There was once a time when wallets measured manliness and social status. Growing up, I saw them everywhere being used by gentleman in the movies and advertisements to my own father and uncles. As a man, there’s a particular prestige tied to dipping your hands into your pockets to take out a wallet. The first time I experienced this feeling was in my early twenties when I purchased my very first leather wallet. It was the bulky, spacious kind with room for multiple cards, notes, and coins. I even used it to keep important receipts.
According to history, wallets originated in the 1300s to carry coins and valuables. Over time they evolved and the introduction of credit and debit cards brought about cardholders. A more compact version of the traditional modern wallet.
Today, the decline of wallets is partially due to the rise of digital cards systems and smart devices. Why carry a bunch of physical cards when you can just have them all on your smartphone?
Many of us have fallen for this logic.
The shift for me could have happened the time I discovered Apple Pay and the convenience of not having to carry a bulky stash of physical cards or cash. Or maybe it was during the years I spent in Asia and got accustomed to scan-to-pay and cashless paying methods. But it could also have been the time, more than a decade ago, when the tech and finance giants convinced us that wallets/cardholders were outdated. That carrying one, with all the modern “technology solutions” had become unnecessary.
Either way, I can’t deny the benefits of a good wallet — especially as I grow older. Not only does it add to my personal style, but as someone with a mildly busy lifestyle filled with chasing deadlines, attending events, occasional travelling, and regular grocery runs, my wallet/card holder has become my daily companion. A reliable backup for the times technology fails and those moments I need to carry hard cash for whatever reason.
The best wallets for men today come in genuine leather — flexible and slim in design with expresive patterns and colours. They are big enough to secure all your valuables and petite enough to effortlessly slip into your pocket or hand.
My green ostrich leather card holder. Available at: Winklmayr Leathercraft
Despite their compact size, this understated accessory has the ablity to elevate an outfit and express what words cannot explain. After using the Winklmayr green ostritch leather wallet for a while, its proven to be a game changer and one of my favourite accessories. The colour, leather, and slickness adds a unique twist, personality, and boost of confidence, transforming you from average to sharply refined without saying a word.
One thing to note about ostrich leather wallets is that they often require breaking into. Though buttery soft to the touch, they are initially rigid and stiff at first but that feeling dissolves over time. It took a few months of regular usage for mine to finally loosen and stretch.
Availabe in both South African ostrich and crocodile hides, here are my favourites courtesy of Winklmayr Leathercraft. As one of the best brands for mens wallets, their collection offers high quality handmade styles in a wide variety of colours, designs and sizes.
All products featured here are independently selected by me. However, I may receive compensation from retailers or brands and/or from purchases of products through these links. For a limited time only, you can use my special code INSTYLE15 for 15% off your purchase across any Winklmayr products.
Orange Ostrich Leather Card Holder: Available at Winklmayr Leathercraft.
Blue Ostrich Leather Cardholder. Available at Winklmayr Leathercraft.
Light Brown Ostrich Leather Cardholder. Available at: Winklmayr Leathercraft.
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