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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.

By Madison Rexroat
portable fans
Photos Courtesy of Brands

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.

  • Mini Portable Wireless Fan

    The Wireless Winner

    Lexon Mini Portable Wireless Fan

    $40 at lexon-design.com
    Read more
  • Handheld Silk Folding Fan

    The Classic Foldable Fan

    Buddha Stones Handheld Silk Folding Fan

    Read more
  • Bladeless Fan
  • Mighty Monarch Hand Fan

    For the Social (and sweaty) Butterfly

    Khu Khu Mighty Monarch Hand Fan

    Read more
  • Woven Paradisio Fan

    Sleek & Chic

    VillageThrive Woven Paradisio Fan

    Read more

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.

The Wireless Winner

Lexon Mini Portable Wireless Fan

Mini Portable Wireless Fan
The Wireless Winner

Lexon Mini Portable Wireless Fan

$40 at lexon-design.com
Credit: Courtesy
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

    The Classic Foldable Fan

    Buddha Stones Handheld Silk Folding Fan

    Handheld Silk Folding Fan
    The Classic Foldable Fan

    Buddha Stones Handheld Silk Folding Fan

    Now 29% Off
    Credit: Courtesy
    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

    The Bladeless Fan

    EBL Bladeless Fan

    Bladeless Fan
    The Bladeless Fan

    EBL Bladeless Fan

    Credit: Courtesy
    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!”

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    For the Social (and sweaty) Butterfly

    Khu Khu Mighty Monarch Hand Fan

    Mighty Monarch Hand Fan
    For the Social (and sweaty) Butterfly

    Khu Khu Mighty Monarch Hand Fan

    Credit: Courtesy
    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!

    Sleek & Chic

    VillageThrive Woven Paradisio Fan

    Woven Paradisio Fan
    Sleek & Chic

    VillageThrive Woven Paradisio Fan

    Now 10% Off
    Credit: Courtesy
    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.

    The All-In-One

    JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan

    Handheld Mini Fan
    The All-In-One

    JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan

    Now 28% Off
    Credit: Courtesy
    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.

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        The Resort Wonder

        Ara Sunwear Cerere Raffia Hand Fan

        Cerere Raffia Hand Fan
        The Resort Wonder

        Ara Sunwear Cerere Raffia Hand Fan

        Credit: Courtesy
        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

        The Pocket Fan

        Uncommon Goods Rechargeable Portable Pocket Fan

        Rechargeable Portable Pocket Fan
        The Pocket Fan

        Uncommon Goods Rechargeable Portable Pocket Fan

        Credit: Courtesy
        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)

          The Artisanal Fan

          Kazi Vibrant Fan

          Vibrant Fan
          The Artisanal Fan

          Kazi Vibrant Fan

          Credit: Courtesy
          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.

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          For Romantics

          Bridgerton Bridgerton Wood Hand Fan

          Bridgerton Wood Hand Fan
          For Romantics

          Bridgerton Bridgerton Wood Hand Fan

          Credit: Courtesy
          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

          The Straightforward Classic

          TriPole Mini Handheld Fan

          Mini Handheld Fan
          The Straightforward Classic

          TriPole Mini Handheld Fan

          Now 30% Off
          Credit: Courtesy
          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.

            Perfect for Your Beauty Routine

            Patrick Ta Major Glow™ Setting Fan

            Major Glow™ Setting Fan
            Perfect for Your Beauty Routine

            Patrick Ta Major Glow™ Setting Fan

            Credit: Courtesy
            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.

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            The Multitasker

            Multitasky Cooling Fan & Power Bank

            Cooling Fan & Power Bank
            The Multitasker

            Multitasky Cooling Fan & Power Bank

            Credit: Courtesy
            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)

              The Simple Classic

              Paper Lantern Store Silk Hand Fans

              Silk Hand Fans
              The Simple Classic

              Paper Lantern Store Silk Hand Fans

              Credit: Courtesy
              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

              The Phone Extension

              Francesca’s Phone Fan Pink

              Phone Fan Pink
              The Phone Extension

              Francesca’s Phone Fan Pink

              Now 50% Off
              Credit: Courtesy
              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

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              Effortless Elegance

              Light in the Box Black Lace Folding Fan

              Black Lace Folding Fan
              Effortless Elegance

              Light in the Box Black Lace Folding Fan

              Now 58% Off
              Credit: Courtesy
              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.

              Vibrant & Cool

              Black Roots Set of 3 Assorted Fans

              Set of 3 Assorted Fans
              Vibrant & Cool

              Black Roots Set of 3 Assorted Fans

              Credit: Courtesy
              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

              Perfectly Portable

              The Lash Professional Bladeless Fan

              Bladeless Fan
              Perfectly Portable

              The Lash Professional Bladeless Fan

              Credit: Courtesy
              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!!

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                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.

                Functional & Fabulous

                Free People Small Round Hand Fan

                Small Round Hand Fan
                Functional & Fabulous

                Free People Small Round Hand Fan

                Credit: Courtesy
                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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