The James Brand, known for its focus on modern, minimal everyday carry essentials, has announced the launch of its first-ever wallet, The Lowe. This new product marks the beginning of an entirely new category for the company, expanding its existing line of gear and accessories. The Lowe maintains the same design ethos and attention to detail that define The James Brand’s other offerings, presenting an ultra-minimal and refined solution to the essential need for carrying cards and cash.

“Wallets have been on our radar since the beginning,” said Ryan Coulter, Founder of The James Brand, in a statement announcing the product. “But we weren’t interested in making just another metal card holder—we wanted to build something better. If we were going to step into this space, we had to do it our way: modern, minimal, and made the right way.”

The design team was inspired by the simplicity of metal wallets but sought to overcome their common limitations. The result is a CNC-machined aluminum case that can securely hold up to six cards internally. The proprietary “Pinch-Tech” technology ensures the same solid tension regardless of whether the user carries one card or six, eliminating the need for adjustments or complex moving parts.

The wallet’s thoughtful micro-details are designed to elevate the user experience. A subtle internal ramp is hidden behind the rear wall, facilitating an intuitive, natural thumb motion to slide cards out. A durable, flush-mounted 70A durometer silicone band wraps around the case, providing flexible storage for a most-used card, cash, or receipts. The band’s dimensional form locks into a precise position, centering the brand’s signature mark.

Constructed from aerospace-grade 6063-T5 aluminum, the Lowe is naturally RFID-blocking and remarkably slim—thinner than a standard pack of gum—and designed specifically for comfortable front-pocket carry. Weighing 2.1 ounces, the wallet is a minimalist masterwork with no visible hardware or compromise in form. The Lowe has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $119 and is available at thejamesbrand.com, Amazon, and select retail partners.

Pittsburgh-based Bejeti has debuted a super-luxe wallet that’s a far cry from the cheap, overstuffed “Costanza Wallet” of yore.

The $29,500 Bejeti Planetesimal Wallet is made with meteorite — yes, meteorite — transforming thousands of years of natural planetary evolution into one insanely impressive addition to anyone’s everyday carry. (Another Pennsylvania-based company, high-end gunmaker Cabot Guns, also uses meteorites in their pricy products.)

The Planetesimal Wallet is the most eye-catching offering of a half-dozen new wallets from the luxury accessories brand, which blends the astute eye of fine art with intense craftsmanship unlike anything on the market.

It’s also fitting that Bejeti calls Pittsburgh its home, because The Steel City just makes perfect sense to forge wallets in a way no other brand would ever dare try.

Is it practical to own a wallet with meteorite in it? If you’re in the market to buy one, we’d say that’s hardly an issue. In fact, there are just eight of the Planetesimal Wallet available, and we’re more than willing to bet you’ll be jockeying with some guys named Musk and Bezos for one of the other six editions.

Founded by chemical engineer and industrial designer Eduardo Sande, the impressive array of wallets (including the much more affordable, recycled ocean plastic Endurvinna Wallet to the tune of $1,900), the brand debuted with an invitation-only pre-sale last fall before opening its virtual doors to a wider audience.

The rest of the company’s astonishingly cool offering comprises wallets made from legendary Damascus Steel (the Hephaestus Wallet) and  Robert Eggerling Mosaic Damascus Steel, which blends carbon steels and nickel (the sleek and eye-catching Artificer Wallet).

In fact, no two wallets are alike, and the company even offers an authentication process to ensure you’re not getting a counterfeit item (to those attempting to counterfeit these wallets, we say good luck).

“We know there are people who relish rarity, ingenuity, luxury and sustainability and our wallets bring all of these together to truly commemorate personal achievement through design and stature,” Sande said.

The undeniably cool and impossible-to-replicate craftsmanship inherent in each Bejeti wallet makes each item an offering that goes above and beyond what you’d normally expect from a leather wallet, and that’s an understatement.

