Leather Wallets - Many Options, Singular Style

Did you know?

"When terrorists crashed into the World Trade Center, many people evacuated quickly. In his haste to leave his 32nd-floor office in the North Tower, Terrence McCormick, branch marketing director for Kemper Insurance, left behind his suit jacket with his wallet. After a harrowing descent down the stairs and getting covered by dust from the collapse of the South Tower, McCormick walked seven miles through Brooklyn to a point where he could catch a bus home. Some days later, the police discovered his wallet in the debris and returned it to Mr. McCormick. His wallet was complete with its contents intact." http://www.si.edu/

Needless to say, it was a leather wallet. McCormick donated it to the Smithsonian, where it now resides as part of the 9/11 collection.

A little history

Prior to 1700, purses (for both genders, in the form of simple drawstring leather pouches) were used for storing coins. But it was the introduction of paper currency to the West in the 1700s that led to the development of the wallet. (The first paper currency came to the New World by way of the Massachusetts Bay Colony's printing it in 1690.) Early wallets were made primarily of cow or horse leather and included a small pouch for printed calling cards.

Wallets became more standardized in the early 1950s with the advent of the first credit cards. Today wallet design has exploded into myriad shapes, designs, and colors from dozens of designers.

Durable, Functional, Stylish

Your new leather wallet will be an investment in durability. If you ever tried any other material, such as canvas or vinyl, you know how quickly they can disintegrate after just normal wear and tear. Leather will stay with you long enough to become a friend.

Choose from many configurations.

Bi-fold Wallets: With one fold, these wallets are easy to open and organize. Look for credit card slots and enough space to hold currency. Some models have zippered pockets to keep small valuables safe, along with removable ID holders.

Billfolds: Sleek versions of the bi-fold wallet, billfolds generally hold currency and credit cards, along with sometimes having special security compartments and flip-out ID holders.

Breast Pocket Wallets: These wallets, resembling billfolds, stand straight and lean. Look for space to hold important documents.

Checkbook Wallets: For the all-in-one wallet, choose one that accommodates credit cards, money and your checkbook. Some even have space for business cards.

Front Pocket Wallets: Made especially for the front pants pocket, these wallets are slimmer and designed to help keep the rear view looking trim and smooth. An added bonus is they're more difficult to steal, frustrating pick-pockets the world over.

ID Wallets: For when you're on the go and know you'll be whipping out your wallet frequently, try this model that often flips open to a clear vinyl ID window on the interior making identification easily accessible.

Money Clip Wallets: Smaller and lightweight, these wallets keep the currency on the outside. Look for credit card slots and a sturdy clip.

Tri-fold Wallets: These more substantial models open up in three sections, including space for photos, business cards, credit cards, currency, you name it.

Weekend Wallets: With its external ID window, this ready-to-go wallet is great for the weekend warrior. Look for a safe place for currency and credit cards.

Leather always the best choice

No matter what style you pick, leather is the best choice of material. Thin, lightweight and durable, leather also conforms over time to the contours of where you put it. A beautifully crafted leather wallet will last you for years, and become an essential part of your day-to-day.

As Mother used to say, "Choose your friends wisely." For your new best friend in the wallet arena, choose leather.