With a Slim Wallet, Carry Exactly What You Need and Ditch What You Don’t

bellroy flip case second edition card case, hardshell wallet deepplum
The 9 Best Slim Wallets to Suit Any StylePopular Mechanics; Bellroy


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Whipping out a Costanza wallet overflowing with years-old receipts and foreign currency is less than ideal when it comes time to pay. The solution is simple—get a slim wallet. Slim wallets come in a variety of styles from tactical to traditional using leather, aluminum, or ripstop nylon.

They're designed to condense your everyday carry to the necessities with a couple of card slots, bill pockets, and sometimes extra stash pockets for business cards. And if you're worried about identity theft, a lot of options include RFID-blocking technology. They fit comfortably in your back pocket or messenger bag without adding unwanted bulk, and it won’t feel like you’re on half a booster seat when you sit.

The Best Slim Wallets

What to Consider

Size and Storage Capacity

A slim wallet should comfortably fit in your pocket, even when it’s full of your essentials. They’re designed to reduce bulk and most aren’t much larger than the standard credit card but can still hold the must-haves: credit cards, ID, and maybe some cash. Remember, maximizing storage capacity isn’t the goal here—any wallet you choose should have enough room for what you need. We came across some online reviews that harped on size and capacity that was counterintuitive to the point of a slim wallet. It may force you to pare down your usual contents, but that’s why you’re here.

Materials and RFID-Blocking

Slim wallets are made out of a variety of different materials that will suit your needs in both function and aesthetics. Leather options are good for those that want something more classic. If you want something on the more modern side, you can find wallets made of aluminum and carbon fiber, though these may look too tactical for some people’s taste. Slim wallets that use textiles like nylon or polyester are a good middle ground if you just want something simple. The majority of our picks have RFID-blocking capabilities which prevent thieves from scanning your credit cards through your pocket and wallet.

How We Selected

We scoured our favorite retailers to find minimalist wallets that checked multiple boxes in terms of form and functionality, combining aesthetically pleasing design with space for your essentials. We thought about what we could nix from our own pockets in terms of slimming down our wallets and looked for options that would suit our needs. Pooling together a variety of styles and price points, our final list includes something for anyone that wants to declutter without compromising on capacity or quality.

Slim Bifold Wallet

This sleek, attractive wallet uses full-grain leather for durability and a traditional look. It'll keep your cards safe with RFID-blocking technology and boasts a slim profile, meaning it will comfortably fit in most pockets.

It comes with a front pocket for your most frequently used cards along with a wide array of pockets and slots wrapped in a sleek design: two inside pockets, a photo ID slot, money clip, and a pull strap for easy access.

<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PJWZ49Q?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10060.g.38591723%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Slim Bifold Wallet</p><p>$29.99</p><p>amazon.com</p>

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Slim Bifold Wallet

$29.99

amazon.com

Surfshorts Wallet

This no-frills wallet might remind you of one you had as a kid, but is constructed with adventure in mind instead of the playground; it uses ripstop nylon that’s water-resistant and durable.

The attached key ring makes it easy to throw onto car or boat keys, and the expandable zipper pocket will hold multiple cards and a couple of folded bills. It has a clear ID window for added convenience.

This makes a great travel wallet, as it can be tacked onto a lanyard to keep money and cards safe, and the nylon will show less wear than a leather option.

<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LWA96RH?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10060.g.38591723%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Surfshorts Wallet </p><p>$11.99</p><p>amazon.com</p>

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Surfshorts Wallet

$11.99

amazon.com

Minimalist Slim Wallet

The Ridge Slim Wallet is built to last a lifetime, but if it doesn’t, its lifetime warranty ensures you’ll get another one ASAP. This wallet has the best warranty on our list, since you can always send it in to the manufacturer if any part of it isn’t working properly. Luckily, its sturdy aluminum construction will ensure this isn’t a frequent occurrence.

It can also hold plenty of cards as well as some cash in the money clip. The multiple color options allow you to pick one that suits your style. It’s a bit expensive, but if it will last you for life, it’s probably worth it.

