Wallets have been in use so long that we don’t know their exact origin, and leather wallets have been fashionable for centuries. Despite hundreds of years of history, leather wallets are still a classic look and they will likely remain relevant for hundreds of years to come.
Why is this the case? And how can you choose the best leather wallet for your needs?
The Timeless Fashion of Leather
Leather is considered a timeless look for many reasons:
· History. Leather has been used as a material for clothing and accessories for hundreds of years. Because of its practical benefits and accessibility early in human history, it has been used across many civilizations, with practically no gaps in its prevalence over the eras. This distinguishing characteristic of leather makes it inherently timeless, since leather clothes and accessories belong in so many contexts.
· Durability. People also appreciate leather for its inherent durability. In fact, that’s one reason why it was used as an early material for clothes and accessories. Some civilizations even used it as a rudimentary form of armor. It’s very tough and can provide protection to the wearer in addition to lasting a long time. People still choose leather wallets in part because they know they could last for many years.
· Flexibility. Despite its toughness and durability, leather is also known as a flexible material. If you have one more credit card or business card to stuff into your wallet, you can probably do it – though as we’ll see, it’s not a good idea to overpack your wallet too frequently. Leather wallets have always been useful due to this trait.
· Relative inexpensiveness. For all the practical advantages of leather, it’s still a relatively inexpensive material. You’ll pay more for a leather wallet than you would for a plastic imitation, but it’s well worth the extra money in most cases.
· Versatility in design. There isn’t one type of leather, nor is there any one type of universal leather design for a wallet. You can get a wallet made from many different grades of leather, and you can choose your own color as well. If you want to customize your wallet with an embossment or an emblem, you can do that too.
· A neutral appearance. If you choose a natural color for your wallet, it’s going to give a neutral appearance. This makes it a good fit with almost any outfit or fashionable ensemble.
Choosing the Right Leather Wallet
How do you choose the right leather wallet for your needs?
· Size. One of the most important things you’ll need to consider is the size of your wallet. Big wallets allow you to store more items, but they also take up more space in your pocket. Slimmer wallets have a sleeker look, but they can’t store as much.
· Price. Obviously, you’ll also need to consider price. Leather wallets are more expensive than certain other types of wallets, but remember that you get what you pay for. It’s often worth spending a little extra on a leather wallet that’s well-crafted and capable of lasting decades.
· Handmade vs. machined. Generally, handmade goods are superior to ones made in a factory. There are many reasons for this, including the fact that artisans spend most of their lives honing their craft – and the fact that quality assurance is generally much higher when it comes to individual, handmade work. That said, you can also find decent factory-made leather wallets if you’re willing to seek them out.
· Style and aesthetics. When it comes to style and aesthetics, everything depends on your personal preferences. Some people like simple, neutral leather wallets, while others want more colorful, ostentatious ones. It’s totally up to you.
· Pockets. Some leather wallets are designed to be very simple, with only one big pocket available. Others have many pockets, slits, and compartments that you can use to store various items and to stay organized. Again, this is mostly a matter of personal preference.
Taking Care of a Leather Wallet
If you want your leather wallet to last for many years, you’ll need to proactively take good care of it. These are some of your most important strategies to follow in pursuit of that goal:
· Avoid overstuffing. It’s tempting to take advantage of the flexibility of your leather wallet, especially if you have a lot of daily-use items to carry around. However, it’s a bad idea to overstuff your wallet, as it can quickly become out of shape and suffer damage.
· Store wisely. Leather is especially sensitive to certain environmental conditions; prolonged exposure to sunlight or especially moist areas can damage it. Try to store it in a cool, dark place where it’s unlikely to encounter any other form of damage.
· Clean and condition. Periodically, you should clean your leather wallet, inside and out. Conditioning can also help prolong the lifespan of your leather, keeping it nice and moist while helping it reattain its natural luster. Once a year conditioning is ample for most leather wallets.
Leather wallets are still a timeless, classic look and probably will be for hundreds of years to come. Your leather wallet may not last those hundreds of years, but if you take good care of it, and you choose the right type of wallet, it should last you at least a decade or two.
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