Wallet
A wallet, or billfold, is a small, flat case used to carry personal items such as cash, credit cards, identification documents (driver's license, identification card, club card, etc), photographs, and other paper or laminated cards. Wallets are generally made of leather or fabrics, and they are usually pocket-sized and foldable.
[edit] Varieties
Wallets are usually designed to hold banknotes and credit cards and fit into a pocket (or handbag). Small cases for securing banknotes which do not have space for credit cards or identification cards may be classified as money clips.
- Breast wallet (also called a "secretary wallet" or "passage wallet"[1]): a wallet in which the banknotes are not folded. They are intended for men's breast pocket in a jacket, or for a handbag. They are too large for storage in a pant (trouser) pocket.
- Bi-fold wallet: a type of wallet in which the banknotes are folded over once. This has become the "standard" wallet[citation needed]. Credit cards and identification cards may be stored horizontally or vertically.
- Tri-fold wallet: a wallet with three folds, in which credit cards are generally stored vertically.
- Front pocket wallet (or money clip): a case with no currency compartment and very few pockets for cards. Usually banknotes are folded and held to the wallet with a metal clip.
- Chain wallet a wallet secured to the pants by a chain. It was first popularized by bikers who wanted to keep from losing their wallet while riding a motorcycle. Its popularity had a resurgence in 1970s-80s Punk fashion and in the early 1990s with the grunge fashion movement as well as Heavy metal fashion.
- Wallet band a type of wallet that uses a continuous elastic band, made of fabric or rubber, to secure cards and/or cash. Wallet bands have become increasingly more popular as a way to reduce the bulk of a traditional wallet.
- Wrist wallet: a type of wallet that can be secured to the wrist, to keep one's hands free.
- I.D. holder: Thin nylon or leather cases with plastic see-through compartments designed to hold an I.D. card. Usually worn around the neck, many have extra pockets for holding small items, hence they also function as wallets.
- Jimi : minimalist wallet constructed of hard plastic.
- Shoewallet : a small pouch attached to a shoe to be used as a wallet designed primarily for people exercising
Some wallets, particularly in Europe where larger coins are prevalent, contain a coin purse compartment. Some wallets have built-in clasps or bands to keep them closed. As European banknotes, such as Euros and Pounds, are typically larger than American banknotes in size, they don't fit in some smaller American wallets.
[edit] Wallets from designers and retailers
Most major designers offer seasonal and perennial wallet collections of black and brown leather wallets. Major retailers also sells a wide selection of men's wallets, including branded and house-name wallets.