When I was in college I didn’t go anywhere without my magenta Kate Spade Continental Wristlet Wallet. It was such a large wallet that it worked perfectly to double as a clutch, fitting all my cash and cards, as well as lipstick and my phone. (Of course, that’s back when phones were much smaller). Eventually I started carrying shoulder bags and small crossbody purses, and my beloved continental wallet was simply too large. It was then that I began my never ending hunt for a wallet that helps me feel organized and prepared—without any of the bulk. Read on for a few of the best slim wallets I’ve tested lately, as well as how to choose the right one for you.
The Best Slim Wallets, at a Glance:
- Best small and slim: Thread Wallets, Emmeline Vertical Wallet, $25
- Best leather: Madewell, The Leather Post Wallet, $78
- Best vegan: Dagne Dover, Slim Wallet, $80
- Best nylon: Big Skinny, Women’s Trixie Tri-Fold Slim Wallet, $30
- Best with a zip compartment: Coach Outlet, Slim Zip Wallet, $94
- Best budget: Universal Thread, Women’s Trifold Wallet, $15
- Best bold: Kurt Geiger, Soft Leather Wallet, $95
- Best card case: Hobo, Euro Slide Card Case, $78
Reasons to Consider a Slim Wallet
Slim wallets come with a variety of benefits. Most notably, they take up very little room in your purse, bag, or pocket. Additionally, slim wallets are less unwieldy to pull out while in a rush, whether you’re checking out at the grocery store or booking it through airport security. Lastly, they’re not as heavy, so they won’t weigh down your bag as much.
I set out to find a smaller wallet when I lived in New York City and was constantly on the go. I found it easier to run around with a small wallet, as opposed to the aforementioned chunkier continental wristlet. And, now that I carry my Calpak Luka Belt Bag more than any other purse I own, I realized that I had a few options: I could opt for a small wallet or a slim wallet. Where small wallets take up little space length-wise, slim wallets fit snugly against the back of the bag, occupying hardly any of the bag’s capacity. Knowing this, I expanded my search and uncovered a bunch of stellar small, slim wallets. And, because I’m never one to gate-keep, I’ll share my findings below.
Shop the Best Slim Wallets
If you need something small and slim, this vertical wallet from Thread is a crowd-pleaser. This compact pick can comfortably hold up to eight cards and includes a loop for a wrist strap or key ring. The outer elastic pocket is great for tucking away cash, while the inner pocket includes RFID-blocking technology, which is intended to protect your cards from card-scanning scammers (although many cards don’t actually have RFID chips, so it may not be that helpful). It’s also available in a wide variety of colors, both at Target and on the Thread website.
- Colors: 45
- Material: Leather and elastic
- Size: 3.7″ x 2.7″
- Closure: N/A
Pros:
- Super compact, with a D-ring to attach to lanyards or keys
- Features RFID-blocking technology
- Available in many colors and prints
Cons:
- More casual design
- Limited space for cash
The Madewell Leather Post Wallet is timelessly chic. Sold in black and brown leather, the long, slim wallet features two bill pockets and eight card slots, plus a pocket on the front where you can store business cards, receipts, whatever. Most notably, this leathe