Tiny bags may be a huge (and persistent) trend, but not all little purses are created equally. While some are simply a small receptacle for whatever you can wedge into them, others provide a level of organization that makes it easier to leave the house without one of the biggest, most important things in any woman’s purse: a wallet.
Chanel’s Wallet on Chain is the most well-known of these wallet-crossbody bag hybrids, and its popularity has caused dozens of other brands to create these bags in its image. They’re especially useful products to make for brands whose bags usually sell for over $2,000; they provide an entry-level option far below a brand’s normal bag price range, and they allow new customers to buy something that feels like a purse without having to pony up the full price of, say, a Chanel Classic Flap Bag.
Whether you call them chain wallets, wallets on chains, WOCs, wallets with straps or some other clunky monicker, they have a basic form: slots for cards, bills and change built into at least one side of the bag’s interior, with a little extra space for a slim smartphone and keys that a regular wallet wouldn’t have. They’re almost always on crossbody straps, and those straps are almost always chain of some sort; the thin, jewelry-like quality of a chain strap complements the bags’ small proportions.
Most brands make their WOCs in basic leather for clients looking for a good value, but the grab-and-go popularity of these bags has recently spawned exotic versions as well. Below, we’ve assembled the chain wallet offerings from all the biggest brands, plus a few more that you should definitely know about.
Akris Anouk Wallet on a Chain
$1,190 via Nordstrom
Burberry Madison Wallet on a Chain
$850 via Nordstrom
Chanel Lizard Wallet on Chain Bag
Price Upon Request via Chanel
Coach Wallet with Chain
$195 via Coach
Dolce & Gabbana Mini Von Wallet
$995 via Nordstrom
Fendi Wallet on a Chain
$1,100 via Nordstrom
Givenchy Pandora Chain Wallet
$1,195 via Saks
Gucci Icon Leather Wallet with Strap
$730 via Gucci
Kate Spade Flamingo Wallet
$268 via Shopbop
Kenzo Kalifornia Waterproof Leather Wallet on a Chain
$325 via Nordstrom
Louis Vuitton Twist Chain Wallet
$1,620 via Louis Vuitton
MCM Color Visetos Crossbody Wallet
$460 via Saks
Nancy Gonzalez Wallet on a Chain Bag
$1,750 via Saks
Prada Python Wallet on a Chain
$1,150 via Bergdorf Goodman
Proenza Schouler PS1 Large Chain Wallet
$1,125 via Proenza Schouler
Saint Laurent Monogramme Wallet on a Chain
$1,490 via Net-a-Porter
Salvatore Ferragamo Miss Vara Wallet on a Chain
$695 via Bloomingdale’s
Tom Ford Natalia Wallet on Chain Bag
$1,490 via Neiman Marcus
Tory Burch Robinson Leather Wallet on a Chain
$295 via Nordstrom
Valentino Rockstud Chain Wallet
$1,045 via Saks
The Anouk WOC is a stunner and the Ferragamo looks soooo well constructed. Still, that Kate Spade is frickin’ cute.
I have the Ferragamo Vara clutch wallet on my list, in black though
That KS flamingo wallet is fab. Very perishable but still fab.
The Hermes Mini Convoyeur is still my favorite cross-body wallet on the market!
You forgot the Bottega Veneta mini messenger. I suppose it’s more than a WOC, but it is the best little everyday little clutch/wallet with a chain I keep detached and inside the bag for times when I may need it. It’s the most functional luxury piece I’ve ever owned.
Great Post! Love the Prada Wallet on Chain 😀
I don’t really like Wallets on chain, but no one would have to twist my arm to get the LV, YSL, or Nancy Gonzalez. They are all beautiful for different reasons.
That Coach one is the cutest!
The Saint Laurent is definitely the winner for me.
My only issue is that when tried it on at saks, you can’t crossbody it! It is strictly a shoulder bag..not sure how I feel but I do love the design. On the saint Laurent page I did see a crossbody bag that I may opt for( saint Laurent Paris bag).
Out of the bunch it’s the most elegant right?
I’m disappointed and disheartened that this website would still promote Dolce and Gabbana after their appalling views on gay marriage, equality, and gay men adopting and having children. As a gay man, I am disgusted at two homosexual designers that used to be lovers. Their views and publicity surrounding them are atrocious! I would not be caught dead wearing any of their designs and contribute to such disgusting human beings. To be honest, their designs and creations went out in the 90’s. Purseblog I expected more from you and I hope you look into this topic and quit featuring designs from a homophobic so called designers!
Love the Kate Spade!
I love love love this article! Please do more in the near future on more various priced wallets. 🙂 My fave is the Prada Python, stunning! I do carry many styles of the Coach wallets though. They hold up very well.
I love this article! It is very on trend! Can you discuss more about which designers make small wallets that would fit into mini bags?
I’m very surprise there’s no Dior promenade pouch here. It has the best design and sizing IMHO.