A wallet has been an essential accessory since the first wallets were invented way back in the 14th century. In more recent decades, the leather wallet has become both a practical way to for Americans to carry money, and a fashionable accessory.
Today, the US is increasingly cashless, with modern Americans often using online and contactless payments instead of cash, checks or cards. Yet a leather wallet still has an important role to play, even in the tech age. Leather exudes luxury and style, but is also hard-wearing and sustainable. This winning combination means it remains the most popular material for a wallet. Here, we will look at different types of leather wallet and how they are used by modern Americans.
Bifold wallets are popular and versatile
The bifold wallet is the most popular and enduring design of leather wallet. Invented in the mid-20th century, its versatile design makes it suitable for different needs, but it is most useful for those who still use predominantly traditional payment methods.
A bifold wallet contains one or two rear pouches where the user can store cash, and sections on each side of the fold with slots for payment cards and other plastic cards such as ID cards, driver’s license, loyalty cards and so on. Some bifold wallets also incorporate a section for storing passport-sized photographs of loved ones.
A long wallet meets all your needs in the smartphone age
The problem with a traditional bifold wallet in the tech age is that most of us also need to carry a cell phone. As most cellphone cases also have slots for cards, this can lead to duplication. But why buy a leather wallet and a phone cover when a leather long wallet does both? Hugely popular among style-savvy Americans, the long wallet for men or women has ample space for a standard smartphone plus cards and cash.
A long wallet is typically around 7.5 inches long, 3.5 inches high and half an inch thick. It has a large pouch for a cell phone along with card slots and an ID slot. There is also a pouch for storing paper money, so this type of wallet is a perfect all-rounder for the 21st century American.
A trifold wallet is perfect for cash and cards
Cash usage might be in decline, but it is far from dead. In fact, it is still the most popular form of in-store payment in the US, favored by two thirds of Americans. The trifold wallet became popular in 1980s America, when cash usage was even higher than it is today, and people started carrying more and more cards, such as business cards and membership cards, as well as the other types of cards mentioned earlier.
The trifold is conceptually similar to the bifold, but has three parts instead of two. This means it has twice as many card slots, as the added central fold can have slots on both sides. It also has cavernous pouches that can hold large amounts of cash, or even a check book.
An ID wallet means you can travel light
Even those who have truly embraced the digital age and prefer payment apps like Apple Pay still need a wallet. After all, they still need to carry ID documentation such as a driver’s license, and it makes sense to have at least one credit card and maybe a little emergency cash, just in case of a problem with the technology, such as a dead cellphone battery.
A leather ID wallet is perfect for this kind of user. At around four inches wide, it is compact enough to slip unobtrusively into a pocket, and it will typically include between one and three slots for essential cards and a few dollar bills. Leather ID Wallets usually also feature a convenient outer window that means you can show your ID instantly when needed, just by taking out your wallet.
