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The Best Men’s Minimalist Wallets

[Buyers Guide 2022]

Minimalist Wallets have quickly become the No.1 choice of men’s wallets. As technology slowly takes over we’re finding ourselves carrying less and less in our daily lives and a smaller size wallet has taken president as a result. As we use less cash, pay contactless, or with our smartphones, a time will probably come when wallets, and the concept of physical cash, will become a thing of the past. 

My Love of Minimalist Wallets

My love for minimalist wallets grew when I first stumbled upon the TGT (pronounced tight) Wallet all the way back in 2014. This example of crowdfunding success was what kickstarted my weird obsession with wallets and why this website even exists. Although the TGT wallet doesn’t make my top 5 list (sorry guys) I thought it was time to put my extensive, and useless, knowledge to good use and give my opinion on the very best Minimalist wallets on the market today.

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How this Article is Structured 

My top minimalist wallets is a list narrowed down from myself trying and testing over 100 different brands over a 6 year period. It was no easy task and many amazing wallets didn’t make the cut. Minimalist wallets – unlike reviewing wallets made from a specific type of material like leather or metal – is a much broader category so the choice and variety of wallet on the market are much larger.

Before I get into our top wallet picks I just want to explain the advantages and disadvantages of a minimalist wallet and why you should or shouldn’t consider one as your next preferred wallet of choice.

Jump to Minimalist Wallet:
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Should You Get a Minimalist Wallet?

Before I go into this I should probably define what a minimalist wallet, also known as a slim, small, or tight wallet) actually is. Different people have different opinions on when a becomes too large or small enough to be considered minimalist. So since I’m writing this article (and I’ve got no one to argue with me) I’ve come up with a simple definition below which I think fairy defines a minimalist wallet.

‘A wallet which isn’t much bigger than a credit or debit card and is almost as thin as one. If it can be felt in the pocket it’s probably too big’. – allthewallets 2020.

The main reason people purchase minimalist wallets is they want a smaller-sized wallet or simply have no need for a large wallet anymore. The advantages of this are self-explanatory. A smaller wallet weighs less and is a more enjoyable item to carry around with you on a daily basis. 

Downsides of Minimalism 

But minimalist wallets do have their downsides. With a smaller overall design minimalist wallets are forced to forgo many features that regular-sized wallets include as standard. The one feature that comes to mind is a coin pouch.

Smaller-sized wallets find it very difficult to accommodate such features as a zipper not to mention the overly large size of storing many coins. It just wouldn’t be that minimalist anymore. This also applies to many other features including the number of cards you can store.

Because of this if you’re looking for a more functional wallet, with larger capacities, I’d recommend staying away from slimmer wallets. If this sounds like you, why not check out our guide on the Best Trifold Wallets on the market today. This might be a better option for you. Alternatively, check out our full range of reviews here.

The Bellroy Card Sleeve

Bellroy has always been a popular wallet brand and that’s one of the reasons why they made my top wallet brands list. As one of the biggest commercial brands entirely dedicated to wallets the Bellroy Card Sleeve excels in both its functionality, form, and design. 

Firstly, the wallet is very slim coming in at only 103mm x 71mm. This size is perfect for the category of minimalist and the wallet is basically invisible when in the pocket. The wallet also integrates a range of quick access slots allowing you to quickly and easily access cards on the move. 

The range of colors and variants the Bellroy is available in is also a great selling point. From blue and green to more traditional colors like black and brown I always enjoy brands that provide a variety of options to meet the individual preferences of each person.

The Bellroy Card Sleeve is just one of many you can enjoy in their wallet range. What I really like about Bellroy as a brand is its aim to become a more sustainable brand and this is reflected in how and where they source their leather meeting world standards for sustainable leathercraft. At just $55.00 the Bellroy Card Sleeve is affordable and premium and has no issue in recommending the Bellroy Card Sleeve. For more information on the Bellroy Card Sleeve check them out on Amazon with the link below.

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The Dun Wallet

If you’ve ever read any other of my wallet reviews you’ll find the Dun Wallet on nearly every ‘top or best off’ lists I’ve made. The wallet is just that good and consistently performs at the highest level in a very crowded marketplace.

The Dun wallet is simple at its core. In a trusty bifold style, the wallet excels in the way it stores your physical cash. With a long cash pouch running directly through the middle you have easy access to your cash from both sides. This is a type of innovating not usually seen in many wallets and it works like a charm.  

The wallet is also made from premium material made from soft calf leather. This is incredibly durable and has no trouble staying fresh even after years of daily use. Finally, the Dun wallet also comes integrated with RFID technology which is used to keep your cards safe from contactless fraud. A feature that is becoming increasingly common, and a must, as contactless fraud continues to rise.

