Like a phone or house keys, a wallet is something you carry almost every single day. The design should ultimately make your life easier, keeping everything from money to credit cards to receipts to I.D.s organized and simple to access on the go. Given how much use it gets, you’ll want a wallet that holds up well, doesn’t add unnecessary weight to your bag and steers clear of poor quality hardware (snaps, zippers) that prove useless or frustrating. The best wallets for women, after all, are the ones you hope to never part with—and with any luck, will never leave in a cab by accident.
For a personalized option, Mark And Graham’s wallets are among our top picks for women and come in a variety of sizes and shapes.
Mark and Graham
We researched multiple sizes, shapes and functionality, and found 10 of the best wallets for women that work for a variety of needs. Our key criteria included: Storage and ease of use (we looked for well-organized designs that can fit different amounts and types of money and cards); materials that are durable and easy to clean; versatility (wallets that can be used for travel, carried like a clutch or fit into a pocket); and smart details (such as interior key rings or extra slots for holding your phone).
For many, style matters, too—a wallet is an accessory that speaks to your fashion taste and, at the very least, should make you feel happy or serve as a thoughtful gift. Ahead, the Vetted research on the best women’s wallets (read our guide to men’s wallets here).
- Best Overall Wallet For Women: Cuyana Classic Zip Around Wallet
- Best Affordable Wallet For Women: Madewell The Leather Post Wallet
- Best Leather Wallet For Women: Mansur Gavriel Zip Continental Wallet
- Best Travel Wallet For Women: Bellroy Leather Zip Folio Wallet
- Best On-Trend Wallet For Women: Marc Jacobs The Glam Shot Compact Wallet
- Best Classic Wallet For Women: Prada Large Saffiano Leather Wallet
- Best Compact Wallet For Women: Mark And Graham Fillmore Vegan Leather Square Wallet
- Best Wristlet Wallet For Women: Kate Spade Spencer Card Case Wristlet
- Best Cardholder For Women: Saint Laurent Monogramme Quilted Textured-Leather Cardholder
- Best Wallet Bag For Women: Tory Burch Robinson Wallet On A Chain
Best Overall Wallet For Women
Cuyana: Minimalist Design You Can Monogram
Cuyana Classic Zip Around Wallet
Why it’s great: The zip-around shape has clean, minimalist lines and the interior keeps everything organized, with eight card slots, two bill slots and a center coin zip pocket. It’s made from leather that’s tanned responsibly and can be monogrammed (for an extra $15). Key criticism: Many of the limited-edition colors are sold out. Other options: This style comes in six core shades (all in stock) as well as a smaller size; there’s also cardholders and wristlets.
Best Affordable Wallet For Women
Madewell: Sleek Tab Closure With An Exterior Pocket
Madewell The Leather Post Wallet
Why it’s great: The basic design has a chic tab closure and plenty of slots for cards, receipts and bills. It’s made of semi vegetable-tanned leather and the exterior pocket zippers shut to securely hold coins. Key criticism: The soft leather can show scuffs—but this may not bother you, if you like broken-in leather. Other options: This style comes in black and a smaller, square size; or consider the coin purses, pouches, card cases and clutch wallets.
Best Leather Wallet For Women
Mansur Gavriel: Top Pick From A Cult-Favorite Leather Brand
Mansur Gavriel Zip Continental Wallet
Why it’s great: Mansur Gavriel is known for well-made leather goods (such as their bestselling totes). This wallet is ideal for those who need storage without the bulk. It has a zip pocket divider, eight card slots and two pockets for bills, a checkbook or passport. Key criticism: The color range is limited to black and red. Other options: Smaller zip cardholders, travel wallets and chain wallet-bags.
Best Travel Wallet For Women
Bellroy: Holds Money, Cards And Your Smartphone
Bellroy Leather Zip Folio Wallet
Why it’s great: It has 14 card slots, two flat bill sections and room to hold a smartphone with a zip design to keep everything secure. A three-year warranty protects against any wear and tear. Key criticism: The coin pocket has a magnetic closure, which is sturdy, but some prefer a zipper. Other options: This style comes in five colors and a mini version; there’s also cardholders, travel wallets sized for foreign currency and slim sleeve-wallets.
Best On-Trend Wallet For Women
Marc Jacobs: Fun But Also Functional
Marc Jacobs The Glam Shot Compact Wallet
Why it’s great: A new take on the popular (and often sold out) Marc Jacobs’s Glam Shot camera bags, this wallet features designer hardware on front and holds a decent amount inside, with 10 card slots, three slip pockets, a bill sleeve and interior zip coin pocket. The mid-size fits in your palm and can be slipped into evening bags. Key criticism: The logo hardware adds some weight to this wallet. Other options: This pick comes in three colors; other wallet styles include trifolds, wristlets and cardcases in fun colors and prints.
Best Classic Wallet For Women
Prada: The Pick That Never Goes Out Of Style
Prada Large Saffiano Leather Wallet
Why it’s great: Prada wallets are timeless and well constructed. This one is made from textured Saffiano leather, which has a cross-hatch finish, created with a special stamping machine, and is sealed with a wax treatment. The result is leather that’s scratch resistant, durable and easy to keep clean. It also comes in modern shades, from classic black to this fresh pink tone. Key criticism: It has a double snap closure that some might find cumbersome. The single-snap style might be more appealing in that case. Other options: It comes in seven colors; Or consider the has an extensive range of trifolds, bifolds and cardholders.
