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Despite certain negligence, the biker look is quite holistic. It means that all the elements comprising the biker image are cohesive and interconnected. You won’t see a motorcyclist rocking his favorite patched leather jacket together with polished brand new designer shoes – this picture will simply cause dissonance. That’s why every motorcycle rider picks clothes, gears, and accessories that match each other and contribute to the look of a true biker. If you, too, are going for this badass image, you can’t overlook the smallest things. After all, the devil is in detail, as they say. When the leather jacket, comfortable jeans, and massive boots are on, don’t forget to check your wallet and ask yourself if it really fits you. If the answer is ‘no’, it’s about time to purchase a genuine biker wallet.
The Difference Between Biker and Regular Wallets
The main purpose of a biker wallet is the same as that of its ordinary counterparts – to keep money and other essentials in place. That is basically the only thing they have in common. In fact, biker wallets and mass-market billfolds are as different as a motorcycle and a car – both are designed to transport people but they do it with a totally divergent attitude.
To confirm our words, here are some features of biker wallets that regular pocketbooks simply don’t have:
1. Biker wallets are always made of leather. If you are a vegan or animal rights advocate then maybe biking is not your thing. Don’t get me wrong, bikers love animals but even more, they love leather gears and accessories. This love is for a reason – not only does leather look luxury and solid but also it is extremely sturdy. Since bikers keep their wallets in jeans pockets, they have to be wear and tear-resistant. Otherwise, riders would have to buy new billfolds every year and it is simply against their worldview. Biker wallets are able to cope with road rigors in contrast to items made of other materials. So, while pleather billfolds might be a reasonable choice for everyday use, they are a no-go for bikers.
2. Biker wallets feature wallet chains. How to keep a wallet safe and sound in the back pocket while riding? The right answer is to attach it with a chain to a belt. So, when you see a rider with a huge chain hanging from his belt it is not exactly a fashion statement, it is a way to safeguard his wallet. For this purpose, every biker billfold will have a ring or grommet that lets you clasp a chain. The good thing for motorcycle fashionistas is that you can pick a chain from a vast range including steel, silver, brass, and even leather models. Choose the length and design that fits your personal style and budget. You can even order a custom wallet chain to perfectly blend in with your outfits.
3. Biker wallets boast unique designs. That’s right, a rider item is not a cookie-cutter billfold you can see in every other store, it is an original and audacious accessory that requires many hours of painstaking labor to finish. The majority of biker wallets are made by hand to preserve the feel of exclusiveness and uniqueness. Since bikers require compact and practical solutions, biker wallet brands craft their products to last. But practical doesn’t mean unsightly. On the contrary, items fashioned for riders often carry popular biker symbolism (such as skulls, flames, crosses, grim rippers, Indians, etc.) tattooed, tooled, or appliquéd for a wow-factor. It is also common to adorn these items with silver details for clasps and grommets.
Now you know the distinctive features of all biker wallets – genuine leather exterior, biker-themed designs, and the ability to add a wallet chain.
A Guide to Picking the Right Rider Wallet
When shopping for a wallet, you should keep in mind certain aspects. For instance, although most of the items are made compact to be put into a pocket, it doesn’t mean that a billfold you have your eye on will certainly fit into your pocket. So, before you hit the Buy button, make sure to measure your pocket’s perimeter and compare it with a wallet size.
If you are going to rock a pocketbook with a chain, you have to draw a mental picture of how they are going to look together. If you gravitate toward a small wallet you can’t buy a huge chain to it. They won’t go well together, plus a heavy chain can actually pull a wallet out of your pocket because of its imposing weight. On the contrary, a slender chain might burst if it is supposed to support a heavy-weight billfold.
As for materials, you should ignore artificial leather or canvas – they won’t serve you long enough. If you are a weekend rider or you prefer to keep your wallet in a bag or pouch, you can opt for cowhide leather. It is attractive and inexpensive yet it is slightly too soft to be unbreakable. If you want your billfold to last a lifetime, you should definitely take a closer look at exotic leather models. Crocodile, alligator, and stingray skins are the most durable materials Simultaneously, they deliver attractive textures. Among other popular choices for exotic leather biker wallets are ostrich, shark, lizard, and snake skins.
Wallet chains are commonly cast from steel and silver since these metals possess the ‘right’ silvery color and are very tough to withstand heavy weights. Brass is an excellent alternative to these metals. It is much cheaper than silver but is not inferior to it in terms of sturdiness. Plus, brass boasts a slight yellow hue that goes well with wallets in brown finish. If you think that metal might cause discomfort while riding, you can choose a soft leather wallet chain. Normally, such models are crafted from cowhide leather. Although leather is less tough compared to metals, it is a great choice for those wishing to create an original Western look.
A biker wallet is an essential item for all motorcycle riders. But even if you don’t have a mean machine in your garage, a tough, practical, and durable wallet will surely come in handy.
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Photo provided by the author.