When I was in college I didn’t go anywhere without my magenta Kate Spade Continental Wristlet Wallet. It was such a large wallet that it worked perfectly to double as a clutch, fitting all my cash and cards, as well as lipstick and my phone. (Of course, that’s back when phones were much smaller). Eventually I started carrying shoulder bags and small crossbody purses, and my beloved continental wallet was simply too large. It was then that I began my never ending hunt for a wallet that helps me feel organized and prepared—without any of the bulk. Read on for a few of the best slim wallets I’ve tested lately, as well as how to choose the right one for you.
The Best Slim Wallets, at a Glance:
- Best small and slim: Thread Wallets, Emmeline Vertical Wallet, $25
- Best leather: Madewell, The Leather Post Wallet, $78
- Best vegan: Dagne Dover, Slim Wallet, $80
- Best nylon: Big Skinny, Women’s Trixie Tri-Fold Slim Wallet, $30
- Best with a zip compartment: Coach Outlet, Slim Zip Wallet, $94
- Best budget: Universal Thread, Women’s Trifold Wallet, $15
- Best bold: Kurt Geiger, Soft Leather Wallet, $95
- Best card case: Hobo, Euro Slide Card Case, $78
Reasons to Consider a Slim Wallet
Slim wallets come with a variety of benefits. Most notably, they take up very little room in your purse, bag, or pocket. Additionally, slim wallets are less unwieldy to pull out while in a rush, whether you’re checking out at the grocery store or booking it through airport security. Lastly, they’re not as heavy, so they won’t weigh down your bag as much.
I set out to find a smaller wallet when I lived in New York City and was constantly on the go. I found it easier to run around with a small wallet, as opposed to the aforementioned chunkier continental wristlet. And, now that I carry my Calpak Luka Belt Bag more than any other purse I own, I realized that I had a few options: I could opt for a small wallet or a slim wallet. Where small wallets take up little space length-wise, slim wallets fit snugly against the back of the bag, occupying hardly any of the bag’s capacity. Knowing this, I expanded my search and uncovered a bunch of stellar small, slim wallets. And, because I’m never one to gate-keep, I’ll share my findings below.
Shop the Best Slim Wallets
Best Small and Slim: Thread Wallets, Vertical Wallet — $25.00
If you need something small and slim, this vertical wallet from Thread is a crowd-pleaser. This compact pick can comfortably hold up to eight cards and includes a loop for a wrist strap or key ring. The outer elastic pocket is great for tucking away cash, while the inner pocket includes RFID-blocking technology, which is intended to protect your cards from card-scanning scammers (although many cards don’t actually have RFID chips, so it may not be that helpful). It’s also available in a wide variety of colors, both at Target and on the Thread website.
- Colors: 45
- Material: Leather and elastic
- Size: 3.7″ x 2.7″
- Closure: N/A
- Super compact, with a D-ring to attach to lanyards or keys
- Features RFID-blocking technology
- Available in many colors and prints
- More casual design
- Limited space for cash
Best Leather: Madewell, The Leather Post Wallet — $78.00
The Madewell Leather Post Wallet is timelessly chic. Sold in black and brown leather, the long, slim wallet features two bill pockets and eight card slots, plus a pocket on the front where you can store business cards, receipts, whatever. Most notably, this leather wallet is manufactured with care. Madewell says the Post Wallet is made with leather sourced from a tannery that uses sustainable practices and has a Gold Rating from the Leather Working Group, or LWG.
- Colors: 2
- Material: Leather
- Size: 3.5” x 7.5”
- Closure: Collar stud
- Large capacity
- Chic, timeless design
- Leather sourced from a tannery that uses sustainable manufacturing processes
- Only two color options
- No coin purse
Best Vegan: Dagne Dover, Slim Wallet — $80.00
If you prefer a long wallet but don’t want a bulky design, the Dagne Dover Slim Wallet is a great option. Made of vegan materials like coated canvas and recycled polyester, this best-selling wallet features 10 card pockets, three bill pockets, and two angled pockets that can fit folded cash or cards. It also has a zip coin purse running the length of the wallet.