In fact, they’re more like a wallet Han Solo might use than something a mere Earth-bound human should buy. That doesn’t mean we won’t applaud you for trying.

Many guys make the mistake of experimenting with their wardrobes before they’ve mastered the basics. There’s no harm in trying out bolder prints or a pair of espadrilles, but they can’t take the place of the style standards that should make up your everyday armor. 

There are at least 20 key items that every man should be able to lay his hands on when the occasion demands. They can be simple or more expensive as long as they fulfill the necessary function and have you looking good enough to get into any restaurant you want, elicit compliments from women and men alike, and at least convey the impression that you’re gainfully employed.

Many of these items can, and should, be worn together, but in any case can serve as anchors against the whims and winds of fashion and the inevitable sartorial mistakes that no man is immune from.

Here, 20 essential style items every guy should own:

1. The Polo Shirt

Dressy enough to take you anywhere and always effortlessly cool; but leave the logos at home. British brand Sunspel’s Riviera polo shirt ($125) was originally made for Daniel Craig to wear in Casino Royale. And Ralph Lauren’s RRL indigo cotton polos ($165) are an icon perfected.

2. The T-Shirt

White, black or grey, please. Wear it under anything from a blazer to a biker jacket. Buck Mason’s vintage-inspired curve hem tees ($30) are some of the softest we’ve ever worn. And Brooks Brothers’ Red Fleece garment dyed tees ($24.50) appear perfectly broken in without fading.

3. The White Dress Shirt

Worn with or without a tie, and with or without a jacket for that matter, this is the one shirt that suits every occasion. Lorenzo Uomo’s aptly-named Perfect White Shirt ($95) is tailored with a touch of stretch for an ideal fit. And if a button-down collar is more your speed, Sid Mashburn’s slim but not skinny version ($125) is a solid choice.

4. The Denim Jacket

There will always be a bit of a rebel edge to any man wearing a jean jacket, even with a tie, while layering them under other jackets is always a sharp look. Levi’s denim jackets ($89.50) now available in several different styles will always be the gold standard. And for more of a badass look go for Allsaint’s black denim Buzzard jacket ($180).

5. The Bomber Jacket

The most versatile layer you can own for in between seasons, it wors with a tee or a turtleneck. Massimo Dutti’s sheepskin nubuck bomber ($375) is beautiful leather that won’t break the bank. Belstaff’s upgraded version ($1,195) the Clenshaw in butter-soft Nappa leather, is a lot more luxe but will last a lifetime.

6. The Waterproof Jacket

The perfect waterproof jacket will of course keep you from getting wet, but it should also be versatile enough to layer over everything from a long sleeve tee to a cashmere crewneck to suit the demands of the season. Stutterheim’s classic raincoats ($195) in cool colors are designed for Swedish weather but perform equally well here. And Barbour’s Lutz wax jacket ($450) is tailored like a sportcoat offering weather-resistance without extra bulk. 

7. The Puffer Jacket

A puffer, while essential for keeping warm in cooler climes, doesn’t have to mean a full-on parka if you’re not planning an assault on Mount Everest. Bonobos’ quilted Banff jacket ($248) gives you all the insulation you need in a nattier fashion. And Uniqlo’s ultra-light down jacket ($69) is cut slim, packs easily and is extremely easy on the wallet.

8. The Unstructured Blazer

Unstructured because it’s as comfortable as a cardigan, allowing you to look respectable without sacrificing comfort. Navy is the obvious move but our advice is go grey. Buck Mason’s Felted Chore Coat ($195) is the perfect weight wool and they nailed the fit. And Outerknown’s equally appealing Ambassador Blazer ($325) is effortless elegance personified, and looks like it comes with a table at Nobu Malibu.

