In the age of digital cards, cyber receipts, and electronic vouchers, has the time-honored wallet been made redundant by what is increasingly becoming a cashless society?
We’ll admit the quintessential accessory doesn’t quite hold the same importance as it once did, but that isn’t to say that we’re ready to let go of the humble purse altogether just yet.
Rather, we’re eager to upgrade our arsenal to a collection of wallets that reflect the ever-evolving lifestyle of the modern woman rather than outdated versions engineered to carry bundles of bills.
From sleek silhouettes to phone pouches to passport sleeves and RFID protection, here are the best wallets for women to take the pain out of paying and to make getting the bill a little more fashionable.
These chic accessories still hold all the cards—even if you’ve let yours go.
The 16 best wallets for women
Superb yet sturdy, polished but practical, here are the best women’s wallets you need to get your hands on.
Why you can trust Luxe Digital? At Luxe Digital, we rigorously test and review elevated essentials, and go the extra mile to unearth gateway-ready gear that go the distance and brands that we believe will go places. For more on how we test products, see our HAPPY philosophy for buying luxuries.
Cuyana Classic: Overall best wallet for women
| Material: | LWG-certified leather |
| Closure: | Zipper |
| Coin pocket: | Yes |
| RFID-Blocking: | No |
| Colors: | Caramel, Merlot, Stone + More |
Pros:
- Organized and spacious
- Doubles up as a versatile clutch
- Effortless to wipe clean
- Can be personalized with custom monograms
Cons:
- No RFID blocking technology
Our verdict:
There’s just something about anything from Cuyana that makes us fall head over heels—and this sustainably made Classic Zip Around Wallet is no exception.
If you know us, you’ll know about our lifelong affair with capsule wardrobe brand Cuyana. But as much as we adore the timeless label, we’re committed to testing every product with a new lens and unfiltered objectivity. That being said, we can’t say that we were completely surprised when this wallet landed at the top of our list. I mean, if you want something that is as durable as it is functional as it is stylish, the Cuyana Classic Zip Around wallet is unrivaled.
It’s not so much the addition of one standout element, as it is the marriage of a combination of flawless features. The zipped design fits into our everyday tote with ease, but it still has the capacity for all the essentials. With eight card slots, two bill slips and a coin (or lipstick) pouch, the classical silhouette is incredibly well organized. And you can immediately tell that the conscious leather used is of the highest quality.
Timeless and versatile, we’ve gifted the Cuyana Classic Zip Around wallet to most of the women in our lives and can confirm that it’s always a failsafe choice, regardless of who you are.
Best for: Clutter-free convenience with a classy touch.
Gucci GG Marmont: Best luxury wallet for women
| Material: | Canvas and leather |
| Closure: | Snap |
| Coin pocket: | Yes |
| RFID-Blocking: | No |
| Colors: | Black & Beige or Pink & Beige |
Pros:
- Instantly recognizable as a designer classic
- Detachable chain strap for a hands-free carry option
- Multiple compartments for optimal organization
Cons:
Our verdict:
If it’s true that money talks, then this gorgeous Gucci wallet communicates all you need to say.
If you’re not yet ready to fully invest in one of the most iconic Gucci bags but want to dip your toe in designer waters, this luxury wallet for women is the perfect compromise.
Although, it’s still a splurge…
If you’re simply looking for an understated, quality piece to hold your cards and coins, we would recommend something with a lower price tag. However, if you’re looking for a high-end label to elevate your everyday aesthetic, while holding its value in a flourishing resale market, the Gucci GG Marmont is a worthwhile investment.
Made in Italy from the highest quality leather and canvas, we see our Gucci Marmont chain wallet lasting forever. The versatile chain also means that we can wear it as a shoulder bag to evening events or more formal daytime affairs. And while we don’t usually go for loud logos, we’re always happy to make an exception for the luxury House’s historically significant monogram and GG plaque.
Best for: Giving the VIP treatment to your most important possessions.
