It’s hot in here, and no, it’s not just you. Amid a brutal heat wave, portable fans have emerged as the unexpected hero accessory of this season’s Paris Couture Week shows. Savvy showgoers were spotted with their own mini electric fans in hand, and others were saved by the several major fashion houses that distributed brand-approved versions to attendees keen on cooling down. But the heat wave didn’t start and end in Paris—its punishing temperatures stretched across Europe and the East Coast of the US, soaring temperatures to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
This is only the beginning of the portable fan resurgence. As Emily Gordon-Smith, content director at trends intelligence agency Stylus, recently told Vogue Business, fans will become as essential as one’s favorite water bottle or fitness wearable—you won’t leave the house without one. “So we’re seeing a move away from pure utility and cheap quick-fix purchases toward high-performance premium tech where aesthetics and status matter,” she explains. It’s wise to choose your portable fan with intention.
Vogue’s Favorite Portable Fans
Whether you live on a continent that refuses or embraces air conditioning, the portable fan is an undeniable lifesaver (perhaps quite literally) when braving sweltering conditions. Imagine you’re waiting on the platform for the next available train and you can already feel sweat dripping down your back. Or that restaurant you booked for dinner with friends is just a little too warm for comfort. This is where a little fan tucked away in your bag makes all the difference.
Fortunately, caring around a cooling device is chicer than ever. Traditional paper fans are a classic choice—especially in a unique, can’t-get-anywhere design. Pick one up from your next Tokyo or consider loads of tasteful options on Etsy (like this one embroidered with flowers) or Gucci’s option made from an archival pre-fall 2025 flora print. You can also take your pick of foldable fans in a variety of statement-making colors at Mango and H&M. While these options require zero charging, they do require active participation in fanning yourself.
Those more interested in less strenuous offerings can make a fashionable accessory out of the latest high-tech rechargeables. Shark’s Chill Pill Mini cools with a high-speed fan and refreshing water mist and is available in seven sleek shades. Even more, you can find a wide variety of mini fans for a fraction of the cost. For example, Aecooly’s slim handheld folds like a flip phone to take securely on the go. At just $10, it’s quite the steal.
