A leather wallet is one of the most iconic objects of the 20th century when it comes to men’s accessories – neck and neck with an expensive watch. However, as we move on in the world, certain practices and materials become less acceptable.
Leather is one such material, and people are looking for new materials that will look just as attractive but without the negative implications that leather has been gaining. We discussed this trend of looking for alternatives to leather with experts at Recycled Firefighter, who shared some of the most interesting and promising materials.
Vegan Leather
Vegan leather is an excellent alternative to regular leather, as it looks and feels very similar but without the use of any animal products. This type of replacement material is ideal for people who are still looking for the traditional look and feel of a wallet, but with an eye on the future and sustainability.
Vegan leather comes from a variety of sources including materials like recycled plastic, pineapple leaves, cork oak, or even cactus! It’s a versatile material that can be used to make all sorts of products, not just wallets.
Canvas Wallets
Canvas is a fairly popular choice for recycled materials, as it’s very sturdy and can last a long time with the right care. The robust nature of canvas paired with light weight makes it very popular with younger people. Oh, and if you’re looking for something that can easily be customized, both in terms of size and shape, as well as in colors – canvas is the way to go. Canvas is also easy to find second-hand since it’s often used for things like clothes and tents or even fire hoses.
There are a few different types of canvas, but the most popular one for upcycling is probably sailcloth, which is often used for nautical-themed products. Sailcloth is also very sturdy and can last a long time, making it a great choice for sustainable products.
If sustainability is your guiding idea, there’s no better material. Not only are you not manufacturing new materials to create these products, you are actually reducing the amount of waste from old products that would otherwise end up in a landfill somewhere.
Cardboard
Cardboard might not seem like the most obvious choice for a wallet material, but it can actually be quite strong and durable. Cardboard wallets are often made from recycled materials, which makes them very sustainable.
Cardboards can also be printed with all sorts of designs, so if you’re looking for a unique wallet, this might be the material for you. Chances are that if you are looking into these kinds of wallets, you are not looking for a classic look of a wallet, but rather something unique and interesting.
Stainless Steel
In recent years, minimalism has been the trend in a variety of fields, and accessories like wallets haven’t been spared either. In order to reduce the size of the wallet you have to carry around, some manufacturers have done away with the majority of the wallet and reduced it to a money clip.
Now, seeing how people still have to carry their cards around, this approach doesn’t work for everyone. Instead, sleek, small stainless steel wallets the size of a credit have replaced them. They are not the most comfortable to walk around with, but they are certainly durable and if they fit your aesthetic, they can be an excellent choice.
Picking out the perfect wallet for yourself or a loved one may seem like a trivial task at first, but when you see all of these options, perhaps you will take a second look and delve more deeply into this topic.