Vaultskin Mayfair: Best value wallet for women
| Material: | Leather |
| Closure: | Zipper |
| Coin pocket: | Yes |
| RFID-Blocking: | Yes |
| Colors: | Black, Brown and Caramel |
Pros:
- Exterior pockets for easy access
- RFID blocking technology provides fortnight security
- Compact size is surprisingly spacious
- High-quality but affordable
Cons:
- Can feel full with more than 10 cards inside
Our verdict:
We compared this affordable wallet to luxury brands that were a lot more expensive and were surprised at how well it held up. Made from quality materials, the compact design has many pockets, robust zippers and even offers RFID protection.
When looking for the best women’s wallet under $50, we were underwhelmed by the options out there. While many seemed to be high quality, they couldn’t withstand heavy use. Either the zippers broke, the seams began to tear, or they simply weren’t functional.
Check my hands-on Vaultskin Mayfair wallet review to see why I like it so much.
However, during our rigorous testing, we did come across this highly-reviewed option by Vaultskin. And while it doesn’t quite hit the under $50 mark, we think that the extra $10 is a no-brainer, considering the significant difference in quality and craftsmanship.
Firstly, the Vaultskin zipper is robust. We know, it doesn’t seem that exciting, but many failed zippers later, we consider it a win when it comes to more affordable wallet options. The other thing we were concerned about is that the compact size wouldn’t have the capacity for all our cards. However, the sleek silhouette proved to be more spacious than expected with hidden slips as well as interior and exterior pockets. In the end, we could fit in 11 cards, four bills and six coins, although we wouldn’t recommend stuffing in more.
The Vaultskin Mayfair is also beautifully engineered from Italian leather, so it really does look like a high-end purchase.
Best for: Helping you to save, not spend, all your hard-earned cash.
Bottega Veneta Cassette: Best bifold women’s leather wallet
| Material: | Leather |
| Closure: | Zipper |
| Coin pocket: | Yes |
| RFID-Blocking: | No |
| Colors: | Beige and Black |
Pros:
- Intrecciato design is unmistakably Bottega Veneta
- Zip is strong and smooth
- Bifold silhouette is compact and organized
- Luxurious unboxing experience
Cons:
Our verdict:
If you’re looking for a designer wallet that is more than a cardholder but doesn’t take up much space, this bifold silhouette by Bottega Veneta is the perfect size. Yes, it’s a splurge, but the instantly recognizable intrecciato weave makes it worth it in our eyes.
Designer leather wallets for women are a dime a dozen. But this women’s leather wallet by Bottega Veneta stands out from the crowd.
The brand’s signature intrecciato woven exterior is instantly recognizable as a Bottega Veneta classic and the premium leather used is unmistakably designer quality. And because it’s almost guaranteed to hold its value (if well cared for), we like to consider this splurge as more of an investment, just like the best Bottega Veneta bags.
When it comes to capacity, the Bottega Veneta Cassette is on the smaller side. But these days, with digital cards becoming more and more popular, we find that we don’t actually ever carry more than six cards at a time. So while six card holders may seem too little for some, we actually appreciate the slim silhouette and how little space it takes up in our daily totes.
Best for: A subtle statement.
KAAI Helix: Best trifold wallet for women
| Material: | Italian leather |
| Closure: | Button |
| Coin pocket: | Yes |
| RFID-Blocking: | No |
| Colors: | Cognac, Black, Moss + More |
Pros:
- Easy to open and close with a push button
- Trifold design is compact but spacious
- Don’t have to fold bills to fit inside
- Timeless and elegant
Cons:
Our verdict:
If you’re looking for designer quality without the designer price tag, this KAAI wallet hits the elusive sweet spot between decadence and value.
Belgium might be most widely known for its mouthwatering chocolate and waffles, but for us at Luxe Digital, the country is most appreciated as the birthplace of Belgian brand, KAAI. Personally tested and adored by our Belgian Editor-in-Chief, we’ve found the label’s timeless accessories to possess that high-end designer appeal but with much lower price tags.
