The mighty wallet has been around in some shape or form for centuries, starting off as the size of a rucksack in the 14th century. By the 19th century it had decreased in size, but was often used for carrying around dried meat in addition to money! Luckily times have changed, with the modernised version of the wallet being used from around the early 1950’s, when credit cards were first introduced.
Times are still changing however, with the newest incarnation of the wallet gaining in popularity. The card holder is a smaller, more compact creature, holding much less in a world where we strive to simplify and streamline our lives. But which is better, the wallet or the card holder?
The Wallet
The most obvious difference is that a wallet can hold much more than a card holder. Which is a good thing in a world where we have a loyalty card for everything, we often need a little bit of spare change and need somewhere to store those receipts that we will never, ever look at again! Wallets often have concealed zips, perfect for keeping safe those little things that we really can’t bear to lose. The Delamore Dark Brown Leather Tab Wallet for example, has slots and compartments that will uber-organise our busy lives!
A wallet is often a fashion statement in itself, as a carefully chosen gift or a well earned treat to yourself. The appearance and texture of a good wallet is irreplaceable, made from gorgeous leather, with a modern or vintage look that will make it the one accessory you use every single day of your life. For a uniquely designed wallet try the Ashwood Shoreditch Classic Wallet, beautifully embossed for the modern day gent!
The downside of a wallet is fairly obvious...the size. Compared to a card holder it is bulky, giving you an unflattering appearance from behind and not always suited to the current skinny-jean culture. The wear and tear of a standard wallet is higher too. From being squeezed into a back pocket or thrown into a satchel or gym bag, the leather may crease over time and begin to look worn.
The Credit Card Holder
The slimmer, more versatile card holder is an increasingly popular item to have in your pocket. They are easier to access when reaching into your pocket, they won’t bulge under the pressure of loose change and they make us decide what is important in our everyday lives, rather than squeezing in everything that we ‘may’ need. The Woodland Leathers Tan Credit Card Sleeve is perfect for keeping your cards and notes safe. It is also has a belt loop to keep it extra secure when on your person, a popular feature on the modern card holder.
The card holder may be smaller, but it is often made from the same beautiful soft leather as a wallet, such as the Woodland Leathers Black & Tan RFID Credit Card Wallet. The reduced size means that the card holder is more durable and won't lose its shape from being sat on! It will fit into your inside jacket pocket without weighing you down and you won’t waste time looking through it for what you need.
The downside of the card holder? The same as the wallet; the size! It may not be big enough to hold everything you need day to day, even if you don’t pay for things using coins, it is likely that you will receive some on a shopping trip when paying with notes. By the time you’ve factored in loyalty cards, driving licence and a photo of your better half, the card holder may begin to bulge under the pressure.
Wallet Versus Card Holder
If you ask a woman which is better, a shoulder bag or a clutch bag, you will most likely be told that there is an occasion for both. The same is also true of a wallet and a card holder; depending on the event, the outfit and what you need to take with you, the answer will surely change. If that’s not the best excuse to buy one of each, then I don’t know what is!