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After more than 9 hours of research and testing, our top picks go to the ARW Slim Cool Wallet which we think is an exceptionally cool wallet. It comes in a very slim profile and US GOVT. FIPS 201-certified RFID blocking protection to help prevent skimming devices from stealing your personal data. It is very small but also packs a punch in storing up to 15 cards.
Choosing the best cool wallet could mean the difference between a nice snug fit in the pocket or difficulty picking cards. Our evaluation focused on minimalist vs. bifold vs. trifold wallets, material, size, RFID blocking technology, number of compartments, and pocket/bag compatibility. We also explored auxiliary features such as money clips and removable ID windows. Please keep reading to learn more about the ARW Slim Cool Wallet and the others that met our strict grading criteria.
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This is the best minimalist wallet, featuring RFID blocking, an ultra-slim profile that holds up to 12 cards and a convenient money clip/elastic band – great for people who want quicker access to cash.
Read Full Review: ARW Slim Cool Wallet Review
We love this 3.4” by 2.2” by 0.3” minimalist’s wallet’s deceptive slim and lightweight profile, weighing less than 2.5 ounces with enough space to store up to 12 credit cards, making it a fantastic credit card holder and wallet. It is very durable, using a combination of stainless steel and aluminum with inner elastic webbing which makes it easier to slip in and retrieve credit cards. Consider it a neat fit for front pockets or even back pockets.
Related: Check out our best coin wallet.
Our favorite feature with this cool wallet is its RFID blocking protection. RFID, or Radio Frequency Identification Devices, uses a fiber metal mesh that surrounds your credit cards, preventing radio waves from identity theft machines from reading your data. This is not a unique feature among the best cool wallets, but you will not find it among the ‘other’ ones. When you purchase this, you get the carbon fiber wallet, a DIY screwdriver, and a giftbox. We also love the premium aviation aluminum and 304 stainless steel design that makes it look stylish. Try one of the best men’s V necks to complete the look.
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This slim bifold wallet comes with space for up to 11 cards and an outside notch, making it a great choice for people who want to slide out their most frequently used cards without opening.
Read Full Review: TRAVANDO Wallet
This 4.3″ by 3.1″ by 0.8” bifold wallet carries enough space for 11 credit cards and bills. That is 11 credit card slots and a stainless steel money clip. It is also very durable, made of carbon fiber “leather” which holds up very well to everyday wear and tear. This unique wallet designed by TRAVANDO is made using quality tested materials, assembled with precision for long durability. A stitched-in money clip and outside pocket with a thumb notch allows you to pull cash and credit cars from your pocket without opening your wallet, making it great if you only use one or two cards regularly. We like it for front and back pockets.
Related: Also see our best front pocket wallet.
Kudos for this wallet being TUV certified for RFID skimming, in adherence to the German Equipment and Product Safety Act. Think of the German equivalent of U.S.-based UL testing. Specifically, its inside lining uses a specialized fabric to help prevent radio waves from skimming machines from coming through to steal data. Although not technically a security feature, this wallet also comes with a strong magnetic closure so that your cards will not fall out if dropped. That is important mostly when pulling a credit card from your front pocket, coat or back pocket. It is a unique wallet that is beautiful and well made. This wallet would go perfectly with any of the best mens hoodies.
Award: BEST LEATHER
WHY WE LIKE IT: Thanks to a slim profile (3.5” by 4.5” by 0.3”) and 100% leather, this wallet is a great choice for people who want a wallet that will hold up well with everyday wear and year.
Read Full Review: Tommy Hilfiger Wallet
This bifold wallet is really compact for front or back pockets measuring only 3.5” by 4.5” by 0.3” That’s good enough space for five credit cards and several bills along with several business cards in two hidden zip pockets. And apart from the two slip pockets and 5 credit card slots, it has a large bill compartment and a removable ID window that you slide out using your thumb. This unique wallet handcrafted by Tommy Hilfiger ensures you get a great quality long lasting passcase. What we like the most about this wallet is its removable ID window and card slots, shaving a couple of ounces off if you have little to carry.
Thanks to this cool wallet’s 100% leather construction, it is very durable. It has pretty clean stitching throughout. Though it holds up well, it does not include the extras of our #1 pick and #2 pick ARW and TRAVANGO cool wallets with RFID blocking technology, money clips, and thumb notches to pull out cards easily. Consider this one on the classic side. For your nighttime needs, take a look at the best mens slippers too.
Award: MOST DURABLE
WHY WE LIKE IT: This trifold wallet is on the large side (9″ by 4.5″) with a trifold closure and durable faux leather, making it good for people who prefer a bit more cushioning and protection in the pocket.
