2
Stick to the basics
Even for those who actually need to carry a handful of cards each day (debit, credit, key card, business cards, etc), is a coin pouch really necessary? No, because we're not European and candy bars cost a dollar these days. Your jeans have a 5th pocket for those things anyway.
3
Spring for quality
Leather is like any other natural material—it can be sourced and processed a number of different ways, ranging from the exquisite down to absolute shit. So, it's very important to consider where the leather comes from and how it was tanned. I wouldn't build a home from rotten timber logged from an unhealthy forest, and I definitely wouldn't purchase a wallet constructed from cheap, flimsy commodity leather. If you're spending good money on something, you should want to make sure it lasts.
4
Keep it classic
When it comes to leather finishes, I prefer lighter tones of English bridle or natural tooling leather. Part of the beauty of leather is the ability to take on character over time, and nothing shows a beautiful patina like natural leather over the years.
5
Find a match
Choosing the right wallet should go beyond simply deciding which looks the coolest. Consider your daily life; if you wear jeans most days, then go for a light leather and let it soak up some denim coloring and sweat in the pursuit of a well-earned patina. If you wear suits, try a traditional dark finish for a more sophisticated style. And if you're a cattle rancher, then go with a cordovan leather wallet so you can sit on a horse even when you're driving your truck.
6
Scale down for summer
You wouldn't wear the same boots in mid-winter as you would in the heart of summer, so consider scaling down your billfold for the season too. A slimmer wallet will save your shorts from sagging when there are no alternative coat pockets and improve your posture too—hours of sitting on a Costanza wallet can really screw up your spine alignment in the long run. Dot it, for your health.
COURTESY OF TANNER GOODS