It's time to ditch your bulky wallet
It's 2023, so we’re hoping everyone is well beyond thinking men's card holders are a fussy or frivolous purchase. As any stylish man will know, silhouette is everything – and an overstuffed wallet never did anyone’s any good. mobile lanyard
Hard as Silvia Venturini Fendi and Thom Browne might try, most men are still reluctant to carry a handbag, content instead to cram their pockets with various essentials. But even if you're strictly 'cashless' (like most overpriced coffee spots these days) or ruthless with receipts, bulky leather accessories will disrupt and weigh down even the most oversized of items. A streamlining, slimline card holder, however, will keep your clothes looking as intended – and encourage you to travel light, which is never a bad thing.
Naturally, there are plenty of styles to choose from these days. So, if you like the pleasing clink of coins in your pocket, or have a penchant for loyalty cards, you can opt for something zipped or a card holder wallet (a slimmer flap design). The more directional choice in 2023? The lanyard designs suspended from straps that are just beginning to bridge the gap between ‘accessory’ and ‘man bag’.
Of course, if you’re a staple wardrobe kinda guy a simple leather style is the way to go. Opt for sleek black, or shades of brown that’ll only get better with age; or spice things up with pop colours, prints or personalisation. Leather legends like Brunello Cucinelli and Gucci will be worth the investment, but high street heroes like Reiss always come through with quality basics on a budget. Of course, you could meet them half way by looking to Acne, Aspinal or Ralph Lauren.
Keep scrolling to see Esquire’s edit of the 10 best men’s card holders to buy now, starting from as little as £30.
We never didn't have a soft spot for Paul Smith's signature stripes, but the Noughties renaissance is making it altogether more relevant right now. Half calf- and half lambs leather, this playful rainbow cardholder flips to teal on the other side – and the brand offers complimentary monogramming.
Gucci card holders are some of the most searched for leather goods out there (wallet loyalists, we repeat, this is not a niche accessory). But label is too creative to rest on its laurels and let the entry-level revenue roll in. Take this card holder as an example: it's simple in construction, but Seventies-retro with its tessellated logo canvas, tan leather trim and archival Marmont stamp.
You can never go wrong with Mulberry when it comes to timeless leather goods. Made from pebblegrain leather, this cardholder is dyed in one of the British brand's iconic shades and embossed with its signature logo in silver. If oxblood isn't for you, choose from eight other colourways.
Reiss' card holder is one of those rare items that looks more expensive than it actually is. We're putting it down to the croc-effect embossing, chocolate leather and gold lettering.
If you're looking for decent leather goods on a budget, Aspinal is a no brainer. This pebble-grain leather card holder is just £65 and comes with free personalisation, which makes for excellent gifting (even if we do loathe to say that word). This one comes in a rainbow of colourways, so don't be boring and stick to neutrals – a pop of hazard-orange never hurt anybody. And looks especially great with navy, we hasten to add.
No one nails those simple but timeless leather goods like Tod's. This cardholder is made from buffed mahogany leather with a luxurious grain and finished with a gleaming gold T charm. The curved card slots are not only practical for day-t0-day use, they look pretty chic too.
A simple card holder for straightforward guys. Acne Studios' design comes with a cutout lip that not only looks cool, but ensures you can whip out your American Express promptly at all times. After all, traditional slot styles can prove tricky to grip in times of great pressure (like when the queue is mounting up behind you at the tube gate or coffee house).
Octobre Editions is proof that Parisians do it better. This affordable menswear brand makes leather goods look, well, expensive. Like this card holder, which is made from smooth tan hide fitted with six card slots and one handy bills pocket. It also comes in black if you prefer a sleeker look.
When Simone Porte Jacquemus showed his first menswear collection in Marseille back in 2018, he also debuted the lanyard card holder we're still not over five years later. Wear this logo-stamped accessory around your neck or cabina-clip it to your belt loop.
Loewe's cult Puzzle bag is here in card holder form, and instantly recognisable for its tonal patchwork leather. The zipped compartment will prove invaluable to those who are clinging to their coins with nostalgic abandon
Bennett Winch is a solid classic brand that makes solid classic leathers. That extends to its card holders, which do everything you need them to (like holding cards), but they're also built to last.
If you're looking for a leather card holder that stand the test of time, look to legendary Italian brands like Brunello Cucinelli. This six-slot design is spenny, yes, but the tan full-grain leather will only get better with age.
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