Regardless of the digital era that we live in, classics like a well-tailored suit, letterpress calling cards, and even a great wallet have a significant outcome on first impressions.
And, as they say, you don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression. So, your wallet should be an add-on to your attire. It’s more than an object you use every day to hold your essentials. It advertises the kind of person you are before you even utter a word which is why carrying an old tattered billfold wallet says a lot.
But, with the wealth of options that have littered the market, finding an ideal option that gels with your lifestyle can be a daunting task. Luckily, you have come to the right place because this guide walks you through the ins and outs of selecting the right billfold wallet for your lifestyle and needs. Read on!
What Is a Billfold Wallet?
To get the basics out of the way, a billfold is a wallet that you can fold over and is typically made from leather. It contains a clip right in the middle that securely holds your bills in place coupled with a money compartment that flips over. When it comes to carrying your bills, you fold them in half then store the folded bills inside the clip, hence why it’s called a billfold.
While the purpose of a billfold wallet is simple, theoretically, it does more than just carry your everyday essentials such as banknotes, credit/debit cards, business cards, coins, and IDs. It also displays your sense of style to the world. So, the devil is in the details.
Types of Billfold Wallets
As is the case with clothing, billfolds come in two different styles as discussed below, with each having unique benefits.
Trifold
If you carry a boatload of essentials around and need a product that’ll help you become more organized, then a tri-fold wallet was made with you in mind. They’re heavier and bulkier than other counterparts and work better when they’re tucked away in inside a back pocket or front pocket to avoid an embarrassing bulge in your outfit.
When opened, trifolds take a rectangular form, constituting two flaps that fold right in the middle. And, each section accounts for a third of the wallet’s total length. With this handy and roomy item, you can finally leave the days of cramming up your cards, coins, and other necessities, behind you.
Bi-fold
It’s the middle ground between tri-folds and cardholders. This is particularly true if you invest in a slim bi-fold wallet as it is roomy and a snug fit in trouser pockets or smaller-fitting jeans. With a strikingly similar layout as that of a tri-fold what sets them apart is that bi-folds have two sections, rather than three. An essential aspect to keep in mind is to choose a billfold wallet that’s designed from top notch quality leather. This is because the constant closing and opening fuels wear and tear, more so, on the fold. And, poor quality hides quickly produce holes and threads.
The Secrets to Select the Right Billfold That Compliments Your Lifestyle
Are you looking for a billfold wallet that’ll not only serve your needs in the best way possible but also make heads turn every time you whip it out of your pocket? Then consider the following tips.
1. Personality
Choose a billfold wallet that looks spick and span because it tells a lot about your personality. So, it should synchronize with and mesh with your fashion sense. For instance, if you’re conservative, then subtle shades like black, brown, and darker shades of green and blue, may tickle your fancy. On the other hand, if you’re outgoing, then vibrant colours such as red and yellow could be a better fit for you.
2. Size
Refrain from carrying an oversized billfold wallet by ensuring you get rid of unnecessary items such as old receipts and expired debit/credit cards. Doing so will significantly lessen the contents and prevent an unsightly bulge in your outfit, which ultimately ruins your look.
3. Edge Painting
Firstly, wax, coupled with a special hot iron, is used to seal the leather. It’s then painted with two coats of paint.
The edges of a billfold wallet should be painted to avoid being scratchy and rough. Otherwise, this rips the pockets of your clothes as you constantly slip it in and out of your pocket, and that’s the last thing you need.
4. Sewn Card Slots
Billfold wallets have different card slot designs, for instance, cutting individual leather pieces, sewing their edges, and layering them into the wallet’s shell to form card slots. Each compartment has a lining to facilitate the easy sliding of the card, in and out of each card slot. Moreover, the sewn edges make the leather resistant to stretching, thus retaining its shape over time.
5. Rounded Corners
It’s a feature that does not only infuse a billfold wallet with sophistication but diminishes the wear of the corners. Rounded corners are a beast in aiding a wallet slide in and out of pockets with little to no resistance.
6. Job Profile
When it comes to the colour of your billfold wallet, your job description plays a significant role. For instance, you may be an adventurous person but work as a bank manager. So, as tempting as it may be to carry a flunky wallet due to your personality, your job description limits you to a conservative brown or black option. It won’t raise any eyebrows. But, if you work in a creative firm, then a red or multi-coloured wallet matches your lifestyle.
7. Functionality
Consider the functionality of the billfold wallet you intend to buy. If you have an abundance of essentials to carry around, then it’s advisable to select an option that has several compartments. So, it should comfortably accommodate memory cards, coins, ID card, SIM cards, and other necessities.
If you tend to move around with more than five debit/credit cards, then you should gravitate more toward products that have an array of separate card slots. These will allow you to store just one card per slot to avoid cramming up your cards which damages them and makes the wallet look bulkier.
8. Currency
Money varies in size. So, if you’re an avid traveller then ensure you select a billfold wallet that’s roomy enough to hold the different currencies, you’ll use. If you intend to carry loose change in the form of coins, then you’ll need to make sure the product you choose has a zippered compartment. Nonetheless, ensure you avoid overloading the wallet with coins; otherwise, it’ll become misshapen and wear out after a few weeks or a couple of months.
9. The Seasons
If you live in a region whereby the four seasons usher in radical changes, then you probably don’t dress the same all year round. For instance, you wouldn’t wear your mid-winter boots during the sweltering summers.
So, consider scaling down your billfold wallet as well. This entails carrying a slimmer and lighter wallet that’ll save you from the embarrassment of your pants or shorts sagging in the absence of alternative coat pockets.
Furthermore, slimmer billfolds also improve your posture. Sitting on a Costanza wallet all day can wreak havoc on your spine alignment and lower back in the long run.
10. Price
There are billfolds to fit everyone’s budget, which is why it’s essential to embark on your search with a price range in mind. While an excellent quality product doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg, you also shouldn’t be a penny-pincher. Remember, you get what you pay for. So, think of your billfold wallet as a long-term investment.
How to Show Your Leather Billfold Wallet Some TLC
Once you select a product that matches your lifestyle, it’s time to learn how to give it proper care with the following tips that’ll enhance its longevity.
- Wash your billfold wallet by hand (it’s not machine-friendly) with lukewarm or cold water
- If it gets dirty, clean it with a damp cloth. Using strong or mild detergents damage the leather
- Dab a bit of talcum powder to get rid of any grease
- If water seeps through your wallet, don’t dry it in a jiffy using a hairdryer or heater. Let it dry naturally at room temperature. Avoid stretching it when it’s wet; otherwise, it’ll become misshapen and never revert to its initial shape
- Lather your wallet with cream or leather dressing every couple of months to supply it with much-needed moisture. This enables it to remain aesthetically pleasing otherwise it’ll dry up and become stiff
- Avoid wrapping your billfold wallet with plastic because it requires abundant air ventilation to maintain its excellent quality and look, for years down the road
To Sum It Up
Investing in a sleek billfold wallet that compliments your style will command respect every time you whip it out of your pocket. And, without an embarrassing lump in your pocket, you’ll certainly score points for maturity. So, now that we’ve ironed out the finer details, you can decide on your perfect vessel and upgrade your money carrying game today!