The wallet is one of the more expensive on this list coming in at $70.00. That being said if you have a little more cash to spend on your wallet, I highly recommend the Dun wallet and the other wallets in their range. For more information, why not check out our full review of the Dun Wallet by clicking here, or check them out on Amazon with the link below. 

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Airo Collective Wallets

The Stealth range of wallets by Airo Collective is a fantastic array of ultra-thin, strong, and durable minimalist wallets. First founded in 2016 they rose to fame with their Kickstarter campaign in 2019 managing to raise a massive $600,000 in one of the greatest examples of Kickstarter success that year. From here, they have created a small but brilliant array of wallets with emphasis on wallets fit for adventure, durability, and comfort. 

The Airo Stealth Wallet is built in a bi-fold style design, with a minimalist size coming in at just 7.6’’ x 3.0’’. With a patent-pending offset card slot, the internal capacity and functionality are great providing easy access to your cards and must-needed structural support that other wallets don’t include. Airo’s choice of material is also innovative using high-quality sustainable leather from an Italian tannery. 

Quick Specs:

  • Material is 15x stronger than steel for a highly durable wallet.
  • Incredibly thin coming in at just 2.0mm.
  • Leather is made from full-grain leather (ages beautifully)
  • Holds up to 8 cards with a full-width slot for banknotes.
  • Comes with RFID Protection (no extra cost). 
  • Choices of colors include midnight (black), Pacific (blue), and espresso (brown).

Starting at a price of $55.00 and ranging up to $115.00, the Airo Stealth range isn’t cheap. That being said, you are getting great value for money as the collection is perfect for minimalist & quality lovers alike. With over 95 reviews at between 4 / 5 stars, there’s no doubt that Airo has created an array of wallets that not only provide a minimalist experience, but also a wallet that could easily last a lifetime. For more information on the Air Collective Wallet range check out their official website by clicking the link below. 

Pioneer Molecule Cardholder

What happens when you combine a minimalist wallet with an innovative and never-before-seen material? A great wallet of course. The Pioneer Molecule cardholder is a force to reckon with combining attractive design, unique materials, and of course, a minimalist size. 

I first stumbled upon the Pioneer wallet when looking for wallets made from unique materials much more durable than most. We’ve all seen leather wallets but I wanted something which used a material that was not only aesthetically attractive but also functional in some way. The Pioneer range of wallets does exactly this and is made from a material called 10XD. According to Pioneer this is 10 times stronger than steel, ultra-light, and has a smooth touch. 

When I first unboxed the Pioneer I didn’t really see the appeal. It just felt like plastic. Nevertheless, after a few days of daily use, I found the material fantastic and you become accustomed to its unusual texture. It really is one of the best materials I’ve come across when it comes to wallet design and I found over time the material didn’t show any signs of wear or tear. It just looked brand new. The material is also water-resistant which makes it an ideal outdoors wallet for people who frequently hike or camp.

The wallet itself is also very functional. It can hold between 4 – 6 cards which is fairly typical for a minimalist wallet of this size. Speaking of size the wallet measures 74 mm x 107 mm with a thickness of only 4mm (not including cards). This is bang on for a minimalist wallet and the wallet does a great job of retaining its shape even after being filled with cash and cards. 

The Pioneer Molecule Cardholder comes in at a reasonable price of $59.00. This is a pretty average price for a wallet of this quality and I’ve definitely come across wallets that provide less at a higher price. For more information on the Pioneer Molecule wallet check out their website by clicking the link below.

The Lemur Fold Wallet

Lemur is innovating in the way we make wallets. The Lemur’s most unique selling point is probably the way the wallet is shipped. On arrival, you literally have to fold it and make it yourself. You might think ‘why should I have to make my own wallet’ but honestly, it’s very simple and adds to the unique design of the wallet. Once constructed the wallet has two openings one on the front and one on the back. Each has its own function for card and note storage with a great capacity for cash and cards.

One of the genius design factors in the Lemur is the fact the wallet has a secret opening at the back to allow coins to slide out by gently squeezing on the sides of the wallet. They call this ‘the coin trick’ and it really does seem like magic as it effectively allows for coin storage in such a compact design. 

Finally, the wallet is made from vegetable-tanned leather. You’ll notice how thick the leather is when you unbox the Lemur and it takes ‘breaking in’ much as you’d do with a new pair of leather boots. The smell is also intoxicating as you’ll be immediately hit with an amazing leather scent that shows the premium nature of the materials.

Coming in at $59.50 the Lemur Fold Wallet is an excellent minimalist wallet and offers a unique design, premium materials, and coin storage capability. For more information on the Lemur check out their website by clicking the link below.

