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Survive the Final Dog Days of Summer With the Best Personal Portable Fans
Keep your cool in the most fabulous way possible.
Fan us off, we’ve been hot hot HOT this summer, and it’s not just because of Beyonce’s Renaissance tour. Between summer heat waves (thanks, climate change) and the rise of campy behavior, personal handheld fans are more necessary than ever.
Sure, they’re nothing new. As a sweaty Southern woman, it’s part of my DNA to carry a foldable fan in the summer, if not year-round. I have one for almost every occasion, in every bag—from crossbodies to canvas totes—like lip balm or mint gum. Once a conversation starter whenever I would pull one out, handheld fans are now ubiquitous. Both fabulous and practical, they’re simply necessary to keep your cool, and now that everyone’s finally come to that conclusion, there are plenty to choose from.
Whether you prefer the ease of an electric fan or the unapologetic elegance of a Japanese-inspired foldable fan, there’s just no reason to break a sweat during these dog days of summer. On the beach, on the train, in the club, walking down the street, or sitting at the park, stay cool during the hottest year on record with our guide to fandom below.
Lexon Mini Portable Wireless Fan
Pros
- Wireless use and charging
- Works up to 5 hours
- 3 speed settings
Cons
Chic and easy, this fan can be taken anywhere, and you can even charge it on a wireless charging plate.
Dimensions: Length: 3.11 inches x width: 1.88 inches x height: 5.19 inches
Power source: Rechargeable via USB-C (cable included) or wirelessly
Buddha Stones Handheld Silk Folding Fan
Buddha Stones Handheld Silk Folding Fan
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Chic and simple design
Cons
- Manual fanning required
This fan is as classic and traditional as it gets without being too obvious. It’s practical, yet fabulous.
Material: Silk fabric, premium Bamboo
Dimensions: 43-44 cms unfolded
Power source: Manual
EBL Bladeless Fan
Pros
- Bladeless and easy
Cons
- On the smaller side
While this fan is technically for lash extension appointments, why not use it for daily fanning? It’s mini, portable, and bladeless, which makes it perfect to take on the go.
Power source: Rechargeable via USB-C (cable included)
Customer review: “It’s the perfect size and it works great!”
Khu Khu Mighty Monarch Hand Fan
Khu Khu Mighty Monarch Hand Fan
Pros
- Eye-catching design
Cons
- Manual fanning required
For those after a more gorgeous option, try a printed foldable fan from Khu Khu!
Materials: Black painted AEA standard wooden sticks and high-grade cotton
Dimensions: 46 cm unfolded
Power source: Manual
Customer review: “I love the design and the quality is great!”
VillageThrive Woven Paradisio Fan
Pros
- Easy handheld shape
Cons
- Manual fanning required
- Does not fold/not compact
Perfect for throwing in a beach bag or bringing to the park, these fans might not be foldable, but their woven texture can withstand daily use, and they’re beautiful to look at!
Material: Palm Leaf
Dimensions: Small: Length: 11 inches x width: 9 inches; Large: Length: 12.5 inches x width: 10 inches
Power source: Manual
Customer review: “Absolutely perfect.”
JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan
Pros
- Foldable or handheld
- Compact and durable
- Also acts as a backup phone charger
Cons
- Requires batteries
Super easy and compact, this fan is perfect to throw into any bag, big or small. It also acts as a backup phone charger, giving it a dual purpose!
Dimensions: Length: 46 inches x width: 1.57 inches x height: 4.72 inches
Power source: Battery powered
Customer review: “It has exceeded all my expectations! This little device is packed with incredible features that make it a must-have for anyone in need of a portable cooling solution.”
Ara Sunwear Cerere Raffia Hand Fan
Pros
- Gorgeous colorways and designs
- Perfect for the vacation vibe
- Uniquely crafted in Ecuador
Cons
- Manual fanning required
- Not foldable
Perfect for an island vacation, or if you want to act like you brought it back from one, this fan from Ara Sunwear is colorful and chic, and a great accessory on hot summer days.
Power source: Manual
Uncommon Goods Rechargeable Portable Pocket Fan
Pros
- Comes with loop to hang on your bag or pocket
- Small and quiet
Cons
Super small and portable, you can set this mini fan anywhere for an added chill.
Dimensions: Diameter: 2.5 inches x height: 1.8 inches
Power source: Rechargeable via USB-C (cable included)
Kazi Vibrant Fan
Pros
- Handcrafted in Ghana
Cons
- Manual fanning required
- Not foldable
Intricately woven designs make this fan both gorgeous and useful!