Feminine and fearless, the Helix Wallet stands in a class of its own.
Made from 100% Italian leather, the minimalist silhouette is accented with understated stitching. While the organized interior makes room for six cards, money bills and coins or smaller keepsakes.
Our only warning is that once you’ve invested in one KAAI accessory, it’s impossible to stop there, so be prepared to have your whole collection reinspired.
Best for: A convenient carry-all with major fashion allure.
Dagne Dover: Best accordion wallet for women
| Material: | Pebbled leather |
| Closure: | Magnetic |
| Coin pocket: | No |
| RFID-Blocking: | No |
| Colors: | Bone, Black and Gray |
Pros:
- Slim silhouette barely takes up any space
- Fits a passport
- Sustainable materials
- Seamless to open and close
Cons:
Our verdict:
The magnetic closure is genius, especially when you’re trying to pay with a cappa in hand.
If excess baggage is not your modus operandi, this stealthy wallet by Dagne Dover is bound to become your preferred travel companion—whether it’s accompanying your vacation abroad or just your daily commute.
While the wallet has much to rave about, the hero feature is its magnetic closure. At the time of purchase, we didn’t give it too much thought, but now it’s the one thing that we can’t stop speaking about. Call us design nerds, but it really does make a difference when you’re in a hurry and you don’t have to fiddle with zips or snap closures.
We also love how slender the Dagne Dover Accordion is. And whilst it doesn’t have a coin pouch, that’s something we’re willing to compromise in favor of a lightweight silhouette with the capacity for six cards, cash, and a passport. Yep, the passport sleeve is a game-changer for organized travel.
Best for: A travel wallet that goes the extra mile.
KAAI: Best cardholder wallet for women
| Material: | Italian leather |
| Closure: | Zipper |
| Coin pocket: | Yes |
| RFID-Blocking: | No |
| Colors: | Black, Brown, Yellow + More |
Pros:
- Fits in even our tiniest handbags
- Zip pocket for smaller essentials
- Comes in a range of gorgeous hues
Cons:
- Tighter sleeves make cards more difficult to pull out and put in
Our verdict:
If you’re a major proponent of a cashless society, you likely won’t need anything more than this sleek cardholder. It’s also a great gift for any woman.
Yep, it’s another KAAI classic (we told you we loved the Belgian brand.) And while we try to keep our roundups diverse, sometimes there’s a brand with two products that we simply can’t choose between. In this case, the brand is KAAI. And the second wallet that we had to include is the cardholder.
Crafted from luxe leather, it features five vertical card slots, which, in our opinion, is more than enough.
But what really sets the KAAI cardholder apart as one of our best small wallets for women is the zip pocket. We know it’s only supposed to hold cards (it’s kind of in the name), but we prefer to plan for the times we need to whip out that emergency cash or keep that all important receipt.
Coming in a range of signature hues—from classical black to a playful yellow—we’re already planning which niece gets which color this Christmas.
Best for: Minimal bulge, maximum style.
Longchamp Le Pliage: Best coin purse wallet for women
| Material: | Polyamide |
| Closure: | Zipper |
| Coin pocket: | Yes |
| RFID-Blocking: | No |
| Colors: | Black, Navy, Gray + More |
Pros:
- Inspired by the design of Le Pliage tote
- Stores coins and cash, as well as other smaller knick-knacks
- Tiny and timeless
Cons:
Our verdict:
Even if we don’t carry much cash anymore, we couldn’t resist this adorable Le Pliage coin purse by Longchamp.
We can’t get over how cute this coin purse is. It’s almost an exact replica of the iconic Longchamp Le Pliage tote (one of our best work bags), but an ultra mini version—perfectly sized to keep track of your coins (and prevent them from landing at the bottom of your bag or down the back of the sofa.)
But the unique wallet for ladies isn’t just for holding coins. It’s also for those who have pledged their allegiance to a cashless society. In fact, we mostly use the small women’s wallet for storing make-up touch-ups, hair accessories and other random knick-knacks (like a SIM card while traveling.)