Nodus Compact Wallet

Nodus is an elegant brand but with one big difference compared to most. They really innovate when it comes to the functionality of their wallets. Remember when I said most minimalist wallets lack features? When that isn’t the case with the Nodus and the Compact wallet. What the Nodus does is innovate and provide wallets with a small form factor but a range of features usually only seen in larger tri-fold or bi-fold wallets.

These features are key to why the Nodus wallet is so high on my list. First of all, it has a well-designed quick access slot at the very top. This is amazing for easily cascading your cards and works better than most ‘pull tabs’ I’ve come across. The wallet also has a dedicated slot for a key. This is found inside the wallet for safekeeping and was far more useful to me than I thought it would be. 

The wallet also has a fantastic note slot. Most minimalist wallets force you to shove your notes inside a card slot which is never ideal. The Nodus has a dedicated note slot in the middle which allows for better cash access than most wallets of this size. 

Finally onto the design. The wallet is made from full-grain vegetable-tanned Italian leather with a soft touch feel. This is beyond high quality and one of my favorite feeling wallets on this list. The wallet also comes in a small, but great, range of colors. These colors are clearly limited to those which give a more luxurious look from a tan brown to emerald green. 

Coming in at £59.99 the Compact wallet by Nodus is amazingly simple, attractive, and functional and the higher price reflects this. For more information on this wallet check out their website by clicking the link below.

Nomatic Basics Wallet

The ultimate example of minimalism and affordability. The Nomatic Basics Wallet is a prime example that not all wallets have to cost an arm or a leg. The wallet is simple in design, has a great capacity of between 3 and 12 cards, and a handy pull tabs for quick access to your cards. The Nomatic also has an additional slot at the front where you can fold and store your cash – up to around 3-4 bills depending on size. 

At a price tag of only $18.00, the Nomatic wallet is one of the cheapest minimalist wallets on the market for such a quality item. The wallet doesn’t try to be anything other than a standard ‘basic’ wallet for those people looking to minimize their daily at an affordable price. 

A great wallet for people who want a cheap affordable option to people who potentially want to try out a slim wallet but are not yet entirely sure if it’s right for them. For more information on the Nomatic Basics Wallet click the link below. 

The Ridge Wallet

As one of the most famous examples of Kickstarter’s success the Ridge wallet is the perfect combination of minimalist design and attractive materials. Being made from aluminum metal the Ridge is one of the most attractive wallets I’ve personally used and it has a high-quality premium feel in the hand. 

With a capacity of 12 cards, the Ridge does a great job of staying slim regardless of the number of cards it can carry. The metal material used also had RFID blocking capability which means you can stay safe against contactless fraud when out and about. 

The final point I’d like to make about the Ridge Wallet is the huge variety of colors it’s available in. With a standard array of over 10 colors and a range of patterned designs regardless of your personal style, I’m sure Ridge has something you’ll enjoy. 

Coming in at a price tag of $75.00 – $85.00 the Ridge wallet offers an attractive design in a neat little slim package. I love the cool feel of the metal and it really does offer a premium feel. For more information visit the link below.

  • Expands to Hold 1-12 Cards
  • RFID-blocking Materials
  • Backed by our Lifetime Warranty
  • Free Returns Within 45 Days
  • 6061-T6 aluminum
  • Weight: 2 oz | 86 x 54 x 6 mm
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Wingback Cardholder

The British-made Wingback is one of the best you can find in the UK. With every wallet being made from high-quality full-grain leather you can guarantee quality with each and every wallet you find being the utmost quality with options for a variety of personalization (initials engravings) and a range of unique colors and thread variations. 

The Wingback Cardholder is one of my favorites in their collection. Along with a slim and thin design, the Cardholder is incredibly versatile with a great capacity for credit/debit cards and enough room from a range of banknotes (folded). Finally, due to the amazing nature of the leather after prolonged use, the Wingback Cardholder develops a beautiful patina that only gets better with age. 

For more information on the Wingback Cardholder check out our full in-depth review. Alternatively, you can get more information on our store where we became an official retailer of the Wingback wallet range.

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Urban Companion Wallet

The Urban Companion Wallet is the perfect hybrid between a compact minimalist wallet and one that has additional functionality including the storage of such items as multi-tools, keys, or pocket knives. The wallet itself is made from full-grain thick leather that is of fantastic quality and that’ll develop a rich patina over time, while only coming in at the small size of 10.54cm x 7.62cm x 0.73cm.

When deciding which version of the Urban Companion wallet to purchase you can decide to arrange the wallet to your liking increasing or decreasing the number of slots to your personal preference. The largest example includes up to 4 slots that divide them into mini-slots that, for example, can store keys. If you don’t need key storage you can choose to have only 2 slots which are perfect for those who just want to carry cash and cards with them. 