Best Compact Wallet For Women
Mark And Graham: Personalized And Petite
Mark And Graham Fillmore Vegan Leather Square Wallet
Why it’s great: Mark And Graham excels in personalized leather goods, including wallets you can monogram (and gift) with different fonts and shadow treatments. This pick is made from vegan leather and is compact but still holds the essentials. Key criticism: The coin pocket has a magnetic closure, so it’s best if you don’t carry a lot of change. Other options: It comes in three colors; or consider larger wallets, card and I.D. cases, zip pouches and money clips.
Best Wristlet Wallet For Women
Kate Spade: Carry Solo Or Toss In A Larger Bag
Kate Spade Spencer Card Case Wristlet
Why it’s great: Wristlets are good if you’re on the go and don’t want to be weighed down by a heavy wallet. Kate Spade works with high-quality Saffiano leather at an affordable price. This pick has handy features—a zip-top closure, interior key ring and exterior I.D. window—and comes in fun, non-boring colors. Key criticism: The pouch is small so you’ll have to fold bills in half to fit inside. If that’s an issue, a larger wristlet might be better for you. Other options: This pick comes in two colors; Kate Spade also offers large and compact wallets in vibrant colors and patterns, bifolds, crossbody wallets, coin purses and keychain wallets.
Best Cardholder For Women
Saint Laurent: Chic With Just Enough Storage
Saint Laurent Monogramme Quilted Textured-Leather Cardholder
Why it’s great: If you want a luxury option at an affordable price, card holders are an excellent choice. Saint Laurent’s often sell out and are crafted from quilted leather with a classic logo that’s tasteful and elegant. For a compact size, this pick holds a surprising amount: there’s four card slots along with a center pocket for folded bills, receipts or tickets. Key criticism: Inventory often runs low on this item. Other options: This cardholder comes in seven shades. Saint Laurent also has different leather finishes as well as mini envelope style cardholders.
Best Wallet Bag For Women
Tory Burch: Converts From A Wallet To A Clutch
Tory Burch Robinson Wallet on a Chain
Why it’s great: It’s hard to find a wallet bag that doesn’t sacrifice looks for comfort or storage. This one is big enough to hold the essentials—your phone, money, keys, lip balm—and has a chain and leather shoulder strap that can be removed to carry this as a clutch. Key criticism: The shade range is limited. Other options: This styles comes in two colors; Nordstrom also carries a robust selection of crossbody, clutch and chain wallets in different materials and sizes.
What To Consider When Buying A Wallet
- Capacity: To choose a wallet, consider how many items you normally carry. Based on your needs, you can decide between different styles. Continental wallets are rectangular and elongated, very spacious and can fit several cards. Fold wallets, on the other hand, are much more compact. A coin clutch can function like a small purse for some cash and perhaps one or two cards—it’s ideal if you pack light.
- Materials: “When I buy a wallet, I always think, ‘Is this made out of a material that will last?’” says Lupe Puerta, founder of The Floorr and former head of personal shopping and client relationships for Net-A-Porter. Leather is the most traditional because of its resilience to scratches and other impacts, and as Puerta acknowledges, it often looks even better over time, whether you choose a pebbled or smooth finish. “I love when a leather accessory ages a little bit,” she says. Leather alternatives are gaining in popularity as well. “In the past few years, I’ve noticed an uptick in clients requesting other options to leather,” say New York-based wardrobe stylist Britt Layton. When considering vegan or vegetarian leathers, opt for those made from plant-based or recycled materials, which are durable and hold up well.
- Color: Ideally, you’ll carry your wallet with you every day. When choosing a color, take that factor into account. Neutrals and darker tones are more likely to endure trend cycles and personal-style changes. Designer accessories can be beautiful, but consider the message huge logos send into the world every time you take out your wallet. “In general, I try to steer people away from bright colors or big logos,” says Layton. Subtly understated and minimalist styles might the types that serve you best in the long run.
How Do You Know If A Wallet Is Good Quality?
A wallet’s materials will determine how long it lasts. If you’re opting for leather, look for details about the quality and sourcing. Good stitching and bounding also guarantee a longer product lifetime. Some brands offer warranties or repair services, which are especially recommended. And aside from that, consider the overall production process: “The meaning of quality has changed in mine—and many people’s—mind,” says Puerta. “Now I consider where the materials have been sourced, where the product has been made and how the people making it were treated.”
Should I Own More Than One Wallet?
For everyday, one wallet is usually all you need. However, there are occasions when an alternative wallet is helpful—for instance, when traveling. “Normally I use a cardholder or small wallet, something easy to carry, but when I go away I need—and love—a travel wallet,” says Puerta. “It’s much more convenient to carry your passport or different currencies.” Additionally, owning a clutch, wristlet or cell phone holder bag might be a good idea for occasions when you want to carry extra items such as a phone and keys without a big handbag.
What Is RFID-Blocking And Do I Need It?
RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) is a type of technology embedded in cards to transmit information, and the reason why you can, for instance, execute payments by tapping your credit card instead of swiping or inserting it. The practicality of this method diminishes if someone without the best of intentions is able to scan your card and extract your data. RFID-blocking wallets aim to protect your data with a material that distorts radio transmission. Whether you need it or not comes down to the level of risk you want to assume and the conveniences you prefer in your lifestyle. If you opt for keeping your wallet closed when tapping to pay, perhaps you don’t need an extra layer of security, but if you’re traveling with cards that have sensitive information, it could be an option to consider.