A designer wallet is a great way to introduce a luxury item into your closet. We’re huge advocates for investing in a quality piece that will last throughout any trend cycle, and any number of transactions. You can feel good about spending some cash on a designer wallet because it’s an item that’s going to see a lot of use.
Byrdie Researched & Approved
Our top pick is the YSL Small Grain de Poudre Envelope Wallet. We love its timeless design, sleek compactness, and decent price point.
After researching dozens of brands and hundreds of styles, we compiled a list of the best wallets for any style, function, and budget. We also consulted New York City-based stylist Marissa Pelly for her expertise on luxury items in our search for the best designer wallets, from cardholders to small crossbody bags.
Best Overall
YSL Small Grain de Poudre Envelope Wallet
Our favorite designer wallet is the Saint Laurent Small Grain de Poudre Envelope Wallet. The classic Saint Laurent envelope flap top is embossed with the iconic YSL logo and has a snap closure to secure its contents. The functional accessory also features four interior card slots, an open compartment, and a back pocket for extra storage. Slender enough to fit into a handbag or pocket, this sleek and compact wallet will match a variety of aesthetics.
Material: Calfskin Leather | Colors: Black, Dark Beige, Crema Soft | Price: $545
Best Value
Coach Slim Card Case
If you want a designer-level wallet for just a fraction of the price, consider Coach’s Slim Card Case. The minimalist composition gives off an understated style, however it boasts plenty of storage for your cards, cash, and coins with four card slots, a zip-open compartment, and inside pockets. Plus, the sophisticated wallet retails for less than $100 and comes in three classic colors.
Material: refined calf leather | Colors: Black, Red, Stone | Price: $95
Best Leather
Bottega Veneta Flap Wallet
Bottega Veneta is a brand that is known for its iconic leatherwork, and we especially love its large Flap Wallet. The oversized style features 12 card slots, a zippered coin compartment, and three additional sections to fit your daily essentials. With its signature Bottega Veneta woven fold, fits-anything size, and bright hues, this wallet can also serve as a showstopping clutch, working double duty to elevate any ensemble. The luxurious leather piece can be thrown in a bag alongside your other belongings or worn on its own as a must-have clutch.
Material: 100% lambskin | Colors: Assorted colors | Price: $1,000
Best Monogrammed
Gucci Jackie Wallet
Crafted from a Gucci emblem-covered canvas material, the Jackie Wallet is our favorite option for those who want to showcase their love for designer items. Not only does is monogrammed wallet lined with Gucci’s recognizable motifs, but it is also compact and functional for all of your money-holding needs. The double G-adorned piece features the iconic gold Jackie clasp, which fastens the bi-fold silhouette and contains five card slots, a zipper coin holder, and two flat pockets wide enough to store cash. The combination of the repeating logo, red and green threading, and Jackie hardware make this the ultimate wallet for the lover of all things designer.
Material: Canvas, Leather | Colors: Beige/Dark Brown | Price: $540
Best Zip
Mansur Gavriel Zip Continental Wallet
For extra safety and ample space to keep the contents of your wallet secure, we recommend a full-zip wallet. The Mansur Gavriel Zip Continental Wallet is a simple yet chic option and comes in four luxe colorways. The roomy style also features eight card slots, a zip pocket, and two open sections for any other necessities. Plus, the large continental style of this wallet allows it to also double as a clutch for any occasion.
Material: Italian Calf Leather | Colors: Sand, Grass, Silver, Black | Price: $345
Best Sustainable
Stella McCartney Falabella Continental Wallet
For a piece that doesn’t sacrifice style for sustainability, we love Stella McCartney’s Falabella Continental Wallet. The accessory is crafted from 100% recycled polyester and features the brand’s signature chain trimming. If you’re looking for plenty of space for all your cards and bills, this wallet boasts eight slots, a dividing coin pouch, and two large interior pockets.
Material: 100% Recycled polyester| Colors: Black, Light Grey, Magnolia, Amethyst | Price: $490
Best Folding
Burberry Vintage Check and Leather Small Folding Wallet
Burberry’s Vintage Check and Leather Small Folding Wallet comes in the brand’s quintessential beige and red plaid pattern. Additionally, the sophisticated stitching, hand-painted edges, and gold hardware make this wallet an incredible designer piece. This pick is as equally chic as it is practical, with a trifold interior that strategically houses numerous pockets, card slots, and pouches while remaining ultra compact. You can even opt for complementary customization for a personalized touch.
Material: Calf Leather | Colors: Black, Tan | Price: $450
Best Timeless
Prada Saffiano French Wallet
If you’re going to splurge on a designer wallet, we want to make sure the style will last for years to come which is why we love the Prada Small Saffiano Button Bifold. In addition to Prada’s historic and modern popularity, the goes-with-anything black and gold colorway makes this the ultimate capsule piece. This wallet is also ideal for its many compartments and snap closure to keep everything contained.
Material: Saffiano leather | Colors: Assorted colors | Price: $750
Best Card Holder
Loewe Repeat Anagram Zip Card Holder
For the credit card frequenter who wants to keep everything as compact as possible, we suggest Loewe’s Repeat Anagram Zip Card Holder. This card holder is designed with four exterior slots and a zip-around pocket for easy and elevated accessibility. We also love its continuous embossed logo for a subtle designer touch.
Material: Calf Leather, Cotton, and Faux Leather | Colors: Tan, Green| Price: $385
Best Versatile
Ralph Lauren Calfskin Welington Crossbody Wallet
The Ralph Lauren Calfskin Welington Crossbody Wallet is the perfect versatile option to suit any on-the-go look. Not only does this piece function as a wallet, but it also serves as a crossbody bag or a clutch. This innovative accessory features a sleek gold stirrup buckle, interior zipper and open pockets, six card slots, and a removable leather strap for a functional style. This multipurpose leather good is ideal for styling any type of outfit, whether it’s a casual errand run or an elegant night out.
Material: Calfskin, Suede | Colors: Red, Brown, Bordeaux| Price: $1,250-1,300
Meet the Expert
Marissa Pelly is a New York City-based stylist and fashion consultant who has worked with celebrities such as Nicky Hilton and Bailey Bryan. Because of her work spanning artistic editorials and glamorous red carpets, Pelly knows her way around designer goods, especially wallets.
What to Look for When Buying Designer Wallets
Size
When choosing a designer wallet, it is important to decide what size you’re looking for. If you tend to carry more cash and change, you may want to opt for a larger wallet like the Mansur Gavriel Zip Continental Wallet. “If you are one to carry cash and are always on the go, I'd suggest a zip-around wallet with safe closure,” says Pelly. Whereas those who solely carry a few credit cards may want “a compact card holder or smaller wallet that fits perfectly in a bag,” like the Loewe Repeat Anagram Zip Card Holder.
Function
When shopping for a designer wallet “I would definitely also consider how you will style it and use it,” adds Pelly. “Like any accessory, have fun with it,” Pelly explains that “a wallet is often overlooked as a key piece, but the right one can easily double as a clutch to elevate your look.” Any designer wallet is a great investment piece that can be utilized daily for carrying essentials or adding a finishing touch to any outfit.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Mallori Albright has six years of experience writing fashion and beauty content. She’s always spotting the latest and most popular trends while strolling around New York City. You can check out more of Mallori’s work at Marie Claire and NYLON Magazine.
Jasmine Hyman is a commerce producer for Dotdash Meredith’s beauty and travel publications. She graduated from Columbia University’s Journalism School in May of 2022 with an MS in Journalism and writes for publications including InStyle, People, Byrdie, and more.