Haworth Fern: Configuration and Buying Guide
The Haworth Fern is a task chair built around a patented Wave Suspension back that mimics the spine. It comes in several back materials — including Haworth's signature zero-waste Digital Knit — with optional lumbar and headrest. Choosing the material and options is the main decision before buying. This guide covers its confirmed features, fit and what to check.
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Check these before you buy
The Fern is sold in several materials and option levels that change both look and features. Confirm the version before ordering.
Dimensions and fit
Manufacturer figures come from the maker's official product page; we check them against the Amazon listing before treating them as confirmed. Values we can't confirm for the linked listing are marked as such — take those from the listing you buy from.
| Measurement | Documented value | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Back suspension | Patented Wave Suspension system | Manufacturer-documented |
| Back materials | Digital Knit / mesh / coated fabric / leather / woven | Manufacturer-documented |
| Weight capacity | 350 lb (325 lb with forward-tilt option) | Manufacturer-documented |
| Seat height | 16.5–21.5 in (≈ 419–546 mm) | Manufacturer-documented |
| Seat depth | 15.5–18.5 in (3 in / ≈ 76 mm of adjustment) | Manufacturer-documented |
| Arms | Option: 4D (height, width, depth, pivot); fixed, height-adjustable or armless also offered | Manufacturer-documented |
| Lumbar | Optional height-adjustable lumbar | Manufacturer-documented |
| Headrest | Optional — but not available on Fern Digital Knit | Manufacturer-documented |
| Recline | Tilt tension, 5-position back stop, optional 5° forward tilt | Manufacturer-documented |
| Warranty | 12 years | Manufacturer-documented |
Source: Haworth official product documentation (checked 2026-09-09). Options (material, lumbar, headrest) change the configuration; confirm on the listing you buy from.
Adjustable vs fixed
Design, ergonomics & build — in depth
This guide combines manufacturer specifications with owner reviews from around the world. Check the manufacturer's product information against the exact chair offered by your seller.
Back design and configuration
Haworth describes the Fern's flexible back as its Wave Suspension System. Its US store lists mesh and knit materials among the choices, with optional additional lumbar adjustment. Do not infer the included lumbar, headrest or forward-tilt options from a photo of another configuration.
Dimensions depend on the selected features
The US product page lists seat height of 16.5 to 21.5 inches and seat depth of 15.5 to 18.5 inches. It distinguishes capacity by forward-tilt configuration: 350 lbs without that option and 325 lbs with it. Verify those specifications for the exact listing in your region.
Decide what you need before comparing prices
List your preferred back material, arm adjustments, lumbar option and whether a headrest is required. Confirm the combination in the seller's configuration summary rather than relying on a blanket claim that one fabric always includes or excludes a headrest. This guide is not a first-hand test of comfort, airflow or fit.
Before following a buying link
- Confirm the full model name, selected options and new, used or refurbished condition.
- Check who sells and ships the chair, delivery charges and dispatch timing.
- Read the applicable return window, return costs and warranty terms.
- For an Amazon search, check that the result is a complete chair rather than an accessory or another model.
Amazon links do not establish seller authorization or current stock. Search results and available configurations can change.
View this chair's product page or compare other office-chair buying options.
Strengths and cautions
Drawn from manufacturer documentation and published reviews, not from our own use. Each point names its basis.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Comparisons with key rivals
Rival figures are from published sources and are not verified by Chairpedia. Prices move constantly, so we link out instead of printing a number.
| Model | Lumbar | Armrests | Standout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haworth Fern | Optional height-adjustable | 4D (option) | Wave Suspension, Digital Knit option |
| Herman Miller Aeron (Remastered) | PostureFit SL (option) | Up to fully adjustable | All-mesh icon, 3 sizes, 300–400 lb by size |
| Steelcase Leap V2 | Adjustable height + firmness | 4D | Upholstered LiveBack, 400 lb |
| SIHOO Doro C300 | Self-adaptive dynamic | 3D | Adaptive lumbar at a fraction of the price |
The bottom line
The Fern is Haworth's answer to the premium task-chair question, and its patented Wave Suspension back — which flexes across the whole back rather than at a few points — gives it a genuinely different feel from the Aeron or Leap. The signature Digital Knit is a distinctive, zero-waste look, and the chair offers optional 4D arms, seat-depth adjustment and a 12-year warranty.
Because the Fern is configured, the material and options define your chair. The Digital Knit version has no headrest option; lumbar is an option rather than standard; and the 350 lb capacity (325 lb with forward tilt) trails some rivals. Decide on the back material first, then whether you need lumbar and a headrest, and confirm all of it on the listing. Get the configuration right and the Fern is a strong, distinctive premium pick.
A genuinely different back feel — just choose the material and options deliberately, especially if you want a headrest.
Where to buy
Not verified by Chairpedia: price, seller, stock, material and options vary by listing and change without notice — confirm them before buying. The Amazon link is an affiliate search link; the Haworth link is a direct, non-affiliate link. Commission does not change the price you pay or what this guide says.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Fern materials?+
The back comes in Digital Knit (a zero-waste custom knit), mesh, coated fabric, leather or woven materials. Digital Knit is the signature look; mesh maximises airflow. The material affects feel and price.
Does the Fern have a headrest?+
A headrest is optional on the Fern — except on the Fern Digital Knit, which does not offer one. Choose a non-Digital-Knit back if you want a headrest.
Is lumbar support included?+
Height-adjustable lumbar is an option, not standard on every configuration. Check whether a listing includes it if you need lumbar support.
What is the weight capacity?+
Haworth warranties the Fern for people up to 350 lb without the forward-tilt option, or 325 lb with it. Confirm on the listing you buy from.
What is this guide based on?+
This guide combines manufacturer specifications with owner reviews from around the world. It draws on Haworth's documentation and published reviews.
Sources
Specifications are Haworth's published figures as of the date shown and are not independently verified by Chairpedia. The Fern is sold in several materials and configurations; always confirm the material, lumbar/headrest options and condition on the listing you buy from.
Keep reading
Budget alternative
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
HBADA E3 Air (2026 Edition)Mesh back instead of the Fern's upholstered back, with height-adjustable lumbar and 5 cm of seat-depth travel, at under half the list price ($499 vs $1,180).
Specs and details
SIHOO Doro C300 Pro V2Mesh back instead of the Fern's upholstered back, with similar lumbar, seat-depth and headrest adjustment, at under half the list price ($499.99 vs $1,180).
Specs and details