Hey Sid!

The Cardholder

Hey Sid!

You ask, Sid answers

Submit a question at heysid@sidmashburn.com

“What is the best way to carry a little bit of cash and a few cards without ruining the lines of nice pants or a suit with a bulky billfold?” – Chad B.

Hey Chad – great question. And something men have been dealing with for eons. I'm surprised it doesn't come up more. How do I protect my shekels? Once you factor in the cell phone, it's a bit of an uphill battle against the never-flattering pocket bulge. I guess that's one of the reasons why we advocate for wearing a jacket so much… they've got all those pockets to keep things out of sight… great for pens, phones, pocket notebooks, and yes, wallets/card holders. So I guess the short answer is… wear a blazer and keep it in the inside pocket!


now you see it, now you don't - the sharkskin card holder in action

However. If you DO prefer to carry your wallet in your pants pocket, man, do we have one for you. Last month, we got these super-minimal card cases that are made out of sharkskin. Same shark we use for our tassel loafers and belt straps, with this semi-matte, almost velvety texture. The shape is the very definition of "low profile" – no snaps or clasps or zips to mess with. It's got two slots on each side with a slot in the top that's great for cash. Everything about it is a bit discreet - even the colors are quiet. And it'll tuck neatly into jeans or five-pockets, sports trousers, or dress trousers without a trace.


my own card holder

Personally, my everyday card case is this envelope card holder. I dig the origami vibe, and it fits a stack of credit cards or business cards perfectly. I carry mine in my inside jacket pocket, but as long as you don't stuff it to the brim, it can still go inside most pants pockets.


clockwise: sharkskin card holders, envelope card holders, and two-piece card cases

And the third card case you might want to think about is this two-piece card case, which is really two card cases in one! It's made by hand with no seams or stitching, it's just one beautiful piece of leather per side. It's a work of art. And it comes in a variety of colors if you're into that. Sometimes when I go on trips I take these and split them up so I can carry a set of business cards in the other side. This one is great if you're up for keeping your cards in your back pocket or in your jacket. The leather is a bit more rigid than on the envelope style so it remains quite low profile.

Thank you for such a practical, thoughtful question – seriously! I appreciate that you're paying attention to the details. I never wanna sacrifice function for fashion, and while the "lines of nice pants" are clearly pretty important around here, you don't want to go without a wallet, either. I think this way you can have your cake and eat it too.

More Hey Sid!

Sid's Christmas List

Hey Sid!

Sid's Christmas List

Hey Mr. Mashburn! I hope you and your family are doing well. It's that time of year again. What's on your Christmas list for 2024? Thanks and Merry Christmas, Andy L.

The Mix: Pairing Shirts & Sweaters

Hey Sid!

The Mix: Pairing Shirts & Sweaters

“Hey Sid. I'm starting to think about gifts for my sons. Last year I came in around Christmas and the men in the store pointed me toward a table of shirt-and-sweater combinations. I think it...

A Gentleman in Paris

Hey Sid!

A Gentleman in Paris

“I just booked a weeklong trip to Paris for the late Fall - no business, just pleasure.  I refuse to check bags, so I'll be carrying on and space will be at a premium. I'm wondering...

Tailgate Season

Hey Sid!

Tailgate Season

“I always look forward to your tailgate column every year. Now that college football season is in full swing, what should we be wearing to the game this year? (I went to UT, but I’m...

What to wear to the US Open

Hey Sid!

What to wear to the US Open

“I read your Derby post awhile back and was wondering what you’d recommend wearing to the US Open. I’m going for the first time this year and, from what I’ve seen on TV, seems like...

In-transit Dressing

Hey Sid!

In-transit Dressing

“Hey Sid! You've covered what to pack for travel, but what do you actually wear for travel? I'm a college athlete and want to look nice on buses and flights to games, plus my summer internship...