IMAGE: BAGAHOLICBOY

What do these 3 pouches have in common? Well, aside from coming in a classic black (a colour that transcends seasons and trends, and is also perfectly safe for the guys), the next common factor among the 3 lies in their sizes. A width of 20 cm, to be specific, with heights ranging from 10 cm to 12 cm depending on the pouch in question. So, what’s so special about this golden size and why are designer brands releasing their versions all around the same time?

For one, the in-between length allows you to use it like a tiny clutch or a long wallet, considering it’s wide enough to hold all your notes flat, with ample space for your cards and coins which can all be thrown in and zipped up nice and secure. Two, it’s also tall enough for your mobile device (yes, even the iPhone XSMax), which makes it the perfect SLG when all you practically need are your barest of essentials, cards, cash and phone included.

Chanel can be credited with creating the OG version, a once seasonal item that has since become a permanent offering after making an appearance in the brand’s Fall-Winter 2018 leather goods line-up. Measuring 19.5 cm by 10.5 cm, Spring-Summer 2019’s version of the Pouch (SGD1410) has a quilted exterior with a grained pattern calfskin pattern. Finished with two card slots in the front slip pocket, and another 3 within the zipped compartment, the pouch is equal parts functional and beautiful.

Saint Laurent takes the cake for the most ‘well-priced’ piece in this trio, and you can say that the Bill Pouch is truly bang-for-your-buck. Measuring 20 cm by 12 cm, this men’s version comes with a flat slip pocket for receipts and folded notes in front and a main zippered compartment for everything else. Finished in a crocodile-embossed leather exterior and a giant silver-tone YSL hardware, this piece will only set you back by SGD500.

The third is Thom Browne’s Fun-Mix Folded Long Wallet, that’s literally the most fun of the lot thanks to the decorative panels front and back which comes in the label’s signature red-white-blue, adding a touch of colour to an otherwise plain black leather body. The panels are also structured in a way to form 3 elongated slip pockets in front, and another 6 external card slots at the back. Everything else from coins to keys and cash will go within the zipped pocket, completed with polished gold hardware for a truly luxurious finish. Priced at SGD940, you can order it directly from Thom Browne’s e-store where free shipping is offered.

IMAGE: BAGAHOLICBOY