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11 Fashionable Handheld Fans to Look and Feel Cool Through the Hottest Days of Summer

Beat the end-of-summer heat while adding some fashionable flair to your OOTD.

By Stacia Datskovska Plus Icon

Stacia Datskovska

Senior Commerce Writer for WWD

Recent Articles by Stacia Datskovska

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August 12, 2025, 1:07pm

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Woman in a sleeveless white dress holds a black handheld fan with tassel outside Viktor & Rolf during Paris Fashion Week

Courtesy Edward Berthelot/ Getty Images

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Best Handheld Fans of 2025

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If the heat wave that tore through the country this summer proved anything, it’s that portable fans might be 2025’s hottest accessory and handbag must-have.

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Living in the Big Apple, WWD Shop’s editors witnessed dozens of urbanites (slash fellow heat-avoiders) stepping outside with their fans all throughout the past few months. Beyond city streets, the handheld fan trend is surging on TikTok, too: where there are currently hundreds of videos of content creators showing off pastel plastic fans bedecked by whimsical keychains and charms or those with an uncanny resemblance to cutesy animals.

Sometimes, though, battery-operated fans just won’t cut it when you want to haul around something that not only pairs well with but amplifies your outfit. So, if you’re on the lookout for a more dramatic and glamorous way to maintain a normal body temperature this season, we’d be remiss not to redirect you to the original handheld fans that are having a major fashion moment as we speak.

During Copenhagen Fashion Week, which ended last week, many burgeoning trends popped up on the savviest of European dressers: like the thong sandals that every It-girl seems to be wearing these days and crochet hats heavily inspired by vintage nightcaps. Also spotted countless times were handheld fans — carried by attendees at shows like Jacquemus and Viktor&Rolf, where they served as essential pieces of the ensembles in question and weren’t just practical tools for staying cool. The old-school, foldable fans were matched to red bandana headscarves, puffy headbands, button-ups, oversized blazers, sparkling platform sandals, and everything in between: acting as statement-makers in their own right.

Copenhagen Fashion Week was fertile ground for some sartorial experimentation with handheld fans. Here, attendees pair them with everything from red bandana headscarves and tulle skirts to oversized blazers. Courtesy Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Earlier this summer at Paris Fashion Week, a similar pattern unfolded, with showgoers pulling together their outfits using dramatic handheld fans. French-Malian singer-songwriter Aya Nakamura, for example, held up her old-school, foldable fan while wearing a sheer, halter-neck gown featuring striped embroidery; French model and fashion designer Ines de la Fressange, too, used a white fan to add even more texture to her high-waisted linen pants, starched shirt, and woven crossbody bag.

Earlier, Paris Fashion Week guests also sported a variety of foldable fans, including those that featured elegant tassels. Courtesy Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

In June, folding fans made a menswear appearance when Milan Fashion Week guests employed them in lieu of clutches. Outside the Giorgio Armani show, one such trendsetter chose a bright-blue fan that was a perfect fit for his polo shirt of the same hue, leading to a look that was nothing if not composed and coordinated. And for the Royal Ascot as well, racegoers resorted to fans not only to mitigate the effects of the British heat but also to magnify the elegance of their getups (the fans truly looked très chic next to cocktail dresses and sculptural hats).

It’s clear that hand fans of the non-automatic variety — now available in a myriad of versions, from raffia-based to wood-and-paper designs — are having a renaissance, but the origin of these hot-day essentials can actually be traced back to 4,000 years ago in ancient Egypt. There, they were not only used for religious ceremonies but also considered a symbol of power, to the point of being found in King Tut’s tomb. At the time, the fans were nothing short of elaborate (think ostrich feathers, golden handles, and precious stone overlays).

Folding fan depicting scenes from Homer’s “Odyssey.” Courtesy Sepia Times/Getty Images

Folding fans specifically are believed to have originated in Japan, after which they were absorbed by Europe’s high society: captured in portraits of Catherine de’ Medici and other noblewomen across the continent. Notably, Louis XIV loved to commission fans, seeking to keep their production internal to France, and they soon became a kind of carte blanche for the prevailing art styles of the day — bearing Rococo illustrations, scenes from classical Greek mythology and the Bible, plus depictions of monuments that inspired pride. According to the Swiss National Museum, some fans were also decorated with “short poems, charades, conversational games, or rebus puzzles with which the ladies could occupy themselves when bored.”

Portrait of Catherine de’ Medici, Queen of France, with a fan in her right hand. Courtesy Sepia Times/Getty Images

If the first image of foldable hand fans that comes to your mind is something straight out of “Bridgerton,” know that the TV show accurately portrayed their prevalence in Regency-era England and the trend among aristocratic women of treating them as a coquettish flirting tool during social interactions. In this day and age, you’re unlikely to meet the gaze of a stranger across the subway fluttering their hand fan to signify their interest in you, but these manual cooling devices still have a firm foothold in the cultural zeitgeist.

