The best hand fans from $2 that will help to combat the hot weather

Even in the era of global boiling, you can still keep your cool with any of these portable and chic hand fans.

By Aaron Kok - 2 Nov 2023

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Bestie, wake up, we're officially living in global boiling times.

If you've stepped outside of the cool and air-conditioned space of a mall, office, or your bedroom, you're likely to be greeted by the stinging heat and humidity that is Singapore's weather. Yes, the first thing anyone wants to do is duck back into the AC, but if that's not an option for you (because you have to run errands and you can't live the live of a hermit stuck in an air-conditioned room forever), then keep any of these portable hand fans stowed in your purse.

Best part? They're all great at keeping you cool on the go whilst looking cute, and most of them won't add to your electricity bill.

Chinese folding fan, $1.98, Shopee

1/10

Great for: Customising it with your own artwork

Given its affordability, stock up on a couple of them and let your creative streak run wild with them. You're guaranteed a unique hand fan by the end of it.

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Printed wooden fan, $29.90, Oysho

2/10

Great for: Beach days

Choose between an orange or blue colourway to go with your poolside fits.

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Love Lynxes hand fan, £69 (S$118), Khu Khu at Wolf & Badger

3/10

Great for: Your feline-loving friends

Inspired by vintage matchboxes, this eye-catching design features a cotton fabric folding body for added durability.

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Portable fan, from $39, Shopee

4/10

Great for: When you don't have the arm strength to use a manual fan

With 100 fan speeds and up to 18.5 hours of battery life, it's like having your own personal AC on the go.

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Paris fan, €65 (S$95), Duvelleroy

5/10

Great for: Subtly hinting to your SO on where your next vacation should be

Considered one of the best fan makers in the business, Duvelleroy fans are handmade in Spain, using high-grade cotton and Sycamore wood frames.

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Melting fan, $23.19, Etsy

6/10

Great for: Subtly hinting to the world how you feel in the heat

With this fan, you'll never have to answer another "how are you feeling" question ever again.

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Tie dye fan, $28.40, Indivie at Canaan Studio

7/10

Great for: Embracing your green side

The tie dye pattern is a result of hand-dying techniques that use banana trunk fibres to lend a rich, ochre colour to the fabric.

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Herbarium print fan, $830, Gucci

8/10

Great for: Embracing your bougie side

Nothing says "I feel rich" quite like an $800 dollar fan that comes with its own matching casing.

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Printed fan, $307, Pucci at FarFetch

9/10

Great for: Making space on the dance floor

Yes, bringing a fan to a club is a great idea – take it from this writer who's made plenty of one-night-only friends by sharing a fan with them. Best part? The fanning motion somehow helps you clear out a space in the dancefloor as people try to not get smacked by you.

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Spanish Dream Green Flower of Life Silk/Lace Fan, $92 - $108, Sukhari Designs

10/10

Great for: Fantasizing that you're in Spain

Antique silk is hand-dyed in a rich shade of green and overlaid with gold lace, lending this fan a flamenco-esque vibe.

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