The Leather Wallet: Always in Style

Many men and women swear that a leather wallet is the only kind of wallet you should own. Their argument is simple and persuasive: A leather wallet looks good and feels good, too. Any accessory you hold in your hands should do both – and do both well.

Leather has other qualities in its favor. It’s durable and forgiving. High-quality leather lasts for years, and if your wallet begins to break, you can take it to a good cobbler and have it resewn.

Plus, leather never goes out of style; it’s a material that’s been “in” literally for centuries. Leather looks good in any situation. If you’re in formalwear, it’s the only choice, but leather wallets suit casual occasions perfectly, too.

Choosing the Wallet

When choosing a leather wallet, look first at the quality of the leather.

Natural grain leathers are best. These leathers, which are finished with the grain intact, generally are tight, absent of blemishes, and made with a good quality grain. Cow skin makes the best quality leather, followed by sheep and goat. Pig leathers are the cheapest.

Feel the leather. Leather that feels good usually is good. Loose leather, which usually comes from an animal’s neck or belly, is inferior quality. A wallet’s a sensual accessory; texture, suppleness, and softness matter when choosing a wallet.

Find a size that meets your needs. Some people like bigger wallets. Some prefer tri-folds. Give some thought to what size works best for you.

Finally, consider the wallet’s features. Make sure the compartments hold what you need. Think about how you use your wallet. Look for the appropriate features, and then test them; check to see if the buttons and zippers work.

Caring for the Leather

You can’t abuse leather and get away with it. In particular, keep it away from water. Water and leather don’t mix. Wet leather traps moisture, which makes it deteriorate.

Don’t scratch your wallet. Scratch marks don’t go away. A leather conditioner and polish can sometimes hide the scratch.

Don’t store your wallet in sunlight. Direct and indirect light can dry leather out and cause its color to change.

Over time, leather dries out and fades. You can replace the natural oils of leather with a good leather conditioner. This will also keep the leather soft and supple.