Decades ago, the late Karl Lagerfeld was frequently photographed with a fan in hand as he attended high-profile events, to the point of it becoming his sartorial signature. Audrey Hepburn also clutched a handheld fan in “War and Peace,” and the item was more recently found in the hands of A-listers from Taylor Swift to Beyoncé, usually meticulously coordinated with their OOTDs. All in all, it’s safe to say the allure of this age-old way of preventing your makeup from melting has not been lost on the current generation.

Karl Lagerfeld holding a foldable fan in Paris, France, circa 1995. Courtesy Ellen Graham/Getty Images

Nowadays, the market is replete with accordion-style fans: confirming that, while their spinning counterparts might unburden your wrist, old-school sophistication will always be en vogue. Luxury fashion houses have released their own iterations, including Dior’s toile-printed fan; Loewe’s now-sold-out, beach-ready palm and wood creation; Prada’s similarly unavailable striped fan with a leather strap and the iconic triangle logo in charm form; and the Pucci Iride Print Fan, whose pink cotton fabric is ideal for adding freshness to summer and transitional-weather ‘fits. If the price tags of the above offerings are sending you into a sweat-inducing spiral that can only be remedied by a handheld fan, fear not — plenty of budget-conscious alternatives exist that are no less aesthetically pleasing and good at what they do.

Below, the chicest handheld fans across all price points that we recommend shopping before summer is over, because warm-weather comfort shouldn’t come at the cost of your meticulous style.

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Poouty Folding Hand Fan

$9.99 $10.99 9% off

Buy Now at amazon

There’s nothing more classic than an all-black hand fan that acts like a chameleon in relation to your fashion choices. This Amazon pick from Poouty is lightweight, has waterproof bamboo slats that are anything but flimsy, and clocks in at only 13 inches in length when folded (meaning you can store it in a tote bag like the Brooklyn Shoulder Bag without a second thought). As an added bonus, it opens with a clack that will draw the attention you want, making this top choice just as ideal for dancing Flamenco as it is for walking down the street with a bit of attitude.

Price upon publish date of this article: $9.99

Gucci Large Flora Print Fan

$580

Buy Now at gucci

Gucci’s Flora Print Fan makes tapping into boujee maximalism easy. A new arrival, this luxury pick boasts the archival, vibrant-as-can-be Flora print and is composed out of delicate, swoon-worthy silk satin. Because you deserve to shop from labels that are highly attentive to detail, the fan also benefits from a hanging Double-G charm and comes in a leather pouch that lives up to the status of the item it houses. This is a handheld fan you’ll be proud to open up at weddings, date nights, and every event in between — letting the intricate patterning speak for itself, while generating a much-appreciated breeze.

Price upon publish date of this article: $580

Aspinal of London Hand Fan and Fan Case

$240

Buy Now at aspinal of london

Aspinal of London is a British brand producing luxe, heirloom-quality leather goods and accessories. Here, the finest full-grain leather swaths the fan case — an essential part of the set that also includes a crafted-in-Spain hand fan with a cotton rim outfitted in a print evocative of the English countryside. As you indulge in the visuals of cheerful birds and verdant branches, take a moment to savor the portable fan’s birch wood ribs, too, which bear the Abanico Español guild seal (the brand calls this the ultimate “mark of authenticity and superior artisanship”).

Price upon publish date of this article: $240

All Across Africa Large Desert Fan

$90

Buy Now at free people

Handwoven in Ghana from natural fibers and colored with organic dyes, this eye-catching beaut is better known as a bolga fan: traditionally owned by Ghanaian queens, made out of elephant grass, and famous for its color-happy finishes. Staying true to Free People’s bohemian inspirations, the fan can also be converted into a piece of boho-chic decor: looking just as show-stopping next to a macrame plant hanger as it does beside your go-to linen dress.

Price upon publish date of this article: $90

OMyTea Folding Hand Fan

$12.99

Buy Now at amazon

The title of “Amazon’s Choice” signifies that this hand fan, which was purchased over 1,000 times in the last month, is one you shouldn’t overlook during your next shopping spree. We’re particularly big fans (get it?) of its design: replicating “Under the Wave off Kanagawa” while being manufactured out of high-quality silk fabric and bamboo. Put it in your purse and take it out as needed, dancing the night away at an upcoming function. The purchase will seamlessly compliment wedding guest dresses in similar color palettes, as well as every other late-summer fashion find in your closet.