9. The Blue Jeans

If you are over 35, do not, repeat not, buy skinny jeans. Slim is where it’s at. Mott & Bow has mastered the art of elevated basics with their denims in various washes ($96-$128) and none of that “distressed” nonsense. And Brave Star Selvage bought up some of the very last stock of selvage denim made in America for its killer Cone Mills jeans (from $98). You can choose how dark to go, from raw to a bit faded, but allow for some natural wear over their tour of duty. 

10. The Chinos

You’ll also want to err on the slim side when it comes to chinos, khakis, or whatever you want to call them – so long as they fit. Everlane has the best selection of classics in various different weights (from $58) and fabrics, from standard cotton to twill and corduroy. And Gant’s Tech Prep slim chinos ($155) are engineered to sartorial perfection if you’re looking for a sharper edge.

11. The Everyday Watch

A watch is one of the few ways for a man to really express himself without resorting to tattoos or inadvisable haircuts. Timex’s capsule collection designed by Todd Snyder ($99) are super cool and eminently affordable, easily allowing you to acquire more than one. And the iconic Rolex Submariner (from $6,295) is the ultimate wristwatch for many men, with good reason – James Bond and Steve McQueen made it famous.

12. The Dress Watch

Be prepared to splurge a bit on a timepiece you intend to wear on more formal occasions – think of it as an investment and future heirloom. Cartier’s Tank watches (from $2,550) are true watchmaking icons that have adorned the wrists of many famous men. And the IWC Portofino ($6,995) is as slim and elegant as they come while still utterly masculine.

13. The Cashmere Sweater

Cashmere is of course already an upgrade from basic wool – it’s lighter, warmer and softer, and has a more refined appearance. Everlane’s $100 cashmere crewneck is a great way to get in on the ground floor. And Brooks Brothers’ cable knit crewneck ($368) is the perfect upgrade, adding texture and interest to your look. In basic grey it’s not as preppy as a brighter color.

14. The Winter Cap

A perfectly warm cashmere watch cap may seem like an extravagance but doesn’t have to be. We swear by Williams Cashmere’s affordable rib knit caps (from $32) in a range of great colors. And Goorin Bros. Barnaby tweed ivy caps ($110) are universally flattering and a bit dressier. The watch cap is a bit more rough and tumble, the ivy more vintage-y and appropriate with dressier threads.

15. The Scarf

Don’t think of a scarf as a necessary evil that you have to wrap around your neck boa constrictor-style in order to keep warm – chosen with aplomb it can anchor your appearance. Thom Browne’s Aran wool scarf ($250) looks like it was hand knit in Ireland (it was) and has subtle details like his signature ribbon. And Paul Smith’s classic dove grey cashmere ($195) number with fringed ends will never go out of style. 

16. The Boots

Boots add depth, stature and a certain rugged elegance when chosen properly, that is to say not too casual or too pointy. Vionic’s wingtip Wesley boots ($199.95) in burnished cognac-colored leather hit the mark head on, and they’re engineered for comfort. And L.L. Bean’s Signature Jackman Ranger Mocs ($109) are a bit more casual and crafted in supple leather that gets better with age.

17. The Sneakers

The key to a great sneaker is finding one that wears well with a suit or a pair of shorts; they should be the most versatile shoe in your wardrobe. Cool California brand SeaVees gets it right with kicks like the Racquet Club in soft suede ($108) which we love in navy blue and oyster grey. And L.A.’s Clae caught our eye with the Bradley, their take on the low top ($140) everyone’s been wearing finished for fall in a great shade of olive green. 

18. The Wallet

As one of the few accessories you (should) display in public, investing in a decent wallet is a smart move – one of the details that count. Shinola’s slim billfold ($195) in bourbon-colored premium harness leather gets better with age. And if you want to go even slimmer and avoid back pocket bulge try Santiago Gonzalez’s sleek card holder ($295) in luxe army green alligator.