Although, if you’re still looking for an excuse to carry cash, the Longchamp Le Pliage purse is it. I mean, who’s questioning your method of payment with a wallet so darling?
Best for: Keeping your coins together in the most impeccably elegant way.
Mansur Gavriel: Best continental wallet for women
| Material: | Leather |
| Closure: | Zipper |
| Coin pocket: | Yes |
| RFID-Blocking: | No |
| Colors: | Black Flamma, Black Croc and Claret |
Pros:
- Roomy and robust
- Firs everything that’s needed, including a checkbook
- Can be used as a clutch
- Classy, versatile aesthetic
Cons:
- Leather can scratch when exposed to abrasive surfaces
Our verdict:
If you love the look of a continental wallet (or clutch) but can’t be bothered to endure the pain of a snagging wrap around zip, this high-end accessory is exactly what you need.
Characterized by a horizontal silhouette and zip-around design, continental wallets are a ubiquitous women’s purse choice. However, some of us tend to steer clear from the popular accessory for one reason in particular; we find that wrap-around zips are usually a pain to open and close.
That being said, we love the aesthetic of a continental wallet and were determined to find one with a super smooth zip that doesn’t snag, break, or take forever to unzip.
The pool was small but after much unzipping we found our clear winner—the continental wallet by Mansur Gavriel.
The black leather silhouette is simple and quintessentially continental. And the brand’s signature red (or Flamma, as they call it) interior secretly turns up the heat, adding a necessary spark to our designer work totes.
Like all things Mansur Gavriel, the perfectly proportioned wallet is also highly functional and beautifully crafted, with slips and pouches for your cards, cash, coins—and even a checkbook if that’s still your payment style.
Best for: Women who can’t relax unless they’ve got half their worldly possessions in tow.
Saint Laurent Cassandra: Best chain wallet for women
| Material: | Matelassé textured-leather |
| Closure: | Snap |
| Coin pocket: | Yes |
| RFID-Blocking: | No |
| Colors: | Black, White and Gold |
Pros:
- Multiple carry options
- Grained leather is scratch resistant
- Fits a phone
- Elegant and sophisticated
Cons:
- More expensive option in our list
- Too big to fit into smaller totes
Our verdict:
While this purse is more expensive than most of our other luxury brands, we’re paying for more than just a wallet. The YSL chain clutch is basically a bag and wallet in one.
This trendy wallet for ladies may not be the bag we reach for every day, but when we do, we know that there’s going to be heels, champagne, and probably rooftops involved.
Although the question remains: is it worth the undeniably high price tag?
Well firstly, we can’t really call it a wallet. The adjustable, detachable chain and spacious interior (big enough for a phone and the quintessential makeup touch-ups) make it more of a crossbody with multiple carrying options—and perhaps even one of the best YSL bags to invest in.
The chain is also a really good weight. It’s strong and robust but not too heavy that it digs into your shoulders. But the real selling point is the bag’s versatile sophistication.
The envelope-style wallet is made from calf leather with matelassé stitching to create a luxurious quilted effect. The YSL logo is emblazoned across the front in gold metal for high-impact name recognition, although the black and gold combination is discreet enough that you won’t draw unwanted attention.
Best for: Seamlessly transitioning from day to evening.
M.Gemi The Francesca: Best wristlet wallet
| Material: | Italian tumbled calf leather |
| Closure: | Strap |
| Coin pocket: | No |
| RFID-Blocking: | No |
| Colors: | Black, Blue, Coral, Ecru |
Pros:
- Petite size
- Hands-free wristlet strap
- Soft, sustainable leather
- Simple and versatile
Cons:
- Loop closure is a little more finicky to open and close
Our verdict:
So often we just need a petite wristlet to hold our lipstick and a couple of cards while we embrace canapes hands-free. If you can relate, we’re pretty sure you’ll enjoy the M.Gemi Francesca as much as we do.
