TLDR
Built for carrying only the essentials: a few credit cards, your driver’s license, and health insurance cards.
- 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.
Still Have Questions?
- emailus@tombihn.com
- Ask in our Forums
Materials
Exterior Fabrics
Interior Fabrics
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
- Daniel J.Verified BuyerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, Compact, Durable, Good Storage Size2 days agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, Compact, Durable, Good Storage SizeRated 5 out of 5 starsGreat wallet
Magnet strength is perfect, it easily holds 6 cards (and could probably fit 8). I carry the essentials and a card-size wallet tracker that works with Apple Find My and it's perfect for all of my needs.
Was this helpful? - Mary R.Verified BuyerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Compact, Durable, Unique3 days agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Compact, Durable, UniqueRated 5 out of 5 starsPerfect!
I’ve been trying to figure out a way to carry about 8 cards (credit, ID, a card for a store that hasn’t moved into the 21st century…) and a $20 bill. I kept not liking anything I found but when I saw this I thought - MAYBE?? It’s been over a month now and I love it. It fits what I need, takes up very little space, slips easily into slots in my purse or just into a pocket. I love it!
Was this helpful? - John K.Verified BuyerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Compact, Durable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Thoughtful Design, Sewn in USA3 days agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Compact, Durable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Thoughtful Design, Sewn in USARated 5 out of 5 starsworks as advertised
holds and organizes credit/debit cards and id cards
magnets are a good alternative to the elastic strap on the former design
Was this helpful? - Debra D.Verified BuyerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Compact3 days agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts CompactRated 4 out of 5 starsFunctions well for me!
I have used this wallet since I received it. While capacity is quite limited, it does hold my cards and cash with no problems. Would not mind if it was a tiny bit larger. Interested to see if it will last in the long term.
Was this helpful? - Adam M.Verified BuyerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Compact3 days agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, CompactRated 5 out of 5 starsStellar
A pretty good take on a minimalist wallet, the size and design are pretty solid. The magnets make it thicker than the older elastic bound versions, but you get used to it.
Was this helpful?
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.
