A high-quality leather wallet can last decades, but its longevity depends on the quality of the leather, craftsmanship, and proper care. At Clark & Taft, we use Horween Chromexcel full-grain leather, one of the finest leathers in the world, known for its exceptional durability, rich pull-up effect, and buttery-soft texture.

Unlike a mass-produced wallet made from lower-grade leather that cracks, peels, or wears down quickly, the Clark & Taft wallets are handmade from Horween Chromexcel leather. It's tanned using a century-old proprietary process involving natural oils, waxes, and greases, which results in a supple, flexible leather that develops a deep, lustrous patina over time, thus making each Clark & Taft leather bifold wallet, leather card wallet, or minimalist leather wallet timeless and exceptionally durable.

With daily use, Chromexcel leather ages beautifully, becoming softer and more refined while maintaining strength. To maximize its lifespan, avoid excessive moisture, overstuffing, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. A little maintenance—like occasional conditioning and wiping away dirt—will ensure your Clark & Taft wallet lasts for years, if not a lifetime.

If a leather wallet goes through the wash, the moisture, heat, and detergent can cause significant damage, including drying out, warping, or stiffening the leather. Since we craft our wallets from Horween Chromexcel full-grain leather, they are more resilient than wallets made from lower-quality leather but still require proper care to recover from water exposure.

What to Do If Your Leather Wallet Gets Washed:

✔ Remove Immediately – Remove it from the washer as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

✔ Let It Air Dry – Pat it dry with a soft cloth and let it dry naturally at room temperature—never use direct heat (hairdryers, radiators, or sunlight) as this can cause cracking.

✔ Recondition the Leather – Apply a leather conditioner to restore moisture and flexibility once dry.

✔ Reshape If Needed – Gently work the wallet back into shape while it's still slightly damp to prevent stiffness.

To prevent future accidents, store your leather bifold wallet, leather card wallet, or minimalist leather wallet in a safe, dry place when not in use. With proper care, even if you accidentally wash your wallet, it can be restored and continue to age beautifully over time.

Sweat can affect a leather wallet over time, but with proper care, it won't ruin it. Because leather is a natural material, it absorbs moisture, body oils, and environmental elements, which can lead to darkening, softening, and changes in texture. While some see this as part of the leather's natural aging process—creating a rich patina—excessive sweat can cause premature wear, stiffness, or a musty odor if the leather isn't correctly maintained.

At Clark & Taft, we use Horween Chromexcel full-grain leather, which is known for its high oil content and pull-up effect, making it more resistant to moisture absorption than lower-quality leather. However, prolonged exposure to sweat—such as carrying a leather bifold wallet, leather card wallet, or minimalist leather wallet in a back pocket during hot weather or intense activity—can still take a toll over time.

How to Protect Your Leather Wallet from Sweat Damage:

✔ Rotate Pockets – Switch between carrying your wallet in your front and back pockets to minimize prolonged exposure to body heat and moisture.

✔ Keep It Dry – If your wallet feels damp, remove it from your pocket and let it air out in a cool, dry place.

✔ Use a Leather Conditioner – Applying a small amount of leather conditioner every few months helps maintain moisture balance and prevents the leather from drying out or becoming brittle.

✔ Store Properly – When not used, store your wallet in a dust bag or on a clean, dry surface, away from direct heat or humidity.

Following these simple steps, your Clark & Taft leather wallet will continue to age beautifully, developing a unique patina while maintaining its strength and integrity for years.