19. The Bag

Whether or not a briefcase is essential equipment in your chosen profession, acquiring a bag you look forward to slinging over your shoulder will make your workload that much lighter. Nothing beats Filson’s rugged twill Original Briefcase ($325) that will be your faithful companion for life. And if you’re looking to haul more gear consider Dooney & Bourke’s luxurious Florentine leather duffle ($369) that will likewise get even better.

20. The Sunglasses

Your sunglasses say a lot about you at first glance, but whether they whisper or shout is up to you. And chosen with care, they’re worth a second glance from whoever you’re looking at behind them. The Persol 649 ($207) shot to fame on no less a mug than Steve McQueen and they remain the coolest choice. And a pair of folding Wayfarers $($153) that the company now allows you to customize are coolness that can go anywhere.

Behold the Maxim Box, a killer package of men’s grooming and style essentials that’s mailed to you four times a year.

It’s stuffed with $250 worth of great products for just $59.99. First time subscribers even get 10% off their first box, so what are you waiting for?

Everything inside—from cologne to teeth whitener—is designed to ensure that you’re living your best life, which the woman in your life will surely appreciate.

Visit MaximBoxes.com to order, and check out some of the goodies inside the box here:

Grooming Lounge Shavior — $25

Barber-tested treatment provides noticeable relief from razor irritation, razor bumps and ingrown hairs. This botanical-loaded lotion imparts a just-right ratio of soothe and bite.

Wurkin Stiffs Red Magic Wallet — $50

Travel with your money securely and stylishly with the Men’s Magic Wallet with RFID Blocker – würkin stiffs®.

Wurkin Stiffs Stiff N Stays — $25

Stiff-N-Stay collar stays are a big step up from ordinary plastic stays. These poly-magnetic collar stays are not to be underestimated.

Tame the Beast Extreme Yawp Beard, Hair & Body Wash — $24

Introducing the ultimate total-body, all-in-1 energizing cleanser and shampoo that revitalizes hair, beard and body. Men’s body wash for the bold.

Baxter Under Eye Complex — $28

Advanced anti-aging men’s eye cream designed to nourish, repair and protect delicate skin. Caffeine and seaweed extracts reduce puffiness and dark circles while hyaluronic acid firms and hydrates to diminish fine lines.

SKYN Condom — $5

Made from SKYNFEELTM, a non-latex soft material that you’ll find barely noticeable but as strong as premium latex. Idea
for those with latex allergies or latex sensitivity.

IntelliWHiTE Pen — $50

From important business meetings to dinner dates, you count on your smile to seal the deal. Keep it bright and inviting with this whitening gel pen that uses a 14% con- centration of hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth.

Kodiak Mini 2.0 Charger — $25

Outdoor Tech®’s Kodiak Mini is the super pocket portable rugged power bank built for any environment. Shock, dust, and water resistant, it is tough enough to match your lifestyle and portable enough not to hold you down.

Visit MaximBoxes.com to order now!

Your money and your multi-tool are your most basic everyday carries. So of course it makes sense to combine them into one glorious EDC. And Dango Products has designed one to perfection with their tough but highly functional T01 Tactical Wallet.

In a mix of metal, leather and silicone, this lightweight, minimalist wallet can carry your cash and up to 12 business or credit cards—which it secures both physically and wirelessly through RFID blocking. But what makes it truly great is its 14-function, high-carbon stainless steel multi-tool.

This card-shaped wonder is a serrated saw, knife, nail pryer, hex wrench, bottle opener, all-important smartphone stand and much more. But most importantly, it’s removable. So you can leave it at home or check it in your luggage before going through a TSA security checkpoint (and likely having it confiscated).

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With over a month to go in their Kickstarter campaign, they’ve already more than quadrupled their funding goal. But you can still snag one of these bad boys in either all Jet Black or Raw Aluminum & Brown Rawhide for just $69.

Just think: that’ll save you $21 off the retail, which you can promptly fold right into your new tactical wallet, when it arrives in November.

