#DLshop: Where to buy a men’s wallet

We see you out there with your embarrassing bulges, and we are judging. When your wallet is so overweight with receipts and random loyalty cards (and maybe an unpaid parking ticket or two) that it takes force to fold and jam it into your back pocket, it’s time. When the seams have split in more than one spot and the leather is hanging off in flappy bits, it’s time. Trust us, it’s time to go buy a new wallet. Not just that, but downsize. Why are you walking around with a filing cabinet tucked down your pants, anyway?

Thankfully, the days of just going to the dimly lit corner section in a shopping mall department store to choose from a couple of dad brands are well behind. Here are a few picks (within the reasonably accessible bracket of $100-150) to get you on your way to buying a new wallet in Vancouver.

Easy Entry.

Had to start with Vancouver’s own. Herschel Supply Company’s of-the-moment colorways and prints have a broad unisex appeal, and with the lowest price point, makes for a fun-not-forever choice.

We dig the wide range of options by Bellroy to suit your needs classified by lifestyle type – minimalist, jetsetter, classicist, etc. – and with colors like cocoa, java, and slate, you can get rather particular about your preferred shade of “brown or black.” Spotted at Walrus, Still Life, and Rowan Sky, but available at many retailers across the city, full list here.

With both casual and business looks, North American leather purveyor Rudsak will have something for the wallet conventionalist.

On trend and affordable, inventory at Montreal’s menswear brand Frank and Oak can turn over quick, but you definitely want to swing by their Gastown shop for a browse, maybe grab a fresh juice from Krokodile Pear and sit in the lounge while you wait for your appointment with the in-house barber.

Rustic Handmade.

In the Pacific Northwest, Portland’s Will Leather Goods has been around for three decades and offers a lifetime guarantee, but Tanner Goods is the one you want if you’re all about that mountain air, great outdoors life, spotted at NiftyDo.

Locally, independent makers Hand and Sew and DW Leatherworks (also carried by NiftyDo) are putting out some good-looking pieces.

Refined Minimalist.

Toyko’s Porter brand is internationally known for their attention to materials and detail work, each product is handmade by skilled craftsmen. The Metro Wallet has a specially-processed shrink leather outer, keeping it sleek, while a twill lining adds durability. Available at Neighbour.

Ultra Slim.

With everything loaded up on your smartphone, stripping it down to just the essentials is becoming the way to go. Check out any of the above brands for cardholder options if you can’t remember the last time you paid for anything by cash, or check out Holland-made Secrid, coveted for its slick cardslide and RFID protection. Pick one up at Revolucion Cigars, The Travel Bug, Walrus, or any of these stockists.