Price upon publish date of this article: $12.99

Olive & Iris Seashell Straw Hand Fan

$18

Buy Now at free people

We don’t know what we love more about this style staple: its seashell-inspired silhouette or the fact that the fan is woven out of lightweight rattan that’s trending right now in resortwear. Visually captivating and evocative of a leisurely day spent on a tropical island, it will become a conversation piece in your home and in your hand.

Price upon publish date of this article: $18

Khu Khu Strawberry Splash Hand Fan

$90 $112 20% off

Buy Now at wolf & badger

Handmade in Spain by a brand whose mission it is to rejuvenate the hand-fan market, this bestseller will help you win “strawberry girl summer” (which totally should stick around for fall, if you ask us). Everything — from those silver details on the painted wooden sticks to the highly saturated, brilliant graphics of the season’s best fruit — feels fun and fresh here, without ever sacrificing quality construction.

Price upon publish date of this article: $90

The Citizenry Bolga Fan

$142 $259 45% off

Buy Now at the citizenry

The Citizenry’s bolga fan offerings stay true to their rich heritage by coming from the hands of Bolgatanga artisans and harnessing locally sourced materials. This one’s natural coloring will suit your most vibrant swimwear, summer dresses, and texture-rich staples for autumn; the brand also recommends repurposing the fan as a wall hanging when not actively in use.

Price upon publish date of this article: $142

H&M Scalloped-Edge Fan

$7.99 $9.99 20% off

Buy Now at h&m

In case your preferences lean more black-and-white, we’re here to introduce you to this color-blocked stunner whose scalloped edges might mirror the hemline of your favorite gown. Reach for it each time you want to feel a touch more glam, as you stroll around a new city or attend a work party.

Price upon publish date of this article: $7.99

Palma Canaria Embroidered Ciao Appliqué Straw Fan

$65

Buy Now at everything but water

Woven straw bags are hot as can be right now… and so are woven straw fans. This product’s light-colored fibers are contrasted by pitch-black embroidery and a tassel to match; it will come in handy when you’re saying “ciao” to your Euro Summer vacation or hitting up an outdoor soirée to toast to summer’s end.

Price upon publish date of this article: $65

Salutto Leopard-Printed Hand Fan

$8.99

Buy Now at amazon

This gem might make it so that your best fashion investment this year ends up costing less than $10. Channeling 2025’s animal print trend (considered a neutral at this point), its cotton fabric folds and unfolds at ease — and will be at your service whenever you want to cool off or else just admire the timeless design. Amazon reviewers praise the fan’s durability, thickness, and accompanying protective pouch. Great as a party favor, it’s also one of those high-value self-care purchases you’ll be turning to year after year.

Price upon publish date of this article: $8.99

How to Style Handheld Fans in Summer and Fall

The Citizenry Bolga Fan Styled With: Staud Lucca Silk Dress in Farmers Market Leaf, $550; Verafied Dark Cherry Shoulder Bag, $248; Stuart Weitzman Rio Leather Kitten-Heel Thong Sandals, $395; Ettika Private Island Assorted Shell Necklace, $70

Gucci Large Flora Print Fan Styled With: Boden Button Detail Mix Dress, $169; Carel Kina Patent Mary Jane Ballerina Pumps, $550; Isabel Marant Hanabi Earrings, $370

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Meet the Author

Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales events, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska regularly reports on the hot-right-now accessories worth shoppers’ time.

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11 Fashionable Handheld Fans to Look and Feel Cool Through the Hottest Days of Summer

Recent Articles by Stacia Datskovska

Best Handheld Fans of 2025

Poouty Folding Hand Fan

Gucci Large Flora Print Fan

Aspinal of London Hand Fan and Fan Case

All Across Africa Large Desert Fan

OMyTea Folding Hand Fan

Olive & Iris Seashell Straw Hand Fan

Khu Khu Strawberry Splash Hand Fan

The Citizenry Bolga Fan

H&M Scalloped-Edge Fan

Palma Canaria Embroidered Ciao Appliqué Straw Fan

Salutto Leopard-Printed Hand Fan

Related Articles

Poouty Folding Hand Fan

Gucci Large Flora Print Fan

Aspinal of London Hand Fan and Fan Case

All Across Africa Large Desert Fan

OMyTea Folding Hand Fan

Olive & Iris Seashell Straw Hand Fan

Khu Khu Strawberry Splash Hand Fan

The Citizenry Bolga Fan

H&M Scalloped-Edge Fan

Palma Canaria Embroidered Ciao Appliqué Straw Fan

Salutto Leopard-Printed Hand Fan

How to Style Handheld Fans in Summer and Fall

Why Trust WWD

Meet the Author

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