Leather is a durable material.
Depending on how you use it, it can last for 10 or 20 years.
However, no matter how high-quality a leather wallet is, it will gradually become worn down with continued use.
"The corners wear down," "The folds become crooked," "The metal fittings become difficult to move."
These types of breakdowns and malfunctions are unavoidable.
This time, we will introduce how to choose a wallet from the perspective of repair and maintenance .
If you are considering a new wallet or would like to keep your favorite wallet for a long time, please refer to this article.
Know your wallet's "failure patterns"
When we receive repair requests, we learn that there are certain patterns in wallet breakdowns . First, let's take a look at the common breakdown patterns that leather wallets tend to have.
1. Loose hook and eye buttons (snap buttons)
The snap fasteners used to open and close wallets are prone to metal fatigue because they are opened and closed many times every day.
As you use it, the "click" feeling will weaken and you'll find that the lid will open on its own. This is an unavoidable phenomenon when using a hook and eye button.
While leather is durable, metal has a limited lifespan. Think of snap buttons as consumables that will eventually need to be replaced.
2. Zipper stuck or broken
The zippers used in wallets are also prone to malfunction over time.
If the door doesn't open or close smoothly, gets stuck midway, or opens even though you thought it was closed, you should be careful.
If you pull too hard, you may damage the surrounding leather, so if you notice any discomfort, it's important to consider repairs as soon as possible.
3. Frayed threads and loose stitching
Threads are more likely to fray at sewn areas, especially at corners, curves, and areas where pressure is applied when opening and closing.
Once fraying begins, it will spread if left unattended. On the other hand, if you address the issue early, it can often be easily repaired.
4. Wear on corners and folds
The corners of a wallet are prone to rubbing when in a pocket or bag.
In particular, people who carry their wallets in their back trouser pockets tend to experience premature wear on the corners.
Repeated opening and closing of the folds also puts stress on the leather, which can lead to cracks if used continuously in a dry state.
Why are there parts that are prone to failure?
There's a reason why wallet damage tends to occur in certain areas.
The boundary between the "moving part" and the "fixed part"
The area that is most stressed in a wallet is the boundary between the moving and non-moving parts.
For example, the base of a hook and eye button. The button itself opens and closes many times, but the part that is attached to the leather does not move. Repeated pressure on this boundary stretches the leather and loosens the metal fittings.
The same goes for zippers. The slider moves, but the area where the zipper tape is sewn is fixed. This is where the stress is concentrated.
The "outer part" is prone to wear
The corners and edges (cut edges of the leather) are physically exposed on the outside, making them susceptible to abrasion and impact.
It will gradually wear down as it collides with other items in your bag and rubs against the fabric of your pockets.
Force is always applied to the "bending part"
Bending parts, such as the creases of a bifold wallet or the curve of the opening of a zipper wallet, are constantly under stress.
Leather is a flexible material, but if it is repeatedly bent in the same place, that part will become flexed and eventually deteriorate.
Wallet Shape: Differences in the Parts That Are Subject to Stress
Depending on the shape of the wallet, different parts of it are subjected to stress.
Choosing a shape that suits your lifestyle is the key to choosing a wallet that suits you and will last a long time.
Bifold wallet
◾️Areas that are prone to stress
- Center fold
- Hook and eye buttons (if any)
- Four corners
◾️Points for long-term use
Regularly moisturizing the folds with oil will help prevent chafing and deformation. Also, when putting your wallet in your pocket, try not to put too many other items in it.
Mini wallets, compact wallets, coin cases
◾️Areas that are prone to stress
- Folded part
- Hook and eye button (if any)
- fastener (if any)
- Coin purse opening
◾️Points for long-term use
Because it is compact, putting too much inside can easily affect its shape. By limiting the amount of storage you can prevent it from losing its shape.
L-shaped zipper wallets and round zipper wallets
◾️Areas that are prone to stress
- The slider part of the zipper
- Zipper corners (L-shaped corners and the four corners of a round zipper)
- Opening curve
- Leather on the back (easily rubs inside the bag)
◾️Points for long-term use
Do not pull the zipper too hard; instead, gently widen the opening before opening and closing to reduce strain. Corners are particularly susceptible to stress, so try to open and close the zipper slowly rather than rushing.
Choosing a wallet based on your lifestyle
Pocket or bag?
If you carry it in your trouser pocket, prioritize thinness and compactness. Carrying a thick wallet in your pocket all the time puts a strain on both your wallet and your body.
If you carry it in a bag, you may want to prioritize storage capacity. However, be careful of wear on the corners, as they will likely bump into other items in the bag.
How often does it open and close?
If you open and close your wallet many times a day, pay attention to the quality of the snaps and zippers.
The more frequently you open and close the door, the greater the load on the metal fittings. When choosing a door, check whether it is designed to be easy to replace and whether the manufacturer provides repair services.
How much is inside?
If you carry a lot of cards and coins, choose a wallet with ample capacity.
If you continue to use the bag while stuffing it to the brim, the leather will stretch and the stitching will be stressed. It's best to leave a little room to maneuver.
If you use it for a long time, it will eventually break down.
So far, we have introduced how to choose a wallet that is durable.
However, the most important thing to know is that no matter how carefully you use it, it will eventually break down if you use it for a long time .
That's why it's important to choose a wallet that's easy to repair .
Munekawa is also proactive in repairing its own products.
Munekawa repair service
- Hook and eye button replacement (free replacement no matter how many years of use)
- Repairing frayed threads
- Zipper replacement
- Leather replacement etc.
Munekawa handles everything from product planning, production, and sales in-house.
Because we have a thorough knowledge of our products, we can predict failure patterns and build them to be less likely to break, and we also design them to be easy to repair when they do break down.
However, if you use it for a long time, it will inevitably break down.
We are very happy to receive repair requests for broken products, as it is proof that our customers have been using them for a long time . We also actively accept repair requests so that our customers can continue to use our products for a long time.
If you have any concerns about the Munekawa products you are using, please feel free to contact us, even if it is a small matter.
Related article: Why Munekawa values in-house production
Stock sale now on | Repairs also available
Munekawa is currently holding its annual stock sale (until January 31, 2026).
We are selling items that are normally difficult to sell, such as discontinued products and display items, at 20% to 70% off.
We will repair products purchased during the stock sale in the same way as regular products. We will replace hook and eye buttons free of charge, and we will also handle other repairs depending on the condition.
This is also a great opportunity for those who want to try Munekawa products but want to try them out casually first.
summary
To ensure that your leather wallet lasts a long time, it is important to choose one that understands where stress will be placed .
- Remember that hook and eye buttons and zippers are consumables
- Pay attention to corners, folds, and seams when selecting.
- Choose the shape that suits your lifestyle
- "Repairability" should also be included in the selection criteria
If you use it for a long time, it will eventually break down. But that is also proof that you have loved it.
If you have a wallet that can be repaired and continued to be used, you can overcome any breakdowns by treating it as "maintenance" rather than "replacement."
At Munekawa, we help you with everything from product selection to repairs, so you can continue using your products for a long time.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at our online shop or direct store.
▶︎ See all Munekawa wallets here
▶︎ Click here for details on Munekawa Direct Store
▶︎Related article: "Staff Interview: What is the Munekawa Direct Store Like?"
