Every shape and size of bag serves its purpose, but chain wallets serve a lot of them. They’re great for keeping your hands free and your load light while running errands, they keep your essentials close by but don’t weigh you down at concerts, they separate your essential travel documents from your big tote at the airport and keep them in easy reach while passing through security. Even if you’re traditionally a big-bag sort of person, you’d probably find a hundred ways to use a chain wallet if you added one to your wardrobe.
The other great thing about chain wallets (or WOCs, as they’re called by Chanel, which popularized the style) is they’re often a brand’s least expensive handbags, which makes them a great way to try out a designer, color or leather you might not be sure about when it comes to a big day bag. Below, we’ve assembled a rundown of the best chain wallets on the market right now, from less than $200 to almost $5,000.