There’s a reason it’s called an EDC — because it’s about always having stuff on hand, even if you don’t (or rarely) plan on using it. The folks at Jackfish Survival have had this in mind the past year, as they created their absurdly resourceful card holder.


For instance, you probably wouldn’t regularly use a signal whistle, water purifier or fire starter, but they’re totally clutch to have along if/when you need ’em. On a more techie note, a micro SD card could store passport info or urgent documents as a backup. But then this handy wallet also stores the hex bit and screw drivers you expect, along with telescoping pen, compass and up to four credit cards.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/15940489/jackfish-survival-credit-card-holder

Although the Kickstarter campaign has already more than doubled its goal and the earlybird is gone, you can still grab one for about $104 ($15 off retail). We’re definitely fans, to say the least. In fact, if it’d caught our attention earlier, it probably would’ve made our best gear of 2015 list.

Photos by Jackfish Survival

Although most articles about EDCs start by saying how everything in your pockets is competing for space, this is a case where your two favorite EDCs are finally playing together. Today on Kickstarter, the smart folks at Phorce launched a new campaign for a great all-in-one EDC they’ve unfortunately decided to call Pocket. Aside from the highly generic name, we’re very excited about it.


Just as a wallet, it checks the basic boxes. It stores up to six spring-loaded cards, ready to release with the press of a finger. And with the help of an elastic strap, it can hold another card (you tend to access most), along with some greenbacks.


But this half-inch thin, 2.5-ouncer is also packing an 1150mAh battery—with built-in Lightning and micro-USB cables! That should recharge most smartphones a third to halfway, enough for hours of extra use; and is more than enough to top off other mobile accessories, such as Bluetooth earbuds.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/phorce/pocket-the-supercharged-wallet

Too often when we see combo devices like this, either or both functionalities suffer for the sake of slapping them together. But that’s not the case here. It looks like a solid product that does both its functions well.


Because the crowdfunding just kicked off this morning, there are still some super earlybirds left ($59, where it’ll retail for $99). So it might be worth a look. You’re welcome.

Photos by Phorce

Perhaps more than any other accessory, the wallet suffers from a bad case of anonymity. Most men image that a wallet should look like a Clip Art cartoon: brown, square, unadorned and, if everything goes well, crammed with paper. This is – not to put too fine a point on it – stupid. Wallets today come in almost as many shapes and sizes, and with as many functions, as shoes. And, like shoes, different wallets suit different men. The truth is that where you keep your money says a lot about who you are. So put your money in a billfold that makes a statement.

Here are 10 great wallets for very different types of modern men.

Photos by Incase

You don’t need a wallet. No one has really needed a wallet since Western Union invented the modern credit card in early twenties (eight decades before Visa introduced the Black Card). You carry one because you’re conditioned to do so and because, when it comes time to tip, you don’t want to reach in your pocket and pull out a bunch of oily, free-range Lincolns. You don’t want to hand out creased business cards. When you get asked for I.D., you don’t want to legitimize the query. Wallets are a tool that keep you from looking the fool. It’s a practical thing and an image thing and a money thing, but no one wallet is perfect for all situations. Your old one, the one that smells like Yogi Berra’s mitt, is good for the day to day, but it won’t cut it in a black-tied pinch. It’s always good to have something a bit more upscale and a lot darker on hand. Consider it a higher caliber weapon for higher caliber events. Keep it full and you’re good to go.

Clockwise from Top Left: Lollen Wallet, Bally; Compact ID in Cross Grain, Coach; Lillis Wallet, BOSS Hugo Boss; Black Textured Billfold, Calvin Klein; Black Leather Billfold, ErmenegildoZegna; Mark Wallet, Jimmy Choo; Calandre Wallet, BottegaVeneta; Pebbled-Leather Wallet, Salvatore Ferragamo; Enveloppe Carte de Visite,Louis Vuitton; Chamberlain Slim-Fold Wallet, Cole Haan

Photos by Levi Brown