When choosing a wallet, we often consider factors like design, material, storage capacity, and ease of use, but one aspect that's surprisingly often overlooked is "how you carry it."
Will you keep it in your jacket's inner pocket, your pants pocket, or in a bag? The ideal wallet shape changes depending on how you carry it.
In this article, we'll feature Munekawa's leather wallets and introduce wallets suitable for different carrying styles, categorized by type.
We hope this serves as a helpful guide when choosing the shape and size of your wallet. For those wondering, "What kind of wallets does Munekawa offer?", this article will also provide an overview of our product line.
Consider your wallet's shape based on your lifestyle
Even if you like a wallet, it can be difficult to use it for a long time if it doesn't fit your lifestyle. To choose a long-lasting wallet that suits you, first consider your style based on the following four points:
-
Your usual style
Do you primarily wear suits and jackets, or more casual clothing? -
How you carry it
Do you put it in a bag or a pocket (pants pocket, jacket inner pocket)? -
The wallet shape you envision
Long wallet, bifold, or mini wallet? -
How you carry coins
Do you want a wallet with a coin compartment, or will you carry a separate coin case?
Deciding these points beforehand will naturally help you prioritize size, thickness, and shape, making it easier to narrow down your choices.
Wallets suitable for pocket carriers
For carrying in a jacket's inner pocket
For those who carry their wallet in a suit or jacket's inner pocket, the biggest concern is its impact on the silhouette.
Inner pockets are close to the body, so a thick wallet can create a bulge in the chest, ruining the jacket's lines. As this greatly affects your appearance, you won't want to compromise on wallet thinness.
The best option for this style is a thin long wallet without a coin compartment. By omitting the coin compartment, the thickness is reduced, so it won't affect the jacket's silhouette when placed in the inner pocket.
Munekawa's Recommendation: Slim Long Wallet Divide
Designed with a thickness of just about 4mm, this minimalist long wallet is as close to banknote size as possible. It features two card slots, one vertical and one horizontal, weighs only about 58g, and is so light you might forget it's in your inner pocket.
For coins, we recommend carrying a separate coin case. Separating your wallet and coin case not only keeps the wallet slim but also prevents the bulk and weight of coins from being an issue in your pockets or bag.
Munekawa's Recommendation: Slim Coin Case Undo
This compact 7.7cm square coin case can hold 20-30 coins. As the leather becomes more supple with use, it gets thinner and won't bulk up your pants pocket. This coin case is a long-selling product that has been refined for over 20 years.
For carrying in pants pockets
If you want to carry your wallet in your pants pocket, a compact wallet is ideal. Bifold wallets or mini wallets that fit in the palm of your hand are recommended.
If your pants are somewhat loose, a wallet with a coin compartment should fit without issue. For slim-fit pants, the bulk from coins can easily distort the silhouette. In such cases, it's advisable to carry a separate coin case.
Munekawa's Recommendation: Bifold Wallet Feel Coin
This is a classic bifold wallet that accommodates banknotes, coins, and cards. While offering ample storage, it's designed to be as compact as possible, measuring 9.2cm in height and 11cm in width.
※When carrying in a pants pocket, always remove your wallet before sitting down. Sitting with your wallet in your pocket can cause it to lose its shape or get damaged due to the pressure of your body weight.
Also, leather is vulnerable to moisture, and pockets can get humid in the summer, so please pay attention to the condition of the leather when using it.
Wallets suitable for bag carriers
For carrying in small bags
When placing it in a small bag, it's essential to choose a size that matches the bag's capacity. Opting for a bifold wallet or a compact L-shaped zipper wallet instead of a long wallet makes it easier to store in small bags or the sub-pockets of shoulder bags.
Since it will be alongside other items in your bag, choosing a type that can be closed with a zipper ensures the contents won't spill out. If you often carry keys or a smartphone with it, you might also want to consider whether the leather surface is resistant to scratches.
Munekawa's Recommendation: L-shaped Zipper Wallet Cram
This L-shaped zipper wallet, though compact at 9.5cm x 10cm, can store banknotes, coins, and cards. With a thickness of approximately 1.7cm, it fits comfortably in shoulder bags and body bags, and at a light 62g, it won't bulk up your bag.
For carrying in business bags or tote bags
If you're using a bag with ample capacity, you have more options as there are fewer size restrictions. Long wallets will fit comfortably, and you can also easily choose those with a secure closure like a round zipper.
If you're going to carry it in a bag, you can prioritize storage capacity and visibility over thinness. For those who carry many cards or want to temporarily store receipts, a long wallet with many pockets might be more convenient.
On the other hand, be aware that the wallet may move around inside the bag. Checking if it fits into an inner bag pocket can improve its accessibility.
Munekawa's Recommendation: Long Wallet with Coin Compartment Untrad
Based on the concept of a "new kind of long wallet," this wallet features an innovative design with varying heights on the left and right gussets, allowing it to open wide for a full view of its contents. It has 12 card slots, can hold up to about 100 banknotes, and the flap-side pocket is also convenient for organizing receipts.
Wallet Type × Carrying Method Quick Reference Chart
The content so far has been organized by the compatibility of wallet types and carrying methods. "◎" indicates an excellent match, "○" a usable match, and "△" a less suitable match.
| Jacket inner pocket | Pants pocket | Small bag | Business bag / Tote bag | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long wallet (no coin compartment) | ◎ Best for ultimate slimness | △ Difficult to fit in pocket | △ Tends to take up bag space | ○ Fits, but assumes coins are carried separately |
| Long wallet (with coin compartment) | △ Bulky, can ruin silhouette | △ Too large for pockets | △ Hard to fit in small bags | ◎ Maximizes storage capacity |
| Bifold wallet | △ Can be bulky in inner pocket | ◎ Compact and self-contained | ○ Fits in small bags | ○ Can be stored with room to spare |
| L-shaped zipper wallet | △ A bit thick for inner pockets | ○ Thin models fit well in pockets | ◎ Compact with zipper closure | ○ Contents won't spill in bag |
| Coin case (separate) | ○ Pairs well with thin wallets | ○ In the other pocket | ○ Convenient for organizing in bag | ○ Easy to use with long wallets |
Summary
Of course, the combinations introduced here are not the only correct solutions. Wallet choices depend on individual preferences like design and the amount of items typically carried.
However, by considering "where you'll put it and how you'll carry it," you can clarify your priorities for size and shape.
Please use this as one of your criteria when choosing a wallet.
Munekawa offers a variety of leather wallets in different sizes and shapes, from long wallets to compact ones. If you wish to physically check the material and size, you can do so at our directly managed store in Daikokucho, Osaka.
You can also find product dimensions and storage details on our online store. Please take a look and find a wallet that suits your carrying style.
Feel free to contact us with any questions or for advice on choosing a wallet.
▶︎Click here for details on Munekawa's directly managed store