Read Full Review: Levi’s Men’s Genuine Leather Trifold Cool Wallet
This wallet comes with several slots to accommodate different paper types, such as six card slots, one bill compartment, and an ID window that allows for quick flashing of your driver’s license to police and other personnel (stay out of trouble!). Two hidden pockets are also included for infrequently used items, such as insurance and business cards. It also offers RFID security. This unique wallet is hand made by experienced craftsmen using traditional tools. We love the all-around good balance with this wallet, fitting well in a bag over front and back pockets with a bulkier build.
This cool wallet is very durable, made of genuine leather which can hold up very well with scuffs and moisture. It also uses a trifold closure, providing extra cushioning in the pocket. Note, although it is durable, it provides less quick access to your documents than our #2 pick TRIVANGO Slim Wallet with an integrated money clip. If you’re taking this wallet on your next hike, you might want to pick up some of the best mens hiking socks too.
Award: BEST ECO-FRIENDLY
WHY WE LIKE IT: This bifold wallet offers great bang for buck with a 100% polyester construction and the choice of more than 20 colors, making it a great choice for anyone who wants a stylish, eco-friendly wallet.
Read Full Review: Herschel Roy Wallet
This 3.5” by 4.4” by 0.5” wallet fits well in front pockets, good for multiple card slots. Unlike our #3 Tommy Hilfiger and #4 Levi’s wallets, this one does not include ID windows nor the TRAVANDOs integrated money clip or thumb notch for easy access. However, it does offer an RFID-blocking fabric liner, which helps prevent radio waves from skimming devices from stealing data.
As this wallet is made of 100% polyester, it is a great voice for people that are opposed to wearing leather. Also, like the Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Cool Wallet, it errs on the side of classic functionality and style with the choice of 20 colors and extras like thumb notches and magnetic closures. If you don’t want to lose your style, but need to have your music, check out the best Bluetooth beanie too.
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: This is the best slim wallet in terms of size, coming in an ultra-slim profile (3.3″ by 4.1″ by 0.12″) and 6 slots, making this good for people who frequently use a handful of cards.
Read Full Review: Travelambo Minimalist Wallet
This best wallet for men comes in cowhide leather, which is weather-proof and more than capable of grinding down pockets day after day. It is also really soft, making it easy to slip in and out of front or back pockets. Four card front slots provide easy access and a larger slot in the middle allows you to stow your bills. A back removable ID window allows you to show your ID in less than a second.
This wallet is equipped with RFID blocking using silver embroidered linings that block 13.56 MHz frequency waves, used by credit and debit cards. All in all, we were very impressed with this wallet’s overall build quality.
Note: Other notable cool and slim wallets for men that we did not list here that you may want to check out are like the italian leather wallets. These italian leather wallets tend to be much more expensive than what we have on our list, like the Kith Card Case It is fashionable and flashy but still low key and comes in navy and black. There’s also the Bottega Veneta Bi-Fold italian leather wallet that has the manufacturer’s signature Intrecciato weaving. This italian leather wallet has 3 card slots, 1 slip pocket, and 1 money clip. There’s also the Machine Era Co Ti5 Slim Wallet that holds up to 7 cards and is made from corrosion proof aerospace grade titanium. It also has a built in bottle opener RFID protection, and is made in the USA.
In determining the best cool wallet to buy, we explored minimalist vs. bifold vs. trifold wallets, material, size, RFID blocking technology, number of compartments, and pocket/bag compatibility.
Minimalist wallets are the slimmest in size, best for people who carry no more than 4 of their most frequently used cards. bifold wallets fold once and trifolds fold twice, with trifolds usually carry more compartments and better (albeit bulkier) cushioning in your pocket.
Material is very important. We like leather, which is wear-resistant and more than suited to handle everyday wear and tear. Our #6 pick Travelambo Front Pocket Minimalist Cool Wallet is made of cowhide leather, known for being rugged and tough.
Size and the number of compartments are also a consideration. Minimalist wallets are the slimmest less than 0.2″ inch thick like the 3.3″ by 4.1″ by 0.12″ Travelambo Front Pocket Minimalist Cool Wallet and the 2.1-ounce ARW Slim Cool Wallet are our favorites. If you prefer more compartments, opt for bulkier bifold and trifold wallets.
RFID blocking technology is critical for security-conscious people. Most card holders and wallets use a special lining or fabric layer to block 13.56 MHz frequencies which are used by credit and debit cards.
Lastly, we explored pocket and bag compatibility. We recommend slimmer minimalist and bi-fold wallets for front and back pocket and tri-fold wallets for roomier front pockets or bags.
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