Calling all Italophiles. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: M.Gemi knows about Italian craftsmanship and this women’s leather wallet is another case in point.
Handcrafted in the Abruzzo region of Italy from excess leather that would otherwise be tossed into landfills, The Franscesca wallet is not only sustainably stylish but also incredibly functional.
At first, we thought that the petite clutch might be too small. But after adding it to our arsenal, we realized that we actually liked the smaller size and reached for it more often than we did our larger wallets. The compact silhouette has slots for two cards—which is all we really carry these days—while the main compartment has space for a lipstick and other tiny trinkets.
However, the thing that really distinguishes this M.Gemi wallet is that while it fits into any tote, it also has a wristlet strap for all those occasions where you need to go hands-free (perhaps the prosecco is calling your name) but don’t want to carry a crossbody.
Best for: Effortless Italian flair.
Senreve Elevee: Best phone wallet for women
| Material: | Italian leather |
| Closure: | Snap |
| Coin pocket: | No |
| RFID-Blocking: | No |
| Colors: | Beige, Black and Blue |
Pros:
- Transparent phone slip
- Thoughtfully designed
- Light and comfortable to carry
- Surprisingly affordable for Senreve
Cons:
- No space for lipstick or not-flat items
Our verdict:
The Senreve Élevée Phone Crossbody has all we need and matches every outfit, making it the perfect day to night accessory.
We always appreciate a luxury brand that continues to innovate alongside the ever-evolving lifestyle of the modern woman. And that’s exactly what Senreve has done with the Elevee crossbody.
The thoughtful design has its twenty-first-century priorities straight. The designated cell phone slip is easily accessible from the back and made from transparent materials so that we don’t have to interrupt our outing to know who that text is from. The sleek silhouette has space for two cards—perfect for digital-card adopters. And the slender side pouch is great for stashing cash, notes or receipts.
When it comes to style, the Senreve Elevee is equally impressive. The versatile leather design complements any ensemble, but it’s still unquestionably high-end and sophisticated. Plus, we were surprised at how “affordable” this crossbody is, considering the label’s affluent reputation.
Best for: Calling the shots.
Bellroy Folio: Best RFID wallet for women
| Material: | Sustainable leather |
| Closure: | Zipper |
| Coin pocket: | Yes |
| RFID-Blocking: | Yes |
| Colors: | Black, Navy, Brown + More |
Pros:
- RFID blocking technology protects against digital scammers
- Magnetic coin pouch maximizes space
- Wrap around zip is smooth and robust
- Backed by 3-year warranty
Cons:
- Unisex design isn’t the most elegant
- Little room for lipsticks and other trinkets
Our verdict:
A smart and sophisticated money holder that’s also secure and safe, the Bellroy Folio gets the job done with maximum protection.
While traveling or commuting, we prefer not to have to remain vigilant against digital scammers, which is why we use the Bellroy Folio. As one of the best wallets for men and women, the unisex design may not be the most elegant, but it really does put our minds at ease, especially when exploring a new city.
Don’t get us wrong, the sleek design isn’t horrible, it’s just not the main thing about this high-performance wallet. Featuring RFID-blocking technology, the protective accessory shields your cards from skimmers trying to capture your personal information, which proves to be especially helpful if you plan to use all 14 card holders.
If you’re yet to adopt digital cards and spend a lot of time on the streets, we highly recommend the Bellroy Folio as the best women’s wallet for credit cards. It also comes in a range of colors and is made from environmentally certified leather—just in case you weren’t sold yet.
Best for: A smart and sophisticated money holder that’s also secure and safe.
Louis Vuitton Zippy Wallet: Best zip-around wallet for women
| Material: | Leather |
| Closure: | Zipper |
| Coin pocket: | Yes |
| RFID-Blocking: | No |
| Colors: | White & Black |
Pros:
- LV purses usually hold their value
- Zip is smooth and sturdy
- Timeless design is reminiscent of LV trunks
- Highly fashionable and functional
Cons:
- You also pay for the branding
Our verdict:
A luxury wallet that’ll last forever (and even become a family heirloom), you can’t go wrong with Louis Vuitton. Your kids will thank you.