- Colors: 3
- Material: Coated canvas, recycled polyester
- Size: 7.75” x 4”
- Closure: Snap
- Lots of space for cards and cash, plus a coin purse
- Completely vegan and includes recycled materials
- Super slim design
- Coated canvas can crack over time if not cared for properly
Best Nylon: Big Skinny, Women’s Trixie Tri-Fold Slim Wallet — $30.00
This nylon wallet serves major ‘90s vibes—and we’re here for it. The Tri-Fold design features two bill compartments and 10 card slots, capable of holding between 10 and 30 cards. Even if you opt for the higher end, though, this compact wallet won’t ever look bulky—as the brand’s name suggests, Big Skinny wallets are specifically designed not to.
- Colors: 4
- Material: Nylon
- Size: 5” x 4”
- Closure: Snap
- Generous capacity, including a coin purse
- Has a fun retro look
- Easy to wipe clean
Best Zip Compartment: Coach Outlet, Slim Zip Wallet — $94.00
For a brand that never goes out of style, look to Coach. Or, even better, look to the Coach Outlet! That’s where I found this super thin leather Slim Zip Wallet, which has 14 card slots, an ID window, and two bill compartments. And, as the name suggests, there’s even a zip pouch in the center for coins.
- Colors: 2
- Material: Leather
- Size: 7.5″ x 3.5″ x .5”
- Closure: Snap and zip
- Impressive card capacity
- Long, slim design
- Zippered pocket for secure items
Best Budget: Universal Thread, Women’s Trifold Wallet — $15.00
You don’t have to spend a ton of money to join the slim wallet club. The Universal Thread Women’s Trifold Wallet is one of the most popular wallets at Target and it’s under $20. It features a bill compartment, eight card slots, an ID sleeve, and a coin purse. And, while it can certainly hold a lot, it only measures one inch thick.
- Colors: 5
- Material: Faux leather (synthetic)
- Size: 4” x 8” x 1”
- Closure: Snap
- Budget-friendly price
- High capacity
- Built-in coin purse
- Synthetic materials may be less durable over time
Best Bold: Kurt Geiger, Soft Leather Wallet — $95.00
If you’re in the market for a vibrant, colorful wallet, look no further than the Kurt Geiger Leather Soft Wallet. Measuring less than an inch thick, this long, slim, metallic rainbow leather wallet features six card slots, a bill slot, and an interior zippered coin purse. And, if the rainbow pattern is a little too bright for your liking, Kurt Geiger also makes this wallet in less flashy styles.
- Colors: 1
- Material: Leather
- Size: 3.9” x 7.4” x 0.7”
- Closure: Snap
- Gorgeous metallic rainbow design
- Made of premium pebbled leather
- Ultra-slim design
- Only six card compartments (but each can hold two to three cards)
Best Card Case: Hobo, Euro Slide Card Case — $78.00
If you’re looking for the thinnest wallet possible, opt for a card case. The Hobo Euro Slide Card Case features five card slots and an ID window on one side, a slip pocket (large enough to fit a passport!), and a zip compartment. It comes in a few classic leather colors, as well as some brushed metallic hues.
- Colors: 6
- Material: Leather
- Size: 4″ x 5.5″ x 0.5”
- Closure: N/A
- Features an ID compartment and passport pocket
- Super slim design
- No designated cash pockets
How Should I Choose a Minimalist Wallet?
When choosing a slim wallet, think of how you plan to carry it. Will you tote it on its own (in your hand or on a keyring) or will you stow it in your purse. If so, how big is your bag? The exact size slim wallet you choose will depend on your answers to these questions. If you usually carry a fanny pack, backpack, or shoulder bag, you can get away with a long slim wallet or a small bifold wallet; if you typically use micro crossbody bags and handbags, opting for a compact bifold wallet is best.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slim Wallets
How much money should you spend on a wallet?
The amount you spend on a slim wallet is a matter of personal preference and, of course, your budget. The price will typically depend on the materials used—higher quality leather wallets tend to cost between $50 and $100, while synthetic materials like polyurethane and nylon will be closer to the $25-$50 mark. All of the picks on our list cost less than $100.
Are thin wallets worth it?
Again, whether a thin wallet works for your lifestyle or not is totally up to you! If you’re looking to downsize, a quality thin wallet can be a game changer. The minimalistic style can help you feel more organized, and stripping down to only the items you need will take unnecessary weight out of your bag (hello, spine health).
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