With the advent of minimalist wallets, photo slots have started to disappear from this accessory.
But what if you’re an old school guy and want to carry your partner’s or family photo in your wallet? What size is a wallet photo?
Because wallet photos are so rare nowadays, what size a wallet photo should be seems shrouded in mystery.
In this article, I try to shed some light on the question; then learn whether or not you should keep a photo in your wallet in the first place.
Table of Contents
What Size is A Wallet Photo?
While many people believe the wallet photo size is universal, the truth is that there are two dimensions.
The original one is 2.5 by 3.5 inches.
This was the size of a wallet photo on those times when wallets were bulky purse-size accessories to keep in your rear pocket.
Nowadays, even the rear pocket wallets are slimmer and sleeker. Such a large photo won’t fit in a newer accessory unless you want to carry a biker-style trifold.
So, if you have a modern bifold, your wallet photos should measure 2 by 3 inches.
Since the difference isn’t enormous, you could even crop older wallet photos to fit in your new accessory if you really want to.
With all this in mind, though, there comes the question:
Should You Keep a Photo In Your Wallet?
Long story short, you shouldn’t. Walking around with a bulky wallet filled with junk isn’t fashionable anymore.
Unless you want to look outdated, ditch the wallet photo, and keep images of your beloved ones in an album or on your phone.
So,
What Should You Keep In Your Wallet?
There is only one acceptable answer: the essentials. A contemporary gentleman would never pull out of the pocket a “nerd” wallet.
Go for a minimalist style. Even if you like the classic bifold or trifold lines, there are plentiful options that don’t look like they belong to the 80s.
In a minimalist wallet, there is no room for junk. Therefore, limit yourself to the following stuff:
- Cash: Having a bill or two is essential, but don’t keep too many notes in the wallet. While you can block your card if your wallet is lost or stolen, you won’t be able to do the same with liquid cash you might happen to carry with you.
- Bank cards: Whether it’s a debit or credit card, always carry a bank card with you. This should compensate for the lack of actual cash, and you should be able to use it in most places.
- ID: Even if you have a minimalist wallet, make sure you can fit in it at least your driving license or another form of photo ID.
- Work badge/public transit card: These items should also stay in your wallet. Most wallets are now RFID protected, to prevent data theft from your badge.
Apart from the items above, there is nothing else you should keep in your wallet. Some items to always keep elsewhere include:
- Receipts
- Coupons
- Business cards
- Condoms
- Photos
- Notes
- Other small items you may be tempted to tuck in there
How to Print A Wallet Sized Photo?
Now, if you really want to have a photo of your beloved ones with you at all times, you should print one that you like.
You have two options. Take a photo you like to a printing shop and have them print the image for you.
Or you could learn to do it yourself.
The process isn’t complicated and all you need is a good color laser printer and high-quality photographic paper.
Then, check out the video below to learn how to do it!
Why Do They Say I Should Keep a Baby Photo in My Wallet?
I’m not sure if you’re aware or not, but there is this theory going on that you should keep a baby photo in your wallet at all times – whether you have a baby or not, that is.
I couldn’t disagree more with this statement, but there is some science behind it.
Indeed, according to research, people are most likely to return a lost wallet if there are photos in it. Chances that you’ll also get your cash back grow even more if the photo is that of a baby.
Now, while it is quite nice to have your wallet returned in case you lose it, this idea might actually come with more downsides than benefits. At least if you don’t have a baby and decide to keep a random photo in your wallet.
In fact, just imagine how embarrassing it would be to explain to your date that the baby in your wallet isn’t actually yours.
She might either not believe you, or believe you’re paranoid.
Or what if your family or friends spot that photo even though they know you don’t have children.
Since all bank cards can be blocked and since you shouldn’t keep too much cash in your wallet anyway, it makes more sense to ditch the photo and worry less about what happens if you lose the wallet or someone robs you.
To Wrap It All Up
If you really want to keep a photo in your modern wallet, the ideal wallet photo size is 2 by 3 inches.
If you still walk around with your granddad’s wallet, print the image on 2.5 by 3.5 inches paper.
Whether you want to keep a photo in your wallet is up to you. What’s certain though, is that you would look more stylish, organized, and elegant with a slim wallet in your pocket.
Nevertheless, I hope you now know what size of a photo you should have in your accessory if you really want to.