Classic Fashion & Men’s Wallets Guide
Men’s styling has seen quite a change in the past few decades but no matter how much the world gets digitized and introduces modish trends in fashion there are a few old-world items such as tailored suits, classic watches, and a nice wallet have a huge impact on the first impression.
Let’s talk about classic wallets and what one should look for when doing wallet shopping. In it, we would be exploring various styles of wallets and their quality hallmarks you should consider.
Wallets are as important as clothes you wear on daily basis, it is just an extension of your wardrobe that you carry around all the time, which also demonstrates the kind of personality you own.
Wallet’s History
Before we move ahead let’s find about the history of wallets!
Following the development of paper currency in 1960, wallets - as we know them today - were introduced by the Massachusetts Bay Colony
It was not the very first time that the wallets were being used but it has traces back from ancient Greece when gentlemen used to carry the pack stocked with food and other survival equipment.
Fun fact – In the old times wallets were for poor men who couldn’t afford a portable larder on their journey.
With time its use changed drastically to the point when it was used as a coin purse. That wallet was made in a typical leather pouch or sack style along with a drawstring to secure it from the top. After that, the modern version of wallets was being introduced as the paper currency became common.
Initially, these wallets were made from hid of cows and horses. By the 19th Century, men used to carry one typical fastened to their belts as keeping it in the pocket was not considered right. But these practices varied from region to region and culture to culture around the world.
Today, the modern world has a modern requirements and of course modern solutions. Although the wallets are no more gender-based accessories, still there is a significant difference in the style and design. But the usage is for the same purpose and that’s carrying currency, credit cards, and identification.
Hallmarks of Men’s Wallet
Like many other items in men’s wardrobes, the wallets have a wide variety. There are different styles, designs, and materials that determine the quality and value of the wallets. The regular canvas wallets are relatively inexpensive than the handcrafted ones offered by the heritage makers.
Such handcrafted traditional wallets are made with high-quality leather that makes your wallet stick with you for years, turning into a classic item of fashion.
Here are the few quality hallmarks you should consider before picking the best wallet.
Thin, Open pore Dyed Leather:
Leather is the most important factor while considering the quality of wallets and most people don’t bother to get to know the details about it, for them just the stamp of “Genuine Leather” is enough. Assuming that all leather is the same. Well, that is quite far from the truth.
First of all look for leather that is aniline-dyed and not pigmented-coated. The aniline-dyed leather is not sanded pr coated with a layer of paint. Also, the supple surface that shows the characteristic pores of the leather should be visible.
Do you know? Only 5% of the world’s leather can be used uncorrected because it's flawless and carries a luxurious solid feel. The reaming 95% wallet leather needs a coating to cover the defects in the leather. You can identify leather will look smoother, feel stiffer, and will not develop patina instead end up looking worn over time.
The undeniable fact is that most of the wallets are made with artificial faux leather. This leather comes in black and brown color, used for a year or two and then thrown out when they look bad.
Lastly, look for the type of leather. The deerskin or box calf is sturdy enough to produce a good quality and long-lasting wallet, whereas other leather such as lamb and pigskin are too delicate to stick up to years of use.
The leather mustn't be embossed because it is bending from the corners and can get wrinkles quicker than the embossed leather.
Leather-lined Dividers:
The dividers or lining inside the wallet is the most neglected part while looking for high-quality wallets. Mostly, wallets don’t cut corners by using less expensive fabric or poly-blend to create the divider instead of using the leather itself.
A very few brands reveal the interior of the wallets and only mention the material used in the exterior so that you never know what is used inside the wallet.
Folded and Swen Edges:
The functionality of the wallets is the most important feature that is supposed to be considered while picking the right wallet according to you.
Most wallets are made with single fold edges, cut once folded, which is not an ideal solution. Higher-quality wallets feature a double fold on the shell and the lining. The leather needs to be thinned at both edges to achieve flat edges before it is folded.
Since this method requires more time, skill, you rarely get to see such detail in the wallet.
Edge Painting:
Look for the detail on the edges, if the edges of the wallet are not folded then they must be painted so as not to be rough and scratchy.
Two to three coat of paint is suggested. Although it is popular on belts and rarely seen on wallets, as it shows wear more easily than a double or single folded edge.
Rounded Corner:
This feature looks more sophisticated and helps to slow down the wear of the corners. It also helps wallets to slide in and out of the pockets conveniently.
Durability:
Does it matter that how long your wallet sticks around – a year or so? A good wallet stays with you for a lifetime, if well cared for. All of the above-mentioned hallmarks play a role in extending the life of your wallet.
So, if you’re looking for any options you should consider them and make the right pick.