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