Material: Elephant grass
Dimensions: Length: 15 inches
Power source: Manual
Customer review: “Love the scale of the fan, you can feel the hand-crafted difference. It tells a story to be shared.”
Bridgerton Bridgerton Wood Hand Fan
Pros
- Chic wooden design
Cons
- Manual fanning required
Fans of Bridgerton will feel as fancy as their favorite characters with this chic wooden fan.
Material: Wood
Power source: Manual
TriPole Mini Handheld Fan
Pros
- Strong battery life
- Two speeds
Cons
For those who just need some relief on hot summer days, try this no-nonsense mini fan.
Dimensions: Length: 1 inches x width: 3.1 inches x height: 6.7 inches
Power source: Rechargeable via USB-C (cable included)
Customer review: “Small enough to carry in my purse, but strong enough to actually help on hot days.”
Patrick Ta Major Glow™ Setting Fan
Pros
- Made by a makeup professional
Cons
- Manual fanning required
Makeup artists sometimes use fans to set makeup quickly, so why not emulate the experts? Use it for your beauty routine or in your everyday!
Material: Synthetic fibers
Power source: Manual
Customer review: “This fan is such high quality, not to mention stunning! I feel so luxurious as I use it every day to speed up the drying process of my skincare routine.”
Multitasky Cooling Fan & Power Bank
Pros
- Also works as a phone charger
- Easily compactable
Cons
If you miss your flip phone, take solace in this electric fan that will fold, flip, and never fumble.
Dimensions: Length: 3.15 inches x depth: 0.71 inches x height: 6.57 inches
Power source: Rechargeable via USB-C (cable included)
Paper Lantern Store Silk Hand Fans
Pros
- Easy to keep around
Cons
- Manual fanning required
When it comes to paper and silk fans, buying in bulk isn’t a bad idea. Keep one in every bag and you’ll never find yourself lacking.
Material: Silk and bamboo
Dimensions: Length: 9 inches x width: 15.5 inches
Power source: Manual
Francesca’s Phone Fan Pink
Pros
- Easily plugs into your phone
Cons
- Could deplete phone battery
- Reduces ability to use phone
For those with ultra mini purses (I’m raising my hand), this teeny tiny phone fan is for you. Just be careful to keep a watch on your phone battery.
Dimensions: Length: 5.19 inches x depth: 1.88 inches x height: 3.11 inches
Power source: Phone
Light in the Box Black Lace Folding Fan
Light in the Box Black Lace Folding Fan
Pros
- Chic lace design
Cons
- Manual fanning required
Of course, we need a sexy, sophisticated option here. Lace fans are full of allure, without losing their practicality.
Dimensions: 28 cm unfolded
Power source: Manual
Customer review: “Lovely fan, perfect accessory to finish off your outfit.”
Black Roots Set of 3 Assorted Fans
Pros
- Authentically crafted in Africa
- Comes with matching pouch
Cons
- Manual fanning required
Show off your spirited side with these vibrant foldable fans. Buy multiple to keep one with you wherever you go!
Material: Ankara fabric and genuine leather handle
Dimensions: Length: 15 inches x width: 11.5 inches
Power source: Manual
The Lash Professional Bladeless Fan
Pros
- Portable & quiet
- Bladeless
Cons
Another fan used by lash artists, this bladeless fan is great to carry wherever you go. It’s super compact and without blades, super durable!
Customer review: “I take this fan everywhere I go! It is slim and compact, the perfect traveling size, and is so reliable!!”
Cosweet White Folding Fans
Pros
- Closable to stay clean/protected
- Easily compactable
Cons
- Manual fanning required
If you want to know which fan I carry in my work purse, it’s this exact one. I love that it’s foldable with a protective case, so even though it’s paper, it stays intact. Mine has definitely seen better days, but it's lasted for years (full disclosure, I got mine at a nightclub...so she’s durable).
Dimensions: Length: 10.2 inches x width: 9 inches
Power source: Manual
What people are saying: “These fans came in super handy! They are good quality, useful and super cute.”
Free People Small Round Hand Fan
Pros
- Sturdy design
- Could also be used as decor
Cons
- Manual fanning required
- Not foldable
Cute, round, and practical, this fan is great on vacation or on your wall as decor!
Material: Elephant grass
Dimensions: Length: 15 inches
Power source: Manual
Customer review: “The handle is wrapped in leather and it really does work. Looks artsy when not in use. So glad I snagged one!”
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