Coming in at a price tag of $58.00 the Companion wallet by Urban EDC is our top pick for an innovative minimalist wallet that enables people to carry more than just cash and cards and is a fantastic ultra-thin design which an amazing overall quality. For more information on the Urban Companion Wallet check out our full review or visit their official website using the link below. 

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Dango S1 Stealth Wallet

The Dango S1 Stealth Wallet is a fantastic choice for minimalist lovers and those who want an added bit of strength and durability to their wallets. Dango is a brand renowned for creating an innovative range of wallets that are made out of unique materials (usually metal) and provide unique features aimed at those who want tactical or multi-tool features. The Stealth Wallet does exactly this. 

While having a great capacity for cash and cards the wallet also has a dedicated slot, on the back, for a key. Not only this but the attachment loop at the top mean’s the wallet can easily be secured to your belt or backpack for use when on the move. The wallet is also made from a strong material known as DTAX. This hardy material is incredibly strong and best suited for people who might want to use this wallet in extreme outdoor situations like camping or sports. 

The S1 Stealth wallet is one of my top picks for a range of reasons. It’s very attractive, made from a material that could last a lifetime with proper care, and has great storage capacity for a wallet of its size. For more information on the S1 Wallet by Dango check out our full review here, or visit their website with the link below. 

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The Spine Wallet

Sometimes simplicity is the best and with the Spine Wallet, you get exactly that. Dubbed the world’s thinnest wallet (unofficially), the Spine combines unique materials, minimalism, and style all within a highly affordable and attractive-looking wallet. In essence, the Spine Wallet is simply a piece of metal, sized the same as a standard credit/debit card, wrapped in an elastic strap to fit and secure cards in place. It’s a very simple concept and can store anywhere from 1 – 10 cards easily. That being said, less is more in the Spine’s case, as the more cards, you carry the thicker the wallet gets.

On top of its good capacity and sleek design, the Spine Wallet also comes with an inbuilt bottle opener carved right into the surface of the wallet. This not only acts as some nice added functionality but also shaves away more metal making the wallet lighter and more pleasing to carry! Finally, the Spine is available in a great array of different color options or metals to choose from. From black and grey to brass and Chrome, I’m sure they’ll something for everyone in their range. 

Starting at only $24.99 and only ranging as high as $34.99, the Spine Wallet is a great wallet for both those on a budget and those who want to slim down their EDC. For more information check out their official website using the link below.

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The Port Wallet

The Craft & Lore Port Wallet is an absolute beauty! It has such an unusual design with its layers of leather folded around in almost a spiral-like pattern. Its distinctive, minimalist, and quality in design and material. First of all, each Port Wallet is handmade from a beautiful thick-hide, full-grain leather is of outstanding quality probably the best on this list. It smells fantastic, is hardy and durable, and develops a beautiful deep rich patina over time the longer you use it. The wallet also comes in a large range of beautiful colors to choose from each with a traditional and vintage look to them. 

Overall, the Craft & Lore Port Wallet is a fantastic minimalist wallet that keeps your daily carry to a minimum but still retains a classic look. As each and every Port Wallet is handmade there is a wait time to get your hands on one taking up to 4 weeks from the point of order. Starting at $55.00 and ranging up to $70.00 (for the Horween Leather Version), the Port Wallet is a very priced, high quality, and amazing little minimalist wallet. For more information visit Craft & Lore’s official website below. 

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The Johnny Wallet

The Johnny Wallet is a minimalist wallet with an interesting design with a vintage look to it. What stands out most with The Johnny is its use of  3.5 oz Wickett and Craig Harness Leather (full grain) that over time develops one of the best Patina’s I’ve ever seen on a wallet – especially when choosing the Tabacco (brown) version of the wallet. For those who don’t know Patina is the change in color, surface, and even texture, of the leather over time as it’s used more. Certain poor grade leathers can’t achieve a patina which goes to show the sheer quality Johnny but in material choice and craftsmanship. 

In terms of design, the Johnny is designed in a pouch style with just one roomy and internal compartment to store your cash, cards, or other paper items. This pouch is secured with a lid/lip, also made from leather, that tucks into place and keeps everything secured shut when not in use. The Johnny can hold a decent amount of cards with a maximum capacity of up to 12 cards with extra room for bills folded in the same slot. 

Overall, the Jonny wallet is fantastic in many ways. Its smaller size at just 3.5 inches x 4 inches is perfect for minimalists, its design is beautiful and at a very affordable price tag of $45.00, you can’t really go wrong with The Johnny in my opinion. Its best asset is its premium quality, with a look to die for as you use the wallet more and more. You can check out the full review of the Johnny Wallet by clicking here, or visit the Loyal Stricklin website by clicking the link below.

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