The history of the wallet goes all the way back to the 7th century BC, when people apparently stored their money in pouches made of leather. They assumed their present shape with the birth of paper currency in 17th century Europe. The first wallets were much like the longer designs available today in their ability to carry cash unfolded. Bifold wallets like those so common today didn’t appear until much later in the 1950s when the credit cards came into prominence and thus a need arose for a compact design with pockets that could carry both cards and bills.
Paper currency emerged during Edo-period Japan in the form of “han notes” that could used domain of the feudal lord that issued them. Fabric wallets then came into being as an updated version of the futokoro-gami pouches already in circulation at the time. The design here again was one that didn’t required notes to be folded. It’s quite a coincidence that the first wallets to appear in both Japan and Europe were long versions meant for holding paper currency.

Mini wallets may be all the rage today, but in dressy scenes where classic looks are making a comeback perhaps a longer version is the best choice. Glenroyal’s zip around long purse is a spacious model with pockets for 12 cards and then another wedged one that can even hold a passport. With all the different designs of mini wallets out there today, maybe opting for something larger is the best way to stand out from the crowd.