Wallet

A Wallet is a small, flat case used to carry personal items such as cash, credit cards and identification documents, such as a driver's license. Wallets are generally made of leather or fabrics, and they are usually pocket-sized and are foldable.

Varieties of Wallets

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")

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. 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.

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.