| Wallets & Holders Article | A wallet or billfold is a small (usually pocket-sized) flat case used to carry personal items such as cash, credit cards and driver's licenses for frequent quick access. Wallets are generally made of leather or fabrics such as PVC. The key constraints on the design of a wallet are the need to hold bills and credit cards (if it does not contain them, it's more often classed as a type of money clip), and fitting into a pocket (or handbag). Breast wallet (or secretary wallet): a wallet where the bills are not folded; intended for men's breast pocket (in a jacket, not a shirt), or for a handbag. These are elegant and flat, but too large for storage in a pant pocket. Bi-fold: bills are folded over once; "standard" wallet; credit cards may be stored horizontally or vertically Tri-fold: this may be a bi-fold wallet with an extra fold, or the bills may be folded over twice (and credit cards are generally stored vertically) Front Pocket Wallet or Money Clip: a small money piece with no currency compartment and very few pockets for cards. Usually bills are folded and held to the wallet with a metal clip. This wallet is designed to fit in a front pants pocket, and is very popular with younger men. Some wallets, particularly in Europe (where larger denominated coins are more prevalent) contain a coin purse compartment. Some wallets have built-in clasps or bands to keep them closed. As European bills (pounds, euros) are larger than American bills in one dimension, they don't fit in some smaller American wallets. |
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