• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Modest Man

  • .
  • Start Here
  • Blog
  • About
  • Outfit Ideas
  • Free Stuff
Home / Blog / Product Reviews

Stuart and Lau Slim Wallet Review: Worth the Price Tag?

Published on July 21, 2021 by Karlton Miko Tyack · Product Reviews, Wallets May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

This is a hands-on review of Stuart and Lau’s Slim wallet. Read on to learn everything you need to know!

Table of Contents

  • Quick Take
  • About Stuart and Lau
  • The Slim Wallet
  • What I Like
  • What I Don’t Like
  • The Verdict
Stuart and Lau oxblood slim wallet closed
Check current price

Specifically, I’ll share my thoughts after having used it for a few weeks. If you’ve been eyeing one of these guys, you’re in the right place.

Quick Take

If you don’t have time to read the full review just now, here’s a quick overview!

Pros

  • The vegetable-tanned Italian leather looks, feels, and smells luxe in every shade
  • Comes in seven different colors
  • A modern and sleek low-profile design
  • Folds open to multiple compartments designed to hold 10 cards, with an easy-access back pocket

Cons

  • The thin design makes it easy to misplace
  • The textured Saffiano Black is chic and simple, but this wallet doesn’t come in an understated smooth-surfaced black

Click here to check out Stuart & Lau, or read on for the full review.

About Stuart and Lau

Stuart and Lau was founded on the philosophy that, all over the world, on-the-go men are in need of better carrying case solutions. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in New York, Hong Kong, or anywhere in between.

A lifestyle that can consist of transitioning from airports to taxis or subways to multiple boardrooms calls for carryalls that could seamlessly transition with you.

Since 2015, this direct-to-consumer brand has been offering bags and wallets that equally consider function and form. Basically, founders Matthew Stuart and Jimmy Lau don’t think you need to suffer for fashion, nor do you have to be boring to be practical.

I found this very much to be the case with their slim wallet, which solved a lot of problems of traditional trifold wallets.

The Slim Wallet

Starting with some first impressions, I immediately liked the style. It’s much slimmer than a traditional wallet, but it has more personality than a lot of no-frills card holders. The front is simple and features just a hint of branding. 

Stuart and lau oxblood slim wallet in hand

I have the Oxblood version, which is a classy dark crimson leather. I think this color adds a bit of old world sophistication to an otherwise minimal modern design. On the topic of color, the Slim comes in six other shades, including a fun Evergreen variation and a slick textured Black Saffiano.

I love the leather on this wallet. According to Stuart and Lau’s description, it’s full-grain Italian and vegetable tanned, and it really shows. It’s only been a few weeks and it still looks and smells as luxurious as it did on day one. This wallet will also likely age well, since vegetable tanning helps with durability.

The back is equipped with a close-to-body pocket that ensures whatever you put in there is tightly stored. However, the top of the pocket has a U-shaped dip for easy access.

Stuart and lau oxblood slim wallet on table

On weekdays, I use it for my work badge and on weekends, I use it for my credit card. It’s been a really useful compartment for me. Like the main money pocket, it’s also suede-lined, so I also often hide cash in there.

The inside of the wallet is excellently designed. We’re talking efficient but not boring, and a lot of lines but not crowded, almost reminiscent of Bauhaus design.

Stuart and lau black slim wallet

Spec-wise, it has a 10-card holding capacity and its dimensions are 3.93″ x 3.35″ x 0.6″.

If you keep a lot of cards on you, you can definitely double up in a few of the pockets. This will stretch the leather though, so if ever a card leaves your rotation, its former compartment will be looser.

Thanks to the wallet’s folding design, this is less of an issue with the inside compartments. As far as the easy-access back pocket, don’t loosen it too much or cards can just fall right out if it isn’t filled enough.

Stuart and lau oxblood slim wallet with cards

Stuart and Lau tends to add smart touches to their products, and the Slim Wallet is no exception. The interior is lined with RFID blocking technology, so all of your credit cards and security badges will remain untrackable and secure.

What I Like

As mentioned, the design and construction are topnotch. It’s sleek and clean enough that it looks modern, but its simplicity makes it timeless. I personally love the Oxblood variation (It’s my alma mater color) and I think most guys will find a shade that’s suited to them.

Stuart and Lau's oxblood slim wallet closed

This wallet is slim and invisible regardless of which pocket you put it in. I’ve kept it in my front pants pockets, back pockets, and suit jacket pockets. I did have to put it in my front shirt pocket during a beach trip once, and it produced the slightest bulge. Still, it was preferable to a traditional bulkier wallet even then.

In the age of Apple Pay, I think the 10 card holding capacity is more than enough for most modern men. But again, you can double up in a few pockets within reason.

