In an era increasingly dominated by digital payments, there’s still something to be said for the old-world allure of an exquisitely crafted leather wallet. It just doesn’t need to be quite the same size as its cash-carrying predecessors.
Satisfying the traditional appeal of the timeless accessory while meeting the demands of the technology-run times, the Vaultskin Mayfair wallet is a blend of contemporary functionality and sleek minimalism.
One of the biggest problems posed by digitalization and contactless payments is virtual theft and scamming—a problem that if not solved would have us all going back to tap-less cards. Fortunately, Vaultskin wallets offer an innovative solution with its RFID blocking technology, designed to protect PIN-less cards and documentation from digital scammers.
As one of our best wallets for men and women, here’s everything you need to know about the stealthy accessory.
Ready? Let’s get into my review of the Vaultskin Mayfair zip wallet.
| Dimensions | 105 x 79 x 13 mm, 4.13 x 3.11 x 0.51 inches |
| Weight | 80 grams, 0.154 ounces |
| Zipper | Yes |
| Coins section | Yes |
| RFID protection | Yes |
| Material | Italian leather |
Pros:
- Affordably priced for the quality
- Compact yet capacious design
- Super secure
- Hidden exterior pocket with self-retracting pull strap
- Side gussets prevent coins from falling out
Cons:
- No vegan option available
Our verdict:
Slim, sleek, and secure, the Mayfair is the tech-savvy wallet for the modern minimalist. The structure and organization of the compact wallet is what really differentiates the Mayfair from its sister wallet—The Notting Hill. It also means that the sleek, RFID-protected wallet is perfect for those who require more room without adding too much bulk.
Why you can trust Luxe Digital
We put our money where our mouth is (quite literally) and got our hands on the Mayfair wallet, personally assessing every detail from the inside out. We paid special attention to common points of failure, such as the zip, pull strap, and stitching, to see how the wallet holds up over time.
For more on how we test luxury products and brands, see our HAPPY philosophy for buying luxuries.
Photo: © Luxe Digital
Vaultskin Mayfair Review: Going hands-on
I’ve used the Vaultskin Mayfair for two weeks now, and my initial impressions remain unchanged.
If you want a small and compact zipper wallet with smart features to keep your credit card, bank notes, and coins neatly organized, this is a great option. The fact that it’s made with premium Italian leather and still costs less than $100 is just the cherry on top.
You can purchase the wallet directly from Vaultskin’s official website. Continue reading if you want more details.
Next, we’ll explore the following aspects of the wallet:
Unboxing: The premium experience begins
Like all Vaultskin wallets, the unboxing of the Mayfair is a premium experience—yes, despite its surprisingly low price tag. The elegant black box comes wrapped in a branded white sleeve, an extra touch that speaks to the brand’s meticulous attention to detail. When you open the box, you’ll find the wallet enveloped in branded tissue paper.
Photo: © Luxe Digital
Too luxurious to tear, we couldn’t help but carefully slide the wallet out of the paper, only to be met with a fresh waft of high-quality leather.
The whole unboxing experience feels like you’re receiving a thoughtfully chosen gift. Even if it’s just from you to you.
Materials & craftsmanship: Soft Italian leather
The use of premium, full-grain Italian leather is central to the Vaultskin Mayfair. Chosen for its authentic texture and the elegant way it ages, this responsibly sourced leather adds a luxurious and refined touch to the wallet. The high-quality natural material is also renowned for its durability, encapsulating the brand’s approach to long-lasting products.
Photo: © Luxe Digital
This approach to luxury is further emphasized in every tiny detail. From meticulous stitching to YKK zippers and reinforced pull tags, the Vaultskin Mayfair is extraordinarily hard-wearing, especially considering its very accessible price point.
Aesthetic & design: Simple and functional
The Mayfair may be high-tech with many innovative features, but when it comes to aesthetics and design, it’s relatively paired back and minimalistic. Although it can hold up to ten cards, you would never know by looking at it. The leather silhouette is sleek and pocket-sized, featuring a subtle logo embedded onto the front, expandable compartments, exterior slips and a zipper that runs smoothly all the way around.
Photo: © Luxe Digital
Functionality: More than meet the eye
They say dynamite comes in small packages, and the Mayfair is case in point. While the sleek accessory may seem simple at first glance, it comes with many stealthy features and functionalities.
