With the new year upon us, some of you may be thinking about buying a new wallet.
Wallets are also considered lucky charms, and it seems that many people buy new ones at the turn of the year or fiscal year to freshen up.
In recent years, with the spread of cashless payments, mini wallets and compact wallets have continued to be popular.
As we make and deliver leather wallets every day, we feel that more and more people are looking for both compactness and high quality.
Small and easy to use, yet high-quality enough to be used for a long time - I think that's the kind of wallet people are choosing these days.
This time, for those looking for a new wallet, we will look at some points to consider when choosing a wallet for 2026 .
We will also introduce some recommended wallets from Munekawa, so please read to the end.
These are the three wallet trends for 2026
Even if it's small, "smooth payment" is a requirement
Compact wallets are expected to continue to be a trend in 2026.
However, now that cashless payments have become established and mini wallets have become more widely known, it is thought that more people than ever before will choose wallets based on ease of use .
There are many mini wallets on the market that are not only small but also functional, with features such as "easy access to coins" and "quick access to cards," so be sure to choose a wallet that suits your payment style.
Fragment case/card case: Slimness is the top priority, and cash is kept to a minimum
If you don't use cash and rely on electronic money and cards for your lifestyle, there are more options available that don't require you to be particular about the shape of your wallet.
Nowadays, it is common to see fragment cases, card cases, etc. being used as wallets.
If you think about it, you rarely have the opportunity to use cash , it might be a good idea to try out a wallet like this.
High quality (materials and tailoring): Simple design makes a difference
Mini wallets tend to have simple designs.
That is why the quality of the materials and tailoring, such as whether high-quality materials are used and whether the details are carefully crafted, are major factors that determine the overall appearance.
The key to choosing a wallet that you can use for a long time is one that is small but looks high-quality.
- Leather appearance : fineness of grain, luster
- Edge (cross section) : Has it been carefully polished?
- Stitching : Are the stitches neat?
- Metal fittings : Does it open and close smoothly?
If you can get it in store, be sure to check out these points.
How to choose a leather wallet you won't regret
First, take stock of the contents
Before choosing a wallet, take a look at what you currently carry.
- How many cards do I need?
- How much cash do you use?
- Do you carry receipts or invoices?
If you only need 2-3 cards and a little cash, a fragment case is the way to go. If you use a fair amount of cash, a mini wallet would be more convenient.
Usability checkpoints
There are three main problems with using small wallets.
-
It's hard to get coins out
If the opening is narrow, it will be difficult to find your coins, so make sure the opening is wide. -
Banknotes are difficult to handle
Do you want a wallet that folds bills before storing them, or one that doesn't fold them? Choosing one based on your preference will reduce stress once you start using it. -
Cards get lost
It's also important to have a designated place for your cards. Separate pockets make it easy to quickly access the cards you need.
Munekawa's recommended wallets
Cram L-shaped zipper wallet
When you open the zipper, you can access your bills, coins, and cards all at once. Recommended for those who prioritize speed when paying. Compact yet highly visible, it has been well received for being "small yet easy to use."
▶︎ Click here for the Cram L-shaped zipper wallet product page
Enfold Coin Bifold Mini Wallet
This bifold wallet allows you to store bills without folding them. It is perfect for those who want the look of a leather wallet and want a little more storage space.
▶︎Click here for the Enfold Coin bi-fold mini wallet product page
Tuck card case
This compact card case has three pockets. Its design makes it easy to create a designated place for each card. You can also put coins inside and use it as a fragment case.
Slim mini wallet Wedge
This mini wallet allows you to carry only the minimum amount of cards and bills. Its thinness and compactness mean it won't bulge when you put it in your pocket. It's a popular item for use as a secondary wallet or for holidays.
summary
The key to wallet trends in 2026 is the combination of compactness and high quality.
If you're having trouble choosing a wallet, try thinking about it in this order.
- Inventory of contents (number of cards, frequency of cash)
- Check ease of use (taking out coins, bills, and cards)
- Checking whether it looks high quality (leather, edges, stitching, metal fittings)
Use this as a reference to find one that suits your lifestyle.
Stock sale running until 1/31!
Munekawa is currently holding a stock sale.
What is a stock sale? This is an event where discontinued products and products that have been scratched or damaged by light during the exhibition process are sold at discounted prices depending on the condition of the product.
This is a great opportunity for those who want to start using leather wallets casually or try out Munekawa products.
Sale items can be viewed at the Munekawa directly managed store in Daikokucho, Osaka and the Munekawa online shop.
The items are now available to the public on our online shop. Please enter this password to access the sale page.
Password: sts2026
Stock sale page: https://munekawa.jp/pages/stocksale
If you are interested, please take a look.