<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MKSDN46?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10060.g.38591723%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Minimalist Slim Wallet</p><p>$76.00</p><p>amazon.com</p>

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Minimalist Slim Wallet

$76.00

amazon.com

Hide & Seek Wallet

This handsome wallet trims the traditional bifold to a slim silhouette that doesn't compromise capacity. The interior uses a contrasting leather for its multiple slots and pockets including a hidden coin pouch and flat bill slot. It protects your information using RFID-blocking materials but still looks like a classic leather wallet.

Online reviewers like the soft feel of the leather and say construction is top-notch all the way down to the stitching. The bifold may still be too bulky for some but most customers found this to be a good size.

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fhuckberry.com%2Fstore%2Fbellroy%2Fcategory%2Fp%2F63604-hide-seek-rfid&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popularmechanics.com%2Fculture%2Fg38591723%2Fbest-slim-wallets%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Hide & Seek Wallet </p><p>$89.00</p><p>huckberry.com</p>

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Hide & Seek Wallet

$89.00

huckberry.com

Slim Wallet

This wallet eliminates the hassle of prying cards out of a tight pocket with a button that pops them all up for you to see and access easily—it’s like a switchblade version of a wallet. The lever only pushes them out partly (so you don’t have to worry about cards being ejected from your wallet) and an extra pocket lets you stash extra cash or business cards.

The easy access and ultra-slim shape make this a standout for online reviewers. Some note the leather is thin however others point out this by design in order to keep the overall wallet slim and noted the leather is still good quality but isn't burly. Secrid teamed up with Carl Friedrik for an elevated version as well.

<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IUNN3OY?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10060.g.38591723%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Slim Wallet </p><p>$73.73</p><p>amazon.com</p>

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Slim Wallet

$73.73

amazon.com

Flip Case Second Edition

Another intriguing design by Bellroy, they’ve updated their flip case with rounded edges and integrated organization slots to give you easy access to your bills and plastic. The hardshell case is durable without being bulk and secures your belongings with a magnetic closure.

One side has slots for cards while the other is a large pocket to stash things on the fly; both sides only needing to be flipped open with your thumb or finger. The streamlined design is best suited for those who rarely carry cash, so if you prefer having a couple bills on you, you should opt for a larger-capacity option.

<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BM8Z877T?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10060.g.38591723%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Flip Case Second Edition</p><p>$89.00</p><p>amazon.com</p>

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Flip Case Second Edition

$89.00

amazon.com

Parliament Wallet

If you’re looking for a wallet that’s built for the modern age, the Esker Parliament Wallet is a great option. This wallet can hold over 10 cards comfortably without losing its slim profile. Not only does this slim wallet make it easy to access your most-used card with the push of a button, it even comes with a cash strap for your bills.

The premium leather also looks great and comes in several different color options. What sets this wallet apart is its slot for the Esker Tracker Card, which can track your wallet if you lose it. Unfortunately, this component is sold separately.

<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PXM8HX7?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10060.g.38591723%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Parliament Wallet</p><p>$89.00</p><p>amazon.com</p>

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Parliament Wallet

$89.00

amazon.com

Charlie Wallet

If you’re looking to buy a slim wallet on a budget, this no-frills option from Herschel might be right up your alley. The Herschel Charlie Wallet is a solidly constructed polyester wallet that is also highly affordable.

It comes in several different designs and is meant to just carry the basics. If you plan on carrying a ton of cards, it’s going to get pretty tight. It’s best for those who just want to bring along a few cards, their ID, and maybe some bills.

<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M0P5LG7?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10060.g.38591723%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Charlie Wallet</p><p>$12.60</p><p>amazon.com</p>

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Charlie Wallet

$12.60

amazon.com

Front Pocket Wallet

Many of our picks can fit comfortably in your front pocket, but only the Rogue Industries Front Pocket Wallet is specifically designed for this purpose. This is ideal for anyone who feels nervous about keeping their valuables out of sight in their back pocket or simply doesn’t enjoy sitting on their billfold throughout the day.

This wallet’s bison leather is super soft and durable, and you can hold up to six cards along with some cash inside.

<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HETWE0O?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10060.g.38591723%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Front Pocket Wallet</p><p>$64.91</p><p>amazon.com</p>

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Front Pocket Wallet

$64.91

amazon.com

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