The first surprise for us was the hidden exterior slip on the outside of the wallet. And while, we hadn’t given it too much thought before, after utilizing the convenient sleeve, we don’t know what we would do without it. The rectractable pull tag means that your most commonly-used card is super accessible at all times—no zipping or searching required.
Photo: © Luxe Digital
The Mayfair also has another exterior pocket, making your essential card accessible on the go. And the expandable interior has plenty of compartments, perfect for cards, bills and coins.
What fits inside? Plenty.
The Mayfair is surprisingly spacious for a wallet of its size. We managed to fit in ten cards, five folded dollar bills and about eight coins, without it looking overpacked and bulky.
Photo: © Luxe Digital
Security: RFID all the way 🔒
With the convenience of contactless payments comes the added risk of digital theft—a serious problem innovatively solved by Vaultskin’s military-grade RFID-blocking technology. The electromagnetic jamming technology is designed to detect and block RFID readers, protecting carriers from digital scammers and identity theft.
Unlike other RFID readers, the brand’s patented technology responds to signals a hundred times smaller than those used by scammers. It also automatically adjusts its blocking signal according to how powerful the identified device is. The more powerful the reader, the stronger the blocking signal emitted.
Photo: © Luxe Digital
Colors: The perfect combination
The Vaultskin Mayfair is available in three colors—all black, dark brown and cognac. All three colors are timeless, sophisticated and versatile.
Photo: © Luxe Digital
Price: Luxury without breaking the bank
The Mayfair is the best quality wallet we’ve come across for its price point. If you are looking for the best compact leather wallet under $100, this Vaultskin wallet fits the bill.
Care & maintenance: Easy peasy
Made from full-grain Italian leather, the Mayfair ages beautifully naturally, with minimal maintenance required. However, if you would like your wallet to look new for life, we recommend avoiding excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. To clean, simply wipe with a soft, dry cloth. And for spills or stains, use a mild leather cleaner sparingly.
Photo: © Luxe Digital
Who is it best for?
The unisex wallet is ideal for individuals valuing a blend of style, security, and efficiency. Its compact, sleek design suits modern minimalists with an eye for elegance. The RFID protection appeals to security-conscious users. While the quality craftsmanship makes it a great choice for discerning individuals who appreciate durability and luxury.
In short: the Mayfair is best for anyone (and we don’t usually say that) who is looking for a sleek wallet under $100.
In conclusion: The best compact leather wallet under $100
Verdict:
Slim, sleek, and secure, the Mayfair is the tech-savvy wallet for the modern minimalist.
The structure and organization of the compact wallet is what really differentiates the Mayfair from its sister wallet—The Notting Hill. It also means that the sleek, RFID-protected wallet is perfect for those who require more room without adding too much bulk.
What I like:
- Affordably priced for the quality
- Compact yet capacious design
- Super secure
- Hidden exterior pocket with self-retracting pull strap
- Side gussets prevent coins from falling out
What I don’t like:
- No vegan option available
Alternatives to the Vaultskin Mayfair
Bellroy Folio Mini
Sleek and compact with built-in RFID blocking technology, the Bellroy Folio Mini is a great alternative to the Vaultskin Mayfair. It offers a similar level of craftsmanship and quality, made with environmentally certified leather. The Folio Mini is also ultra organized with various compartments and sleeves, however it doesn’t have exterior pockets like the Mayfair. It is also more expensive, although still considered affordable.
Cuyana Duo Small Zip Wallet
Although the Cuyana Duo Small Zip Wallet doesn’t have RFID blocking technology, it is still a great alternative to the Mayfair, especially when paired with Vaultskin’s Vaultcard. Like the Mayfair, it is also sustainably made from high quality Italian leather and features a sleek, organized silhouette. It is, however, almost three times the price.
Where to buy Vaultskin wallets?
For the most comprehensive selection, latest designs and excellent customer service, we recommend purchasing Vaultskin products directly from the brand’s official website.
Vaultskin ships internationally, with a generous 30-day refund window, starting from the day you receive your item. Any orders over $49 are free within the United States.
Additionally, Vaultskin products are also available on Amazon.
Frequently asked questions about the Vaultskin Mayfair
Vaultskin was founded in London by Diana Mueller, Alex Mueller, and Thomas Kaprov. Their backgrounds in architecture and engineering inspired them to create the first Vaultskin phone case, as well as the brand’s high-tech RFID wallets and cardholders.
Vaultskin is based in London, United Kingdom. This location serves as the hub for their creative and international team. Check our hands-on Vaultskin Mayfair review to learn more about the brand.