The mighty wallet has been around in some shape or form for centuries, starting off as the size of a backpack in the 14th century. By the 19th century it had decreased in size, but was often used for carrying around dried meat in addition to money! Luckily times have changed, with the modern version of ” The Wallet ” being used from around the early 1950’s, when credit cards were first introduced.

Times are still changing however, with the newest version of the wallet gaining popularity. ” The Card Holder ” it’s a smaller, more compact variation, holding much less in a world where we strive to simplify and streamline our lives. But the main question is which is better? The Wallet or the Card Holder? Below is some of the main differences i believe you will find in the two types of pocket buddies.

The Wallet

The most obvious difference is that a wallet can hold much more than a card holder. Which is a good thing in a world where we have a loyalty card for everything, we often need a little bit of spare change and need somewhere to store those receipts that we will never use!

Wallets often have concealed zips, perfect for storing all types of coins. A wallet is often a fashion statement in itself, as a carefully chosen gift or a well earned treat to yourself.

BURBERRY – Vintage Check And Leather International Bifold Coin Wallet

The appearance and texture of a good wallet is irreplaceable, made from leather, with a modern or vintage look that will make it the one accessory you use every single day of your life. The downside of a wallet is fairly obvious… and that is the size of course.

Compared to a card holder it is bulky, giving you an unflattering appearance and definitely not suited to the current skinny-jean culture. The wear and tear of a standard wallet is higher too. From being squeezed into a back pocket or thrown into a backpack or gym bag, the leather or fabric may crease over time and begin to look worn.

 

The Credit Card Holder

The slimmer, more versatile card holder is an increasingly popular item to have in your pocket. They are easier to access when reaching into your pocket, they won’t bulge under the pressure of loose change and they make us decide what is important in our everyday lives, rather than squeezing in everything that we think we may need.

The card holder may be smaller, but it is often made from the same materials a wallet is made out of. The reduced size means that the card holder is more durable and won’t lose its shape from being sat on or crumbled by the overloading backpack.

GUCCI – GG Marmont leather money clip

It will fit into your inside jacket pocket without weighing you down or bulging out and you will never waste time looking through it for what you need. The downside of the card holder? The same as the wallet, the size!

It may not be big enough to hold everything you need day to day, even if you don’t pay for things using coins, it is likely that you will receive some on a shopping trip when paying with notes. By the time you’ve factored in loyalty cards, driving licence and a photo of your better half, the card holder may begin to bulge under the pressure.

I use wallets depending on the event, the outfit and what I need to take with me. Usually when I travel I take my Card Holder as it’s safer and easier to store away. I use my Wallet when I head to the local shops, grocery shopping, mall, or even to pay the monthly bills. This happens rarely but it does and that may not the best excuse to buy one of each, but I highly suggest it.

I find using a card holder much more convenient and comfortable. Nowadays I mostly use my cards but of course I carry some cash on me. Sure thing is, you will never see me heading down the street with my wallet overflowing with cash.

On a final note I believe having both is the ideal situation, one for the day to day use and one for the “Just in case I need it” scenario. Let me know what you prefer using and what you think is the best day to day wallet best suited for you.

Instead of abusing, treat your wallet as a sacred vessel. Let it hold and protect your most frequently used items, but never give it more than it can handle.