Survive the Heat of Summer With the Best Personal Portable Fans

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

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.

Mini Portable Wireless Fan

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

Handheld Silk Folding Fan

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

Bladeless Fan

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!”

Mighty Monarch Hand Fan

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!”

Woven Paradisio Fan

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.”

Handheld Mini Fan

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.”

Cerere Raffia Hand Fan

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

Rechargeable Portable Pocket Fan

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)

Vibrant Fan

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 Wood Hand Fan

Fans of Bridgerton will feel as fancy as their favorite characters with this chic wooden fan.

Material: Wood

Power source: Manual

Mini Handheld Fan

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.”

Major Glow™ Setting Fan

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.”

Cooling Fan & Power Bank

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)

Silk Hand Fans

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

Phone Fan Pink

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

Black Lace Folding Fan

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.”

Set of 3 Assorted Fans

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

Bladeless Fan

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!!”

White Folding Fans

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.”

Small Round Hand Fan

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!”

What to Look For in a Portable Fan

Sound: No matter how unapologetic I feel about needing to cool myself off on a hot day, I never want to broadcast it with a loud, obvious noise. Electric fans are typically made to be quiet, so you won’t have to worry about those other than a muted buzz. Foldable fans are as loud as your fanning technique. Whether you want to “thwoop” or not is up to you.

Power source/effort: If people aren’t immediately awed by the fabulosity of a paper fan once I pull it out, they ask, “Isn’t that more effort than it’s worth?” I personally don’t mind fanning myself with a paper or silk fan, but I do get the appeal of not needing to. That’s where electric fans come into play. They’re easy and practical and require minimal physical effort. However, you do have to make sure they’re charged up or their batteries are current.

Durability: The whole point of a personal fan is to keep it with you at all times. That means throwing it in your beach or work bag or keeping one in your going-out purse, where it’ll get knocked around, spilled on, crushed, and bent. Some fans are better than others in this respect. Electric fans will be pretty durable since they’re made out of plastic rather than paper or cloth. The more dainty foldable fans might be more fragile, so consider ones that easily fold up or have protective end barriers. Wear and tear is natural over time, it just means you’re using it. And that’s why with foldable fans, it’s best to have multiple to replace as you go!

You Might Also Like

• The 15 Best Organic And Clean Shampoos For Any And All Hair Types

• 100 Gifts That Are $50 Or Under (And Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are)