All things considered, not too shabby for under $100.

What I Don’t Like

This problem is only for the absent-minded, but I’ve misplaced this wallet more than once in the few weeks I’ve had it. Its small build and slim construction is what makes it unique and useful, but for me, it also makes it easy to lose.

Stuart and Lau stone slim wallet open
This wallet is small and slim which is great, but that makes it easy to misplace.

I’m the guy who constantly loses his AirPods though, so this shouldn’t be an issue for most responsible men.

Those looking for a black variation of this wallet will love the textured Black Saffiano version. However, I’m surprised there isn’t a clean, non-textured, black staple to anchor the collection, along with the smooth brown versions.

The Verdict

As a fan of vintage, I’m not ready to fully convert to a wallet that you can’t fold open yet. However, as charming as dad’s big traditional wallets are, no one likes a wallet bulge. If you’re like me, then Stuart and Lau’s Slim is a good way to go.

Product Reviews, Wallets everyday carry, Everyday Carry (EDC), slim wallets, Stuart and lau

Related Posts

The Harber London Wallets Review
Harber London Wallet Review: Card Holder & Leather Bifold
Able Carry Daily Backpack Review
Able Carry Daily Backpack Review: Overhyped or Just Right?
Aurochs Mens Wallets Review
Aurochs Wallets Review: Affordable, Minimal & Durable
orbitkey 2.0 key organizer review
Orbitkey 2.0 Key Organizer Review & Recommendation

About Karlton Miko Tyack

Karlton Miko Tyack is a freelance writer covering watches, gear, and style. He was born in LA, studied art history in Boston, and is a lover of rugby, football, and optimism.

Background: Karlton studied art in Boston while working in local galleries. This led to a career in corporate art consulting, hunting down the perfect pieces for specific brand or business.

Transitioning into freelance writing, he moved back to his hometown of Los Angeles, where he managed top accounts with art publisher TASCHEN. His clientele included prominent names in fashion, luxury, and sports.

He then moved to NYC to work as a client liaison at Sotheby’s auction house in New York, where he worked with collectors of fine art, as well as watches, wine, and whiskey.

A lifelong watch enthusiast, Karlton has worked with quality timepieces of all price points and calibers, vintage and contemporary. Tyack’s watch obsession began when he received an Omega Seamaster for his 15th birthday.

Expertise: Through his work in fine art and with Sotheby's auction house, Karlton has developed a deep knowledge of timepieces, whiskey and menswear. He's written for publishers like LA Weekly and Harvard. Here at TMM, Karlton covers watches and men's fashion.

More Articles by This Author

Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

Join the Club

Never miss a post, plus grab this free guide (instant download). No spam. Ever.

Subscribe Now

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Ask Me Anything Cancel reply

    Got questions? Want to share your opinion? Comment below!

  1. Paul Putman says

    August 3, 2021 at 6:13 pm

    I have favored Coach wallets for 30 years. They are made of water buffalo and are elegant but very sturdy – I’m still on my third one. I loved Mark Cross for other leather pocket products but I also love not having to buy a new wallet every few years.

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Join the Club

Never miss a post, plus grab this free guide (instant download).

No spam. Ever.

Subscribe Now

Top 5 Favorites for Fall & Winter 2022

  1. Thursday Boots Captain – still the best Goodyear-welted boot under $200 (full review here) 🥾
  2. Matte for Men SPF Lotion – because you should be using moisturizer with SPF
  3. Darn Tough Wool Socks – possibly the best boot socks you can buy 🧦
  4. Hamilton Khaki Mechanical – perfect everyday mechanical watch under $500 (Amazon/Jomashop)
  5. Flint & Tinder Waxed Jacket – great fit, perfect weight for fall 👍🏼

Trending Articles

Men over 40 style

How to Dress Well In Your 40s and 50s (and Beyond)

Fashion brands for short men

Where to Buy Clothes for Short Men (2022 Guide)

Seiko 5 SNK805

31 Great Watches For Small Wrists (Updated for 2023)

Best Business Casual Shoes for Men

Top 8 Best Business Casual Shoes for Men (2023 Guide)

Business casual outfits

The Complete Guide to Business Casual Style for Men

Topics

  • Clothing & Style
  • Outfit Ideas
  • Fitness
  • Product Reviews
  • Dating & Confidence
  • Grooming
  • Men of Modest Height
  • Income Reports

Footer

The Modest Man logo

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Home • Blog • Resources • Contact • Advertise

 

Privacy Policy & Affiliate Disclosure • Terms & Conditions

 

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

Copyright © 2023 The Modest Man (Registered Trademark)