Here Are the 12 Best Designer Wallets to Consider Investing In

There is a popular saying that we carry our lives in our handbags, but in my case, that's not entirely true. I carry my life in my wallet, from the obvious items, such as my ID and credit cards, to my very important Cha Cha Matcha stamp card that provides a free drink after 10 purchases. I often resort to simply carrying around my wallet instead of my entire handbag when I'm seeking convenience. That being said, when I do choose to take my Chanel bag with me, there is a simple pleasure to be gained from reaching inside it to pay for my matcha latte and pulling out… a matching Chanel wallet. The devil is in the details, and in this case, that detail is a finely made, exquisitely stitched leather wallet.

Often providing a more affordable access point to a luxury brand than a designer handbag, a classic wallet is an elegant and easy way to upgrade your accessories. In the age of Apple Pay, it can be all too easy to rely on a digital wallet, rather than a physical one. However, even if you make most of your payments via your phone, we still think this this a timeless accessory that can help you be more organized in your day-to-day life. No one wants to lose another work door entry pass or that precious gift voucher you were given for your birthday.

Keep scrolling for the best designer wallets, with a focus on timeless styles that you will treasure for years (if not decades) to come.

What to Look For When Purchasing a Designer Wallet

Type of wallet: It can be handy to have a place to store all of your important essentials, but you'll want to first decide the type of wallet you want to go for—card holders are best for minimalists who don't want to add any weight to their purse, zippered wallets are ideal if you're concerned about security, bifold wallets are compact (but carry so much more than you think), and continental wallets are always an elegant choice.

Color and design: There's a reason black leather is a consistent best seller, as it will be so much more hard-wearing inside your handbags than a beige or light color option. The likes of Saint Laurent, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton make a big feature of their logos and heritage prints, but there is a wave of luxury designers that have a quieter, more if-you-know-you-know approach—The Row and Bottega Veneta are the brands to note for this logo-less look. Leather is the best material for a wallet, as it is durable but will also wear beautifully over time to have a more lived-in but still polished look.

Other things to look out for: Stitching is an important indicator of quality, as you want it to have neat stitching—glue will be less hard-wearing and so is best to avoid. Several wallets are now fitted with RFID (radio-frequency identification) that will protect your contactless cards from unauthorized payments, and so is a feature to consider if you like to have added protection.

The Best Designer Wallets at a Glance

• Best designer logo wallet: Saint Laurent, Monogram Quilted Textured Leather Wallet, $660
• Best quilted designer wallet: Gucci, GG Marmont Quilted Leather Wallet, $540
• Best designer wallet for minimalists: Bottega Veneta, Intrecciato Wallet, $720
• Best classic designer wallet: Prada, Continental Wallet, $1020
• Best printed designer wallet: Louis Vuitton, Monogram Zippy Wallet Coquelicot, $865
• Best for premium luxury: The Row, Sofia Continental Wallet in Leather, $1990

Our Edit of the Best Designer Wallets

1. Saint Laurent Monogram Quilted Wallet

Why we love it: The Saint Laurent quilted Cassandre wallet is a timeless choice. Carried by the likes of Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid, this classic, sleek compact wallet will fit perfectly in your handbag or a coat or jeans pocket if you decide to go hands-free. This is perfect for someone after something compact and minimal, but with visible designer hardware, there is simply no missing that YSL logo, which is named the Cassandre as a nod to the graphic designer who created it.

The facts: The Cassandre logo wallet is available in several sizes, from a chain wallet you can use as an evening clutch bag to a travel-appropriate folder wallet to this classic small two-fold-style wallet. It is crafted from tanned leather, has quilted stitching, and has gold-toned hardware. It is small, but practical, with eight card slots, one bill compartment, two receipt compartments, and one zip coin pocket.

The dimensions: 5 x 3.7 x 1 in.

2. Gucci GG Marmont Wallet

Why we love it: Gucci wallets are some of the most coveted, with the GG Marmont wallet at the top of the list. Even the former creative director Alessandro Michele has admitted the monogrammed wallet is one of the brand's most sought-after products. It seems stars like Reese Witherspoon and Emily Ratajkowski are convinced, as they've regularly been seen sporting Gucci wallets. The logo-print styles have a heritage charm, while the quilted leather has become a Gucci signature that is a more modern option.

The facts: This wallet is crafted in Italy with black quilted supple leather, and although a shrunken version of the original GG Marmont wallet, it features six card slots, a bill compartment snap, and a zipped coin pocket.

The dimensions: 4.5 x 3.1 x 3.1 in.

3. Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Wallet

Why we love it: When Daniel Lee joined Bottega Veneta as creative director in 2018, he called his debut line a "palate cleanser," putting a real focus on the accessory department. Bottega's signature woven Intrecciato leather sets it apart and is an if-you-know-you know design detail that is a signal of the highest luxury. This wallet is from the Cassette range, which has been a huge commercial success for Bottega (particularly the quilted shoulder bag).

The facts: It has a zipped compartment where you can store loose change and trinkets, and has a billfold, six card slots, and a receipt pocket. It is available in several colors, including black, emerald green, and this travertine shade.

