Sticks: The sticks provide the main skeletal framework of folding and brise’ fans.

Guard Sticks: The outer sticks provide a strong skeleton for a fan and protect the inner sticks. These sticks, which are usually elaborately decorated, are visible when the fan is closed. Mirrors may be attached to add a cosmetic attribute to the fan.

Ribs: The ribs refer to the narrow upper part of the sticks to which a leaf is attached. They are also called slips.

Leaf: The leaf is the main body of a fan, which may be made from a variety of materials such as paper, fabric, lace or skin. It can be either single or double sided and is attached to the ribs with glue, thread and other methods. This is also called the mount.

Rivet: The rivet is a double headed pin that runs through the end of the sticks and guards in both folding and brise’ fans to anchor the sticks. Similar to guard sticks, rivets are often embellished with jewels and the like.

Loop: The loop is a small half round piece of metal, fabric, or other material that is attached to the rivet.

Brise' Fan: This fan is made entirely of sticks held together with ribbon or string. The sticks usually broaden towards the outer end.

Cockade Fan: This type of fan opens to create a complete circle. The guards form a double handle that locks with a loop.

Fixed Fan: A fan that made of a flat surface attached to a single handle. This fan is also called a Hand Screen.

Fontage Fan: A folding or brise’ fan that is shell shaped; the center sticks are longer than the sticks towards the guards.

Folding Fan: A common type of fan with a flexible pleated leaf mounted on sticks.

Jenny Lind Fan: This is a brise’ fan with fabric cut like feathers or petals and mounted on sticks. This style fan became fashionable during the popularity of the vocalist Jenny Lind.