profile wallets, but it really comes down to personal preference. If you’re not sure which wallet style is right for you, read our guide to the different types of wallets.
Which Minimalist Wallet Will You Choose?
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!
Questions? Comments? Leave them below!
What about the Grip 6 wallet? Slim, secure, modern or leather finish. Best card access feature. US designed and made.
Ooh, I should def consider switching to a slim wallet!
Good read.
Hardgraft capable card case 💯🔥
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!
I’m a huge fan of Andar wallets. The Scout is my favorite slim, front pocket wallet and their prices are really inexpensive…
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
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.
On your advice, I ordered the Dopp 88. Its available in variety of colors.
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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/
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
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!
I made my own :3
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!
I use a money clip and keep it in my front pocket!
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.
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.