The dimensions: 4.5 x 3 x 1 in.

4. Prada Continental Wallet

Why we love it: Prada's wallet, with its iconic Saffiano leather, has long been a popular choice among the fashion set, and its traditional, simple style makes it a timeless option. This style has been around forever, and you've likely seen it worn by everyone from Jennifer Garner to Lily Collins. The flap structure feels extra secure, and we like how it's big enough to house all of your essentials.

The facts: This wallet has a double snap closure with various compartments and pockets, including two bill compartments, 10 card slots, four interior pockets, an internal coin pocket with zipper, and an external coin pocket with zipper. Crafted from calfskin leather, the interior is also leather lined.

The dimensions: 3.7 x 7.3 in.

5. Gucci Jackie 1961 Continental Wallet

Why we love it: While we love Gucci's more modern GG Marmont wallet, the 1961 Jackie wallet with elegant hardware also makes for a classic choice for those who like a sturdier design. It's inspired by the house's signature Jackie tote that was named after Ms. Onassis, who famously wore it in the '60s.

The facts: Crafted from black textured leather, this has an impressive 16 internal card slots, an internal zipped compartment, and a push-lock fastening.

The dimensions: 7.6 x 3.9 x 1 in.

6. Hermès Epsom Constance Wallet

Why we love it: If you, like most of us, can't afford a Birkin bag at this point in your life, the Hermès Epsom wallet is a close second. While any accessory from Hermès is a sizable investment, they're worth considering, as each piece is equally timeless and chic.

The facts: Hermès is notoriously difficult to purchase, but this wallet on Fashionphile has a Certificate of Authenticity, the box, and a dust bag. It is crafted from Epsom calfskin leather in black, has the house's signature palladium H closure, and has a smooth leather interior with patch pockets.

The dimensions: 4.7 x 3.9 x 1 in.

7. Loewe Textured Wallet

Why we love it: Since Jonathan Anderson was appointed creative director in 2013, Loewe has continued to experience a rise in popularity. Historically known for its superior leather craftsmanship, a new sense of creativity and energy have been infused into the brand, resulting in pieces like the now-famous Puzzle bag and this textured wallet. Carried in the hands of fashion people, Loewe has quickly become a must-have and one of the most coveted brands. The wallet has a particularly elegant design, with the house's signature Anagram plaque at the front.

The facts: Crafted from tan textured leather, this has a snap-fastening front flap to store change and receipts, six card slots, and a bill sleeve.

The dimensions: 3.9 x 2.7 x 3.5 in.

8. Chanel Boy Flap Wallet

Why we love it: This brand and wallet need little introduction. With its timeless quilted pattern and the double-C logo, this wallet is practically begging you to pair it with the Chanel Boy bag. Forever adored by the fashion set, the social elite, and yours truly, Chanel can do no wrong.

The facts: This is a pre-loved Chanel Calfskin quilted Boy wallet in black that has a soft diamond quilted leather framed in linear stitching, with a silver CC faux lock and card slots, a zipper compartment, and patch pockets. As for the condition, it has corner wear, creases, and faded areas on the exterior, while the card slots are stretched and with fading and scuffs inside. It comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and a dust bag.

The dimensions: 7 x 3.9 x 1 in.

10. Louis Vuitton Monogram Zippy Wallet

Why we love it: Louis Vuitton's Zippy wallet is one of the brand's signature pieces. Consistently redesigned and updated, this original pays homage to the brand's classic monogram and colorway. Louis Vuitton has always been the picture of French glamour, and this wallet is no exception. It is also a practical choice, with lots of spacious compartments and pockets, making it a functional everyday wallet.

The facts: Crafted from monogram coated canvas, with a cowhide leather lining, this has three large gusseted compartments, an open pocket for bank notes, a zipped coin pocket, two inside flat pockets, and 12 card slots.

The dimensions: 7.6 x 4.1 x 1 in.

11. Coach Bandit Wallet

Why we love it: The Coach Bandit Wallet is a reliable designer purchase that stands out for its quality and style. Its refined calf-leather composition and signature Coach hardware blend functionality with elegance. The wallet also features three external slots for additional card storage. Coach is known for its more entry-level luxury prices, and as the only wallet on the list for under $100, this is a great option for those who don't want to spend hundreds.

The facts: This is crafted from refined calf leather and, although small in stature, is still a practical choice, thanks to a hero card slot secured with a snap closure, an open compartment to store cash and coins, and three exterior card slots for easy access.

The dimensions: 3.9 x 3 x 0.5 in.

12. The Row Sofia Continental Wallet

Why we love it: When it comes to craftsmanship, The Row is quite simply impeccable, and the Sofia wallet is a future heirloom. A continental wallet is always an elegant choice, and trust The Row to create a silhouette so chic that it can out-luxury the rest of the market.

The facts: This elegant wallet has a curved flap closure envelope silhouette and a sophisticated silver lock closure that is a signature on the Sofia handbag. It is made from 100% calfskin leather in Italy and has interior card slots and a zipped pocket.

The dimensions: 7.8 x 4.7 x 0.7 in.

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.