These Men's Card Holders Will Keep Your Life in Order
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These Men's Card Holders Will Keep Your Life in Order
It's 2o22, 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.
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 2022? 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 Arket 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 12 best men’s card holders to buy in 2022, starting from as little as £25.
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1) Gucci
Gucci card holders are some of the most searched for leather goods out there (wallet loyalists, we repeat, this is not a niche accessory). It's because they're classic, but Alessandro Michele is too creative to rest on his laurels even in this department. Take this one as an example: it's simple in construction, but Seventies-retro with its tessellated logo canvas, tan leather trim and archival Marmont stamp.
£175; mytheresa.com
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2) Aspinal
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.
£65; aspinaloflondon.com
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3) Acne Studios
For when you want something streamlined but secure, a card holder wallet is the way to go. Part of Selfridges' ethical Project Earth edit, Acne Studios' flap design is made from glossed leather and features four internal card slots. Choose between black, camel, green and this grey shade.
£140; selfridges.com
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5) Jacquemus
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 four years later.
£190; selfridges.com
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6) Celine Homme
For those who are clinging to their coins with nostalgic abandon, the card holder zip is a non-negotiable. Celine Homme's two-tone leather style is also fitted with external card slots for easy access, and stamped with the brand's new logos should you want to flex a little.
£285; mrporter.com
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7) Loewe
Loewe's cult Puzzle bag is here in card holder form. Made from apple-green leather, it's fitted with asymmetric slots (naturally) and embossed with the brand's Anagram logo.
£225; mrporter.com
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8) Brunello Cucinelli
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.
£260; mrporter.com
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9) Thom Browne
For pre-fall '22, Thom Browne's menswear presentation saw mascara and lipstick-painted models clutching glossy bucket bags. If you can appreciate the brand's fine craftsmanship, but you're not ready to go full-on androgynous, invest in a cardholder instead. This pebble-grain calf-leather style is logo-stamped with gold lettering and features a tricolor-striped grosgrain tab.
£180; mytheresa.com
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10) Polo Ralph Lauren
This Polo Ralph Lauren card holder is pleasingly preppy – but in a playful, conversation-starting way. Made from tan leather, it's printed with the brand's iconic bear motif (and this time he's wearing everything from varsity bombers and blazers to a parka) and embossed with the brand's OG Seventies logo.
£85; endclothing.com
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11) Octobre Editions
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 leather panelled with suede to create a cool, textural look. Choose between this tonal green colourway or power-blue and camel.
£50; octobre-editions.com
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