Women's Wallets

Main Types of Women’s Wallets

Standard Wallets

A basic women’s wallet comes in two sizes, a longer 3.5 by 8.5 inches or a mini version about half that size. Most fold in halves or thirds and are held together by a clasp. They provide all the basic features needed such as pockets for cards, money, notes and coins.

Agendas

The non-electronic method of staying organized is found in an agenda. The agenda wallets are a combination of organization and storage. Certainly a larger type, most contain a complex system including diaries, calendars, notebooks, address books, calculator, pen loops, plus all the basic wallet style pockets and compartments.

Checkbook

This style of wallet is about the size of a checkbook, with standard features including card pockets, change pouches, ID window slots, and a removable checkbook cover that slips in and out of the wallet folds.

Coin Purse

Gold clasp coin wallet

Usually a small, one-pocket women’s wallet with a firm clasp to contain your change. Some are made larger with additional pockets or room for other smaller items such as lipstick, keys, and more. The most important feature of a coin purse is the closure, with zippers, clasps or kiss-locks being the most effective. Although they sound like basic items, many are quite fun and decorative.

Mini Card Holders

An item also found in men’s wallet collections, this is truly the wallet for the minimalist. About the size of a credit card, the case holds a variety of types of cards within pockets or accordion style compartments. Many have a snap, magnet, or zipper to fasten it closed.

Wallet on a String

Usually quite petite, this wallet is basically a miniature purse with built in pockets to incorporate the handbag-as-a-wallet concept. The string is a tiny purse strap that allows you to carry the wallet on your shoulder or across your chest.

Wristlet handbags are a similiar, wallet-style accessory with a small strap to carry on your wrist in in your hand. Some also have a small pocket to hide the string when not in use, or even have clips to completely detach the strap.

Common Materials for Wallets

Women’s wallets come in as many types of designs and fabrics as your clothing or handbags. While some prefer to match their wallet to their p pocketbook, briefcase, or even shoes, others look for fun or whimsical wallet styles.

The most common wallet textiles are:

• Leather
• Canvas
• Cotton
• Lizard
• Microfiber
• Plastic
• Nylon
• Polyester
• Suede
• Velvet
• Vinyl

Popular Brands

Most manufactures of handbags, travel accessories, and fine leathers also carry wallet lines. The variety of women's wallets can be quite overwhelming. In today’s market, many brands provide you a decent wallet at a great price.

You may want to shop for the look and quality you desire, rather than sticking to a certain brand.

Designers

If a designer handbag is more your style, then a designer wallet is a natural fit. Well-known designer brands include:

• Coach Wallets
• Gucci Wallets
• Prada Wallets

Standard Brands

The following is a list of popular brands of women’s wallets. If you don’t see your favorite listed, feel free to add it right in.

• Samsonite – A major name in quality travel accessories and luggage.
• Tignanello – Primarily a leather focused company who manufactures handbags, wallets and related accessories.
• Buxton – Your basic mass-marketed wallet manufacturer.
• Stone Mountain – A handbag company known for quality at a moderate price, they offer a nice selection of women’s wallets.
• Ellington Leather – Offering a large variety of bags and travel accessories, their main focus is on leather and microfiber products.
• Rolfs – A well-known manufacturer of leather accessories including men’s and women’s wallets, handbags, and belts.
• Liz Claiborne – A women’s brand with a large variety of apparel and fashion accessories.

Shopping Tips

While some can carry the same handbag for years, women's wallets tend to wear out quicker. At some point you will be in the market for a new wallet. When you are, keep the following tips in mind.

Enclosures

There are many types of enclosures, with snaps and zippers the most popular. As this is usually the first item on your wallet to fail, for longest life – check and double check the wallet’s enclosures before purchasing.

Features

Women’s wallets offer a large variety of accessories, pockets and functionality, far more than men’s wallets. As each additional feature adds space and weight to your wallet, it is important to think through your specific needs to find the appropriate case to match.

Construction

The basic structure of a women’s wallet is to be soft or framed. A frame wallet has a sturdy construction that literally frames the wallet’s interior, while the softer versions are composed of only fabric. When selecting the type for you, consider where you plan to carry the wallet and the types of materials that will be held inside.

Specialization

Do you need extra room for specialized essentials? Some wallet customers want a true carryall, while others only need the bare essentials. With the coming of the electronic age, many wallets now possess extra pockets for cell phones, I-pods and other types of electronic devices. If this fits your lifestyle, you may want to be on look out for those.