The potential lifespan of a wallet is often overlooked when it comes to choosing a new wallet. Most people focus on the style, functionality, and carry capacity without considering how soon they will need to replace their wallet. If you're now asking, "how long do wallets last?", the most important factors to consider are the quality of materials and construction, but the way you treat your wallet will also determine how long your wallet will last. In this article we cover the best tips and tricks to keep your wallet lasting longer, what materials to look for when choosing a new wallet, and an overview of our longest lasting wallets currently on the market.
How Long Does a Wallet Last?
The lifespan of your wallet depends on several factors such as material, quality of construction, how you carry it, and how well you take care of it. But when it comes down to how long do wallets last, it can vary anywhere from 2-50 years. A genuine, high-quality leather wallet can last up to 10 years if you take good care of it, while a carbon fiber wallet can last practically forever. When choosing a wallet, weighing the options between which materials best suit your needs and how long that material will last should be taken into consideration.
Longest Lasting Wallets: Leather vs. Carbon Fiber
Leather wallets have a classic, old-world allure and are less likely to scratch other things held in your pocket while carbon fiber wallets are more durable but don’t suit everyone’s style. Below we compare two top-tier wallets, one leather and one carbon fiber, and answer your questions on how long a wallet of each material will generally last.
How Long Do Leather Wallets Last?
Leather wallets can easily last up to 10 years. Leather has been a go-to material for almost all of human history because of its durable qualities. Leather wallets are naturally water-resistant if well cared for, stay subtle over time, and can last up to 5 times longer than other materials. The secret to a long-lasting leather wallet is the quality of the leather it is made from. Naturally-dyed top-grain leathers last longer because they aren’t treated with harsh chemicals that cause the leather to dry out quicker. If you’re looking for a high-quality leather wallet, go for Ekster’s Parliament Leather Wallet. It’s made from sustainably sourced top-grain leather that will last up to 10 years.
How Long Does a Carbon Fiber Wallet Last?
Carbon fiber wallets can last a lifetime! Carbon fiber is a relatively new material that is known to be extremely durable but also lightweight. It has the highest tensile strength of any metal weave and is used for many applications such as high-performance sports equipment, luxury automobiles, and even aerospace engineering. If your biggest concern when choosing a new wallet is its longevity, then a carbon fiber wallet is your best bet. A high-quality carbon fiber wallet, like Ekster’s Carbon Fiber Cardholder, is made from 3K carbon fiber that is guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Longest Lasting Wallet: How to Take Care of Your Wallet
When it comes down to it the longest lasting wallet is the best cared for wallet. Even the highest-quality, most expensive wallet won’t last a long time if it doesn’t receive the proper love and care. Below find our top tips to help your wallet last longer.
Care Tips for Leather Wallets
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Invest in a good leather wax
- Keep your wallet clean
- Don’t over-stuff your wallet
- Avoid sitting on your wallet
Care Tips for Metal Wallets
- Clean your wallet regularly
- Avoid scratching your wallet
- Store your wallet properly
- Keep your wallet away from high temperatures
- Never sit on your wallet
Find the Longest Lasting Wallet
If you’re in the market for a new wallet, make sure to think long and hard about which wallet suits your needs and then go for the longest lasting wallet option to ensure it stays looking and working well for years to come. Below are our top 3 picks for the longest lasting wallets on the market in various materials.
The Parliament Wallet
The classic leather bifold did us good for many decades but it’s time to leave it in the past. This slim leather wallet is a modern remake of the classic bifold that offers that same allure of a top-grain leather bifold but with all the functionalities necessary for the 21st century. The pop-up card feature gives you access to your cards at the click of a button in an ultra-minimalist design that holds up to 12 cards while taking up less space in your pocket. Plus, RFID protection keeps your sensitive data secure and a bluetooth tracker means you’ll never lose your wallet again. With the proper care, the Parliament is one of the longest lasting wallets with a lifespan of 10 years.
The Senate Cardholder
This slim leather cardholder is an even more minimalist version of the best-selling Parliament Wallet for those looking to keep their pockets even slimmer. The Senate also comes with a pop-up card feature for effortless access to your cards, RFID protection to prevent wireless theft, and a dedicated pocket for a bluetooth wallet tracker so you never lose your wallet again. Carry 1-15 cards in this ultra-minimalist leather wallet with some room for cash under the elastic strap. This wallet is slim enough to fit in your front pocket so you never have to worry about sitting on it. The best part, this is one the longest lasting wallets available with a lifespan of up to 10 years.
Shop Longest Lasting Wallets Here
Don’t scrimp on your most important everyday accessory. Your wallet goes everywhere with you and is the most susceptible to wear and tear, so invest in a high-quality wallet you know will last a long time. Whether you choose a leather or metal wallet, make sure it’s made from the highest-quality materials and construction. And as always, the better care you take of your wallet the longer it will last.