As we’ve said before, a zip-around wallet that doesn’t snag or catch is a highly underrated accessory. Although, let’s be honest, you’re not eyeing Louis Vuitton bags and purses for the high-quality zippers. As one of the most popular luxury brands, Louis Vuitton’s unmatched appeal lies in the timelessness of the brand and the fact that it holds its value.
All this is true of the Louis Vuitton Zippy Wallet.
While it may cost quite a bit more than your average luxury purse, the monogrammed embroidered leather will never go out of fashion. And if you play your cards right, might even increase in value over time.
But more exciting than the iconic wallet’s resale value, is its unlimited usability. Earning a special place in our daily totes (and hearts), the luxury wallet for women has the uncanny ability to take the pain out of paying for something (which, yes we agree, may not always be a good thing, but it does make shopping more fun.)
Best for: Giving your favorite designer handbag a run for its money.
Beis The Travel: Best travel wallet for women
| Material: | Vegan leather |
| Closure: | Zipper |
| Coin pocket: | Yes |
| RFID-Blocking: | No |
| Colors: | Black, Beige + Pink |
Pros:
- Designated slips for a passport, ID and driver’s license
- Removable wristlet and shoulder strap
- Includes a pen and pen loop
Cons:
- Zippers aren’t the strongest
Our verdict:
Featuring passport slips and a pen loop, this organized accessory is our best wallet for travel and also our best women’s wallet under $50.
When we first saw the Beige Travel Wallet online, we loved the look but thought it would be a little too small to function well as a travel wallet. However, when it arrived, we were pleasantly surprised at how much it could fit inside. In fact, if it were any bigger, it may even veer towards being unnecessarily bulky—especially when packing space is precious.
Beis is always incredibly thoughtful when it comes to design and details. And this wallet reflects that. The interior is organized with four card slots and two cash slots, but the standout travel features are the inclusion of passport and ID holders as well as a pen holder (for filling out all those forms at customs.)
We also really love that the versatile wallet comes with a removable wristlet and crossbody strap. While traveling, we almost always sling it over our shoulder for a hands-free approach, but the wristlet is useful when we don’t want to wear the Beis wallet as a bag.
Best for: A wanderlusting wallet that is wallet-conscious.
Behno Frida: Best slim wallet for women
| Material: | Leather |
| Closure: | Zipper |
| Coin pocket: | Yes |
| RFID-Blocking: | No |
| Colors: | Black, Green, Orange + More |
Pros:
- Small enough to slip into a pocket
- Ethically handcrafted
- Arrives in a gift ready box
- Sleek, stylish and versatile
Cons:
- Not for those averse to light packing
- Quite costly for its size
Our verdict:
We carry less and less in our wallets, making chunky designs inconvenient and redundant. And making this compact purse our new pocket-sized companion.
If your bag of choice tends to be on the micro side, you’re probably on the hunt for small wallets for women that can fit into your everyday carry no problem. Or maybe you prefer to go bag-less, slipping your purse into your jean pocket. Either way, we recommend a slim and compact wallet like this one from Behno.
Handcrafted from smooth and supple Italian Nappa leather, this zip-around wallet features just three interior compartments. It’s not a lot, but if you’re just popping in one or two cards, a couple of bills and a spare lipstick, it’s all you need.
We also love that Behno is redefining fashion from a more ethical and sustainable standpoint, pioneering a new standard for manufacturing—one that looks after its workers, advances women’s rights, and promotes eco-consciousness.
Just one more reason why we feel proud to whip out the stylish Behno Frida wherever we need to pay.
Best for: Sustainable style.
Buyer’s guide to finding the right wallet for you
Here’s what to consider before purchasing yet another new wallet that doesn’t quite fit the bill.
