Portable fans are everywhere this summer: on sweaty commutes, in stuffy meetings, and at shadeless sporting events. Neck fans, handheld electronic fans, and water-spritzing models are selling out fast as the hot weather persists.
However, electric fans come with drawbacks. They consume energy and can run out of battery. Most are made from plastic, raising concerns about how many poor-quality models will end up in landfill once the summer ends.
The hand fan alternative
There is another way: the hand fan. Using age-old human power rather than electronics, these concertina-fold fans never run out of juice. They are super-affordable—the cheapest option below is £3.50—and are gorgeous objects in their own right, with a long history as fashion accessories.
Hand fans have been seen all over the front rows at Paris couture week. As fashion writer Jess Cartner-Morley put it: “Paper fans are so much more chic.”
Best foldable hand fans
- £7 at Accessorize
- £6 at John Lewis
- £3.50 at Flying Tiger
- £15 at the Japanese Shop
- £4.49 at Tesco
- £35 at the Small Home
- £9.99 at H&M
- £17.14 at Etsy
- £7 at Accessorize
- £58 at Khu Khu
- £24 at Free People
- £12 at Royal Ballet & Opera
- £10 at About Living
- £17.99 at Parfois
- £15.90 at Etsy
Stay cool without electronics
For more tips, read our guide on how to sleep in a heatwave and readers’ top tips for staying cool.
