A thorough comparison of bifold wallets, trifold wallets, and long wallets

The turning point when choosing a wallet

We'll compare bifold, trifold, and long wallets in detail, focusing on size (smallness), thinness, and ease of use. We'll also explain the pros and cons of folding wallets, as well as the key points to consider when choosing between mini and thin wallets.

This chart compares bifold, trifold, and long wallets based on three axes: size (smallness), thinness, and ease of use.
Trifold wallets are the most compact but tend to be thicker, while long wallets offer better visibility and accessibility. Bifold wallets are well-balanced and offer a high level of overall functionality.

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Comparison of size (smallness), thinness, and ease of use

1. Size (smallness)

The small footprint directly translates into ease of handling in a pocket or small bag.

tri-fold wallet

This is the epitome of a mini wallet. Its surface area is minimal, almost the size of a card, making it ideal for front pockets, where pressure is likely to be placed.

Bifold wallet

It's slightly larger than a tri-fold wallet, but about half the size of a long wallet. It's practically compact enough to fit in most pockets. It also fits well in jackets and hip pockets.

Long wallet

It's large, so you'll need to choose a storage location. Be careful not to force it into your pants, as it can easily lose its shape. If you plan to use it as a bag, the benefits of visibility and organization are great.

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2. Thinness

Thinness is directly linked to comfort. It affects the stress of every action, from sitting to walking to taking out. The main cause of thickness is "overlaps (layers)."

tri-fold wallet

Due to the many layers of leather and items stored inside, this bag tends to be thick. Due to its structure, it is the thickest of the three types.

Bifold wallet

It's easy to balance thinness with capacity. If the design avoids overlapping of coins and cards, it becomes surprisingly thin.

Long wallet

They tend to be thick due to two factors: structural reasons that make it easy for dividers and parts to increase, and operational reasons such as putting in a large amount of cards and coins.

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3. Usability (accounting operations and visibility)

The fewer steps required to "open, take out, close," the easier it is to access and the better the visibility.

tri-fold wallet

The number of times you open and close the wallet increases, and there is a slight delay when inserting and removing bills and cards. The wires of bills, cards, and coins are also likely to cross. Bills tend to get folded up in threes, which can cause them to be rejected when scanned by a machine.

Bifold wallet

It only needs to be opened once and is generally easy to remove. It is also resistant to bending of bills and is compatible with machine insertion.

Long wallet

The biggest appeal is the high visibility and quick accessibility. The structure makes it easy to classify and organize, reducing confusion when paying.

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Why SYRINX doesn't have a tri-fold wallet

Tri-fold wallets have the appeal of being compact and easy to carry, but due to their structure they tend to be thick and bulky in pockets or small bags.
In addition, banknotes tend to curl easily, making them difficult to use at ticket vending machines or self-checkout registers.
SYRINX's bi-fold wallet is compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand, yet it has succeeded in achieving a high level of both thinness and ease of use.

Rather than simply increasing the number of options, we deliver only products that we believe are truly good.
Based on this belief, we have chosen to specialize in bifold wallets rather than trifold wallets.

Product Introduction

Hitoe® Fold (bi-fold wallet)

This bi-fold wallet is surprisingly thin even when packed, thanks to its Hitoe® structure that prevents cards and coins from overlapping.
The inner hook does not rely on metal fittings, so there are no protrusions and it opens and closes smoothly.
Its dimensions are approximately 86 x 89 mm, making it as compact as a tri-fold wallet, and it fits easily into most pockets.
The daily accounting process is short and stress-free, so much so that you might forget it's even there, since it fits in your trouser hip pocket.

The story behind the development of the small, slim Hitoe® Fold wallet / One idea changes everything / Five years in the making

Hitoe® Lzip-L (long wallet)

Double card pockets separate cards into two places, and a Hitoe® structure that prevents cards and coins from overlapping.
These two innovations make this a long wallet that is extremely slim even when it is packed full. Its width is roughly the same as that of a 10,000 yen bill.
The double zipper allows you to quickly access what you need without having to unzip it all the way.

Hitoe® L-zip L, again / About half the size. The reason for its thinness / The evolution of Hitoe L-zip L – the pioneer of small, thin long wallets

Click here for a list of mini wallets