Wallets are tiny pocket sized tools used for keeping cash and other little articles like credit cards, driver’s license, bank cards, identity cards, etc. Usually wallets are made up of fabrics like synthetic plastics or leather. Typically, these are associated with the male section of the society, as most of the women like to carry similar objects called as purses. However, in the modern society, women have also started carrying wallets as they are often smaller and more convenient. Some women may also carry a wallet tucked inside a purse or a hand bag.

Invention: As it has been found, the invention of wallets took place in the late years of 17th century, almost the same time when paper currency was brought in. The first paper currency was conceived in the year 1690 in Massachusetts. Before this, a simple purse was used for carrying around the metal coins. It can be said that these purses had close resemblance with a small drawstring bag. These first wallets were usually made up of horse or cow leather and had a small pouch in which people could keep their identity cards, also known as calling cards.

Renaissance and the 19th century period: As metals came into use as currencies, the wallets of renaissance period were designed to include coins and also statements of accounts. There were also bowgetts or budgets which were leather wallets or pouches to carry cash, bank of accounts and other articles of daily necessities. In the 19th century, it was considered to be semi-civilized in America to carry a wallet on his belt. Carrying a wallet in one’s pocket was considered to be uncommon and uncivilized.

Modern wallets: The wallets of modern age which have several different slots for keeping several cards were invented in 1950’s, followed by the invention of credit cards. Virtually, these wallets remained like that throughout the century, except the Velcro wallets that were introduced in 1970’s. During the year 1996, Allett billfold wallets were invented which reduced the mass of original wallets by nearly 50%. During the 21st century, different kinds of wallets have been evolved in several ways including different shapes, colors and sizes, all of which are more focused upon style than function. Wallets remain a popular hit among the pick-pockets who target the people who are carrying a wallet in their pants. For avoiding this, some wallets also come with chains so that the owners can connect their wallet with their pants. There are also travel wallets which have different compartments for all the things that you may need during your travel including compartments for tickets and boarding pass etc.

Although wallets were originally designed for carrying around cash, they are more often used to carry credit cards in the modern society. With advanced systems in banks and other institutions, people have started feeling that traveling around with cash is not a safe option, and it is also a hassle and inconvenience. Therefore, different kinds of wallets are being invented to help the owners to keep their things organized and in a safe place.