Size and capacity
If you’re embracing the digital age with digital cards and vouchers, you likely only have one or two cards (if that) on you at one time. In which case, you’d be better off with a compact purse that slips into your minimalist lifestyle.
However, if you still like to stash emergency cash (on the off chance that your card embarrassingly declines) and you prefer to keep physical cards that you can actually see, a spacious, compartmentalized option is essential.
That being said, some wallets are more than just money holders. If you’re forever slipping in a spare lipstick, keys or return receipt, you’ll want an accessory that makes room for exactly what you need.
Style
While we’ll always love a black or tan leather classic, wallets can also be the perfect opportunity to explore pops of color without fully committing to the cause. We usually like to keep more than one in our arsenal—a timeless classic and a fun one for the long days that require a bit of brightening up.
- Bifold – these popular wallets fold in half and feature card slots, a section for bills, and often a section for coins too.
- Trifold – trifold wallets have three sections and two folds. When folded, they are the same size as a bifold but often a bit bulkier.
- Accordion – some wallets fold out like an accordion after you release the fastener with multiple compartments for cards, cash, and coins.
- Cardholder or card case – if you don’t typically use coins or cash, then you might find that a cardholder is all that’s necessary to store your credit cards and ID. These are incredibly slim, perfect for slipping into a trouser or jacket pocket. Some have pouches for emergency bills too.
- Coin purse – store all your loose coins in one place with a coin purse, keeping them separate from the rest of your essentials so they don’t weigh your wallet down.
- Wristlet – these wallets feature a strap that goes around your wrist and are perfect for nights out when you don’t want to take a bag but don’t want to risk dropping or losing your wallet either.
- Clutch-wallet – these are bigger than your average wallet and function as a small bag as well as a purse. Sometimes they have cross-body straps as well as a space to keep your phone.
Materials
We almost always opt for a wallet that is made from high-quality leather (bonus points if it’s also Italian.) Not only is a premium leather wallet sophisticated and timeless, but it should also be durable. To ensure the purse is up for the hard yards, test whether the leather scratches or stains and whether it’s easy to wipe down.
We’re aware that leather isn’t vegan-friendly, in which case there are a few vegan leather options that inspire the same sophistication and durability, but are made from plant-based materials instead.
Closure
The question is: snap or zip? This is usually a personal preference, but in both cases, the quality of the materials used will make a huge difference to your overall experience.
While we love the look of a zip wallet, nothing is more frustrating than a zipper that snags or catches. Before buying a zip wallet, we’d always recommend testing the zipper, although if you choose one of our best wallets for women, we’ve already done this for you.
Snap wallets are often a safer choice, however they can be bulkier than a zip wallet. And again, they need to be durable enough to be opened multiple times a day without breaking.
Compartments
Like Marie Kondo, we kind of consider ourselves storage nerds. And while we usually advocate for the more compartments the better, this isn’t always the case with wallets.
A wallet is already a smaller accessory, so if you try to add too many compartments, you can end up with very little room. In general, we don’t think that you need more than eight card holders, a sleeve for notes and a zipped coin (or lipstick pouch.)
However, if you plan to use your wallet as an all-in-one bag, you’ll likely want it to have space for other essentials such as a phone and makeup. It really all depends on what you intend to carry, so think about it before making your purchase.
Frequently asked questions about women’s wallets
The best brand of wallets for women is Cuyana. Cuyana wallets are thoughtfully designed and carefully made, offering lasting style at an accessible price. They promote slow fashion—fewer items, better made—with an emphasis on quality and simplicity. For a slightly more elevated style, we love Belgian brand KAAI‘s timeless essentials.
The best luxury wallet is Gucci’s continental wallet. Another high-end wallet for those happy to splurge is Saint Laurent’s wristlet, which has the advantage of a strap that goes around your wrist, so you’re less likely to lose it.
Celebrities often opt for designer wallets by brands such as Gucci, Saint Laurent, or Bottega Veneta. Jessica Alba and Meghan Markle are both known to be fans of Cuyana.