As a Brit, I’m not really built for the heat. While others bake happily for hours, I’m donning the biggest hat I can find and frantically looking for the nearest air-conditioned room. I'm also quite pale, with the kind of skin that looks orange with only a whisper of bronzer, and for whom a spray tan is simply off-limits. If I'm not very careful, I end up lobster red after five minutes in the sun; either from the heat or from not absolutely slathering every inch of my body in SPF, or more likely both.
But one recent purchase has made a big difference to my comfort levels in warmer climes – and that's a £12 electric fan. I know, I know. A fan for hot weather? Groundbreaking. But this simple, obvious addition to my handbag has made such a difference to my comfort levels while abroad that I can’t believe I didn’t have one before. I’ve spent years of my life quietly overheating on a sun lounger in my long sleeves or sitting inside stoically reading a book alone when I could have just… bought this.
It's accompanied me to Portugal, Spain and France this year already and, closer to home, it’s also been a lifesaver on jam-packed tubes at rush hour (although admittedly, nothing can make the central line less hellish during the summer months). As it’s electric, it takes literally no effort to use (if I’m on holiday, I want to move as little as possible) and delivers a consistently powerful airstream. It weighs basically nothing and recharges quickly and easily via my Android phone’s cable.
All in all, it's been a very useful buy for hot and sticky times. It's an absolute hot weather essential for me now, along with a decent hat, pair of sunglasses and some good SPF, of course. I like this John Lewis one, but there are plenty available on Amazon Prime too. See some of our top picks below.
Muji handheld fan
We love Muji’s minimalistic designs and its handheld fan is no exception. It folds for use on a table and to save space in your bag, and recharges quickly via USB.
Makeup Revolution Handheld electric fan
Revolution Beauty’s handheld fan has a clip to attach this to a laptop or mirror. The idea is to use this to set your makeup before slipping it into your bag to use on the go – the included ring light, something no other fan on this list can claim – should help here.
3-in-1 fan, torch and phone charger
This fan comes armed with a mini flashlight and has phone charging capacity, making it an all-round handbag hero. Its folding design means it can be propped up on a table to keep you cool when you stop for an al fresco aperitif.
JISULIFE portable fan
At just under £70, this is considerably more expensive than any other fan on this list. For your additional investment, you’re rewarded with speeds up to three times that of traditional handheld fans, a 15-hour battery life and a digital display so you know when it needs to be charged. Cleverly, it has a turbine that takes in hot air and cools it, rather than blowing about warm air. A carry strap prevents you from dropping it, which is appreciated as it’s a larger investment.
Mountain Warehouse handheld fan
At just £2.99 in the sale, this is the most keenly priced fan on our list. It provides a gentle breeze, and it is powered by traditional batteries which some may find tedious to replace. Still, for a quick and inexpensive way to cool down on the go, this is a good option.
Oliver Bonas fan
A paper fan is a prettier, inexpensive alternative to electric options, which comes with the added advantage that it’ll never run out of power just when you most need it. Oliver Bonas has three vibrant, holiday-ready designs to choose from on a bamboo frame. If you’re looking for something more sustainable, this is likely a better choice than electric options.
Flying Tiger handheld fan
An ombre finish gives this fan from Tiger a decidedly summery feel – perfect for hops across Europe this travel season.
