Haworth Chairs: Should You Buy the Fern or the Zody? (2026)

Updated October 2026

Haworth is the third great American name in premium office seating, alongside Herman Miller and Steelcase, yet it is often overlooked. Its two best-known chairs, the Fern and the Zody, take very different approaches to comfort: the Fern flexes with every movement, while the Zody offers some of the most unusual lumbar adjustment available. This guide explains how they compare, which one suits you and how Haworth stacks up against its rivals.

Haworth Chairs at a Glance

Our third pick, the Steelcase Leap V2, is included above as the strongest non-Haworth alternative for people who want the most adjustable symmetric lumbar support.

About Haworth

Haworth was founded in 1948 in Holland, Michigan, where it is still headquartered. It is a family-owned company and one of the world's largest office furniture makers, known for workplace research and sustainability. Its seating line ranges from value task chairs to premium ergonomic designs, and its chairs have earned environmental certifications such as Cradle to Cradle.

Haworth's lineup also includes the Soji and Very task chairs, which are sold mainly through dealers. In this guide we focus on the Fern and Zody, the Haworth chairs most widely available to home buyers.

1. Haworth Fern: Best Haworth Chair

The Fern was designed around how the back moves. Its Wave Suspension backrest is supported by a flexible central spine with "fronds" that let the back bend and twist with you, so it supports you evenly without hard edges. The edgeless seat has no hard frame at the front or sides, which is comfortable if you sit cross-legged or shift often. Upgraded models add 4D arms and optional adjustable lumbar. Read our Fern review.

• Choose it if: you move a lot, want even back support and like a soft-edged seat.
• Skip it if: you want strong, adjustable lumbar pressure built in on every model.

2. Haworth Zody: Best for Asymmetric Lumbar and Standing Desks

The Zody was the first office chair endorsed by the American Physical Therapy Association. Its lumbar system lets you adjust tension separately on the left and right sides of your lower back, which very few chairs offer. The redesigned Zody adds a sturdier, largely metal build, a flared mesh back, and a Dual Posture version with forward tilt and a taller seat range for perching at standing desks. Read our Zody review.

• Choose it if: you want independent lumbar control or work at a standing desk.
• Skip it if: you want a soft seat or a deep recline.

3. Our Non-Haworth Alternative: Steelcase Leap V2

If neither Haworth chair suits you, the Leap V2 offers the most precise symmetric lumbar control, with separate height and firmness adjustments, and a 400-pound rating. Read our Leap V2 review.

Fern vs. Zody

Choose the Fern for comfort and freedom of movement. Choose the Zody for structured, highly specific lumbar support or standing desk work.

Which Haworth Chair Should You Buy?

How Haworth Compares With Herman Miller and Steelcase

Haworth chairs suit people who want something different from the big two: a softer, more flexible back in the Fern, or unique lumbar control in the Zody. Compare the other brands in our guides to Herman Miller chairs and Steelcase chairs.

Buying Tips for Haworth Chairs

• Check the lumbar option: both chairs are sold with and without adjustable lumbar.
• Check the arms: upgraded configurations add 4D arms.
• Fern headrest: an optional headrest is available on some configurations.
• Warranty: Haworth offers long warranties on its ergonomic chairs; confirm current terms with the seller, as they vary by region.
• Buy new from an authorized seller to keep the manufacturer warranty.

Are Haworth Chairs Worth It?

Yes, especially the Fern, which many people find among the most comfortable premium chairs available. Haworth's build quality and warranties put it in the same class as Herman Miller and Steelcase. If you are still deciding, our best office chairs guide ranks all the premium options together, led by the Herman Miller Aeron.

Haworth Chairs by Body Type

Haworth Chairs by Use

Long Workdays

The Fern's flexing back and edgeless seat make it one of the most comfortable premium chairs for long days. See our best office chairs for long hours.

Standing Desks

The Zody Dual Posture's forward tilt and taller seat range let you perch comfortably.

Lower-Back Support

The Zody's separate left and right lumbar tension is unusual. The Fern's optional lumbar is firm and noticeable. Read our guide to office chairs for back pain.

Cross-Legged and Restless Sitters

The Fern's edgeless seat leaves room to shift and fold your legs.

Understanding Haworth Technologies

Haworth Warranty and Buying Advice

Haworth backs its ergonomic chairs with long warranties; dealer reviews cite 12 years for the Fern and Zody in the US, with shorter coverage on upholstery, and Haworth's European materials cite 10 years. Confirm current terms with your seller. Haworth's own store has offered a 30-day return window, while Amazon purchases follow the listing's terms. Both the Fern and Zody are sold in many configurations, so check the arms, lumbar and back material before ordering.

Haworth Chairs FAQs