Keep your cool: The best handheld fans to add to your handbag now
Not a fan of the heat? Arm yourself with one of these breezy lifesavers to keep it cool
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Suddenly overwhelmed by the humid heat and finding yourself in a fluster on the morning commute, arriving at work one hot mess? Or soaking up the sun dans la beach on your tropical island getaway and in need of a welcome breeze? Arm yourself with a handheld fan and be ready to take on the summer heat this season and beyond.
Offering a welcome refresh wherever you are, be that the tube, office or beach, they are portable, compact, and easy to slip into your handbag to pull out when the heat gets too much. And there’s no need to compromise on style. While there are plenty of bog standard, and boring handheld fans out there, don’t miss the flurry of stylish, vibrant and utterly chic designs too, that are just as practical and effective. We’re talking the good old-fashioned manual ones that fold out, ooze vintage sophistication and are both dapper and cooling in one.
With that in mind, we’ve curated an edit of the best handheld fans on the market for you to add to your summer capsule wardrobe and keep the hot flushes at bay.
Aspinal of London hand fan & case collection
Meticulous craftsmanship paired with timeless, elegant and quintessentially British style is what Aspinal of London does best. This handheld fan, made from hand-painted ivory birch wood and a lightweight cotton fabric adorned in a beautiful Edwardian Garden print, scores every time. And it comes with its own leather case for seamless and uber sophisticated transportation in your handbag during the hottest of heatwaves.
Khu Khu Napoli red hand fan
Embrace the Napoli spirit with this gorgeous striped handheld fan, akin to the aesthetic of the beach umbrellas you’ll find along the Mediterranean coast. Vibrant and fun with feminine frilly edges, it doesn’t just look good, it will also provide that longed-for breeze you’ve been looking for just when you need it most, whether strolling Milan or Marylebone.
Janara Jones autumn paisley green hand fan
Another colourful design that oozes class even on the hottest of days, Janara Jones’ handheld fan is a handbag must-have for women on the go. Corals and emeralds blend in a beautiful jungle-inspired print so you can fan yourself in the prettiest way. Pack it away in its leather case to keep it in pristine condition for heatwaves to come.
Versace Home Barocco hand fan
Trust Versace to take your average handheld fan and seriously spruce it up to the next luxury level. Known for its rich fabrics and flamboyant patterns, this birch wood and cotton fan is adorned with a fabulous Barocco print for a vintage look. Fanning never looked so chic.
JisuLife handheld fan Pro1S
Less retro, more modern, we thought we’d include at least one electric handheld fan because they seem to be all the rage. JisuLife’s is a firm favourite, perhaps for its powerful speed and 40-hour battery life, or perhaps for its slick and smart aluminium alloy aesthetic. Although a little chunkier to carry around with you, we guarantee you’ll be thankful for this when you head into the underground station.
Free People large desert fan
This handheld fan offers a completely different style that doesn’t sacrifice functionality. . Handwoven in Ghana from 100 per cent elephant grass, it’s lightweight and effortless to use, while the rainbow-patterned design will add an instant joyful, playful flair to your summer wardrobe. Too good to pack away when the warm weather leaves, hang it on your wall when not in use for a bright and quirky addition to your home interiors. We love a multitasker.
Khu Khu Mighty Monarch hand fan
Unleash your flamenco dancing spirit with this gorgeous handheld fan that will keep your temperature down and your style points high. A stunning mix of summery shades in a bold but elegant print, the handmade design is perfect for popping in your bag and coming to the rescue, whether in hot and sunny far-flung destinations or stuck in humid, sticky conditions at home.
John Lewis Anyday handheld fan
And we couldn’t not mention John Lewis’ Anyday fan. Spotted in the hands of Londoners all over the city, it features three-speed settings to deliver quick cooling air whether sardined on the underground or warming up in the office (it has a useful fold-out stand to sit on your desk). Available in a choice of palettes, we’ll be taking ours in the bright sunburst orange for a summery pop of colour.
Read more: What to wear to work in summer
