The exterior of the Minimalist Wallet The exterior of the Minimalist Wallet The exterior of the Minimalist Wallet Wallet in Nomad
Add to wishlist

Minimalist Wallet

$49.00

Color: Black 420 Spectron

In Stock

Available Color options

A truly minimalist wallet with a nearly seamless look achieved through a process similar to that of origami.

Minimalist Wallet

TLDR

Built for carrying only the essentials: a few credit cards, your driver’s license, and health insurance cards.

  • Use it two ways: as a traditional bifold wallet, or flip it inside out for a sleek cardholder setup
  • Inspired by origami: a series of internal folds forms card pockets and creates a seamless, stitch-free silhouette
  • Two card slots hold 6-10 cards securely—whether the wallet is inside or out
  • Magnetic closure for easy, fuss-free access
  • Zipper-free and ultra-slim by design
  • Clean, modern aesthetic
  • Perfect if you prefer to stay cash-free

If you're familiar with our retired Nik's Minimalist Wallets, this is most similar to the Wallet #1.

Full Description

A Rework of our Much-Loved Nik's Minimalist Wallet

The Rework Process

Our goal was to improve the failure point we had identified on our wallets. We kept seeing wallets come in for the same kind of repair, elastic replacement.

The answer to our problem seemed simple: Replace the elastic with a different one.

Our designer Jose began by making and testing samples with a more robust elastic, unfortunately the added bulk of the new elastic made it difficult to sew and the new stretch made the wallets bunch and deform, also it didn’t solve the issue of the elastic wearing out.

He wanted to find a way to close our wallets that didn’t utilize an element that would wear out and would need to be replaced eventually; This ruled out elastics and hook and loop closures.

He found some magnets that we had used on past products (the P.I.K.A. Pouch, in particular) and decided to give them a try in a sample. After some patternmaking and sewing, we had a sample with a new closure system, the new sample retained the “minimal” nature of the original wallet and improved its function.

The minimal aspect of our wallets was also important, and we wanted to keep the new version as close to the original as possible. The new closure system is a great improvement, and we have been pleased with how it’s performed.

The team has been testing the new version since last year, overall, the feedback has been great, and we are excited to reintroduce wallets into our product assortment. 

The Size and Shape of Things

The new Minimalist Wallet is exactly the same size and shape as the old Nik's Minimalist Wallet #1.

It has two interior pockets, one on each side, and no exterior pockets. In lieu of the elastic band it has two magnets to close the wallet.

Our goal was to improve the failure point we had identified on our wallets. We kept seeing wallets come in for the same kind of repair, elastic replacement.

The answer to our problem seemed simple: Replace the elastic with a different one.

Our designer Jose began by making and testing samples with a more robust elastic, unfortunately the added bulk of the new elastic made it difficult to sew and the new stretch made the wallets bunch and deform, also it didn’t solve the issue of the elastic wearing out.

He wanted to find a way to close our wallets that didn’t utilize an element that would wear out and would need to be replaced eventually; This ruled out elastics and hook and loop closures.

He found some magnets that we had used on past products (the P.I.K.A. Pouch, in particular) and decided to give them a try in a sample. After some patternmaking and sewing, we had a sample with a new closure system, the new sample retained the “minimal” nature of the original wallet and improved its function.

The minimal aspect of our wallets was also important, and we wanted to keep the new version as close to the original as possible. The new closure system is a great improvement, and we have been pleased with how it’s performed.

The team has been testing the new version since last year, overall, the feedback has been great, and we are excited to reintroduce wallets into our product assortment. 

The new Minimalist Wallet is exactly the same size and shape as the old Nik's Minimalist Wallet #1.

It has two interior pockets, one on each side, and no exterior pockets. In lieu of the elastic band it has two magnets to close the wallet.

Materials

Exterior Fabrics

420 denier Spectron
 

Interior Fabrics

100 denier Piscine ripstop

Specs

Dimensions

Unfolded: 5.7" x 3.9" / 145 x 100 mm
Folded: 2.9" x 3.9" / 75 x 100 mm

Weight

0.6 oz / 16 grams

3.0
Rated 3.0 out of 5 stars
Based on 3 reviews
33%would recommend this product
Write a Review (Opens in a new window)
3 reviews
  • Ross S.
    Verified Reviewer
    Bought For Myself
    1 hour ago
    Bought For Myself
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Bought on a lark but..

    I bought this on a lark a few years ago. You know one of those things you throw in the cart with a bigger order. I was dubious but it also didn't cost much.

    For the last ten years or so I've been cycling through various wallets. Small, large, hold ten or fifty cards. A space for a pen or note cards, I tried many.

    This is the wallet I've held on to and haven't been tempted in the least to replace, to chase after a better alternative. As Guy Clark said, "Things that work" and this wallet just has worked.

    Just the right size for about six cards and some cash. Cards don't fall out but still easy to pull out and access. Holding up well, as to be expected.

    Thought I would just post a good review for an underdog Tom Bihn product.

    Was this helpful?
  • Viet
    Yesterday
    Rated 2 out of 5 stars
    2 Stars

    This is probably my first product from Tom Bihn I am disappointed in. I’ve been purchasing and using their products for a little over a decade now. I also have been using Nik’s minimalist wallet for nearlu four years at this point. I’ve also handled many variations of said wallet.

    I will first say the idea of replacing the elastic band with magnets is a good one.

    The issue is the workmanship. What I received was a wallet constructed in a way I wouldn’t attribute to the level I’ve experienced with Tom Bihn.

    Due to the character count limit I will just say the inner lining is sewn puckered to one side. This causes inner fabric to stick out on the one side.

    The other issue is the lining up of the fabric pattern with the wallet. Product page images shows it clearly lined up. What I received was on a very noticable bias. Not expecting perfection, but Tom Bihn usually catches this level of detail, but for whatever reason was not taken into considerstion.

    Was this helpful?
  • Chi
    4 days ago
    Rated 2 out of 5 stars
    2 Stars

    I purchased this wallet expecting high quality. However, I was very disappointed with the craftsmanship. There are numerous loose threads inside the wallet, and some stitching looks unfinished or poorly done. For the increased price and the long wait for this minimalist wallet, I expected much better attention to detail. I hope the seller can improve the quality control in future products.

    Was this helpful?
Lifetime guarantee image

Sewn in Seattle

Our bags are designed and sewn right here in Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.

That allows us to be control freaks in the best way possible; we have direct control and oversight of the quality of our materials, our products, and the jobs and working environment that we help create. It also offers us a unique spontaneity: when we have an idea for a new product or accessory, we can design it, figure out how to build it, add it to our website and be ready to ship it out our front door all within just a few weeks. How cool is that?

Intrigued? You can find out more about the unusual way we do business on our Company Philosophy page.

THE BIHN Guarantee

Everything you buy from us here at TOM BIHN is satisfaction guaranteed. We’ve been in business since 1972 and we stand behind what we make.

If something goes wrong and it's our fault, we'll fix it for free. Repairs due to normal wear and tear or due to other things that are not our fault will be performed, when possible, at a reasonable charge right here in our Seattle factory where your bag was made. Defects in materials or workmanship are uncommon and almost always evident while the product is still new. Keep in mind that bags and packs are often subject to extreme wear in everyday use: do not expect them to last forever. Only true love lasts forever! You can expect a TOM BIHN product to give years and years of hard service.

Ready to Grab
the Minimalist Wallet?

See Options