Velcro wallets are a popular style of billfold used to store money, credit cards, and personal items. They can come in many different colors, and are often emblazoned with a logo, saying, or other aspect that the owner finds appealing. A Velcro wallet is considered extremely casual attire, and should not be carried in a formal setting; more than one inexperienced businessman has gotten strange looks from his guests when pulling out a Velcro wallet to pay for an expensive dinner.
Contrary to what the name implies, a Velcro wallet is not made completely out of Velcro; only strips of the material are used to keep the billfold shut. The most common material used to make up the bulk of such a wallet is nylon, but other types of fabrics and leather can also be used.
Velcro wallets generally come in the trifold style, and are small enough to fit into a pants pocket. Such trifold wallets have two folds, with the ends bending on top of each other to form three relatively equal-sized sections that stack one above the other. A “hook” strip of Velcro is sewn onto one end of the wallet, with a matching “loop” strip of Velcro sewn onto another section. When the wallet is closed, the Velcro strips match up and fasten the wallet tightly together.
A Velcro wallet can also come in other styles. Small bifold wallets with a matching strip of Velcro at each end are common. Some shoes have been specially designed with their tongues split in half and sewn to form a small pouch, the top of which is sealed with Velcro. Concealable wallets that are strapped to the waist or leg also often use Velcro to fasten themselves both around the wearer and shut.
There are many advantages of a Velcro wallet over other styles. First, the Velcro fasteners force the wallet to close, keeping the contents more secure than unfastened styles. Second, the Velcro generally holds the wallet in a compressed bundle that is less bulky than other wallet styles. Finally, because they are usually made of nylon, Velcro wallets are more resilient than other styles of billfolds; they dry quickly when wet, are resistant to wear, and are harder to stain than those made from most other materials.
There are two primary disadvantages to a Velcro wallet. When opened, a Velcro wallet will make a loud ripping sound as the “hook” strip and the “loop” strip separate. As well, the “hook” strip of Velcro can catch hair, lint, and other unwanted things in it, and may require cleaning.