There’s more to a good office chair rather than just the ergonomics. There’s the material and fabric, for example. The most important factor to consider is the fabric that you want for yourself since you’ll be using that chair for a long time. There are some certain fabrics to choose from but ultimately, it comes down to your preferences.
If you’re someone who sweats a lot while working in your office, a breathable mesh fabric does the trick for you. If your skin is sensitive, you might want to get an office chair that’s made from skin-friendly material. But, if you prefer a fully padded office chair like the classical ones, fabric upholstered chairs are the ones for you. Keep in mind that not all fabrics can give you the comfort that you need, so it’s best to pick one that you can use every day, without having to worry about any discomfort.
It’s no secret that choosing the right fabrics can have an impact on the durability of your office chairs. But let’s go through the most common office chair fabrics that you can find in the market:
- Leather: This fabric is a great option if you’re looking for a more formal and traditional look. Most leather chairs, especially PU ones are quite breathable and sturdy. Another great thing about it is that it’s stain-resistant and easy to clean. Faux leather can have the same effect as real leather in terms of durability too.
- Mesh: This fabric allows for more ventilation and relaxation, so the heat doesn’t get accumulated in the chair. They’re lightweight, easy to maintain, and breathable. Mesh chairs can be ergonomic and help keep your office space a healthy area and also reduce any pain you might have after sitting for a long time.
- Polyester: This type of fabric is great for when you want to keep the color of the office chair for a long time. It’s a strong yet flexible fabric that doesn’t shrink after a long use. Polyester is made of synthetic and natural fibers which ensure a fabric that’s wear-resistant.
Our guide will focus mainly on upholstered fabric and leather since those are the best types of fabric for a proper office chair. These office chairs are easy to maintain, lightweight, durable, and made from high-end fabric to give you the best support during office hours. You’ll also come to find that these chairs come in many different styles and colors so that you can choose the one that best matches your office interior and your preferences.
OFM ESS Collection Plush High-Back Microfiber Office Chair
If you thought getting a good upholstered fabric chair is expensive, this OFM ES Microfiber office chair will prove you wrong. This is a great option when you’re in a budget and the microfiber upholstery is such a breathable yet cozy fabric that makes you feel comfortable for a long period of time.
Features: You get a customized comfort from this chair’s features. The OMF ES is easy to adjust thanks to its paddles and other adjustable features. There’s an integrated headrest to help reduce any pain in your neck, while the seat height and reclining feature add even more customizability for you. Another extra but useful feature are the wheels which are strong enough to roll for more than 40 miles and at all times.
Design: If you want extra support on every part of your body, this chair has a plush microfiber seat and padded armrests and headrest that give you just that. The micro suede fabric and coil spring seat are soft to the touch and they give you a cozy feeling. This one comes in two styles: high-back and mid-back to fit different heights. It’s also available in three different colors that are neutral but they bring a minimalistic approach to your office such as: brown, grey, and tan.
What we like:
- Plush microfiber cushioning for optimum comfort
- Backrest and seat height are fully adjustable
- Comes in two styles and three colors
- Affordable office chair
- Holds up to 300 lbs
- Tilt-tested 100,000 times
What we don’t like:
- The padding on the seat may be too much for some people
LIANFENG Office Chair Ergonomic Mid Back
Functionality meets aesthetics with this LIANFENG office chair. The seat of this one is well-cushioned so it’s pretty comfortable and fits snuggly under your desk since the arms are detachable and that’s what gives it that classy look.
Features: If you’re someone who constantly wants to adjust the height, you’ll be happy to hear that the LIAFENG office chair has an amazing adjustable feature for that. You can raise or lower the seat height so it fits under the desk and you can also get rid of the arms too. The armrests though, they are great for taking the pressure off your shoulders or neck. It’s sturdy and gives your posture plenty of support. The wheels are also great for gliding around any hardwood surface.
Design: This is a modern office chair but it has a bit of classic mixed into it once you lose the arms. What makes this even better is the cotton linen fabric that’s both soft and stylish so it keeps your body warm all the time. It’s suitable for any work space and it truly elevates your office interior with the white and grey combo that you can never go wrong with.
What we like:
- Breathable fabric that’s skin-friendly
- Sleek and fashionable
- Wheels have a nylon base that ensures mobility
- 360-degree swivel
- Height adjustable
- Clear instructions
What we don’t like:
- Casters take some time to be popped in
- Not the best chair for prolonged seating
CLATINA Ergonomic Big and Tall Executive Office Chair
If you’re a tall person, you know how hard it is to find a proper office chair that’s also affordable. This Clatina office chair makes an exception with the price point and also the type of upholstered fabric that it uses.
Features: The ergonomic features of this one are just what you need if you spend majority of your time in an office. The Clatina chair offers a tilt and rock function for changing your position every once in a while. This means that the seat and backrest are also adjustable, while the chair itself and the casters swivel at 360 degrees smoothly. It may look heavy but the chair is actually lightweight so you can easily carry it around your office.
Design: If you’re familiar with upholstery fabric, you know that it can sometimes irritate the skin but this is not the case with the Clatina office chair. This one has soft breathable textile fabric upholstery that’s complemented by the plush padding to give you a comfortable seating experience. Also, the armrests include thick padding so that your shoulders and neck are pressure-free. The seating is pretty large, perfect for tall or heavy people and the base is as sturdy as it can get. It’s a modern-looking office chair that enhances your office area instantly and it comes in three different colors:
- Beige
- Black
- Grey
What we like:
- Extra-wide padded seat and plush padding
- Headrest is fully padded to relieve any discomfort in your neck
- Waterfall edge seat for relieving any tension
- Supports up to 400 lbs
- Assembly takes little to no time
What we don’t like:
- Only reclines up to 120 degrees
NOVIGO Upholstered Home Office Chair
If you want to get an office chair that not only is comfortable but also matches most interior décors, this NOVIGO Upholstered office chair is worth a second look. The dark grey fabric is extremely breathable and great for your skin, without looking too industrial.
Features: The steel frame of this one is what keeps you stable at work. Because it has an ergonomic design, this allows for the chair to have many adjustable features such as the height or backrest so that you’re comfortable all the time. It comes with PU casters that swivel at 360 degrees, without any squeaking sounds. The sturdy star-shaped base and the gas lift cylinder ensure durability and stability throughout the day.
Design: The design of this one looks great in any working space, especially in a modern office area. We’re in love with the simplistic design of the chair because it just looks beautiful yet sophisticated. The neutral grey tone, padded cushion all over the chair, the wide seat, and high backrest are the main points which provide your upper body the best support. This would work great if you have shorter desks since it can fit right under them.
What we like:
- Upholstery is soft and nice to sit on
- Really comfortable for long workdays
- Sturdy and high-quality materials
- Works as a conference chair too
- Assembly is extremely easy
What we don’t like:
- Instructions lack in explanation
- The seat doesn’t go up too high
Steelcase Leap Office Chair
The Steelcase Leap V2 deserves a place into our list because of its many adjustable features and the breathable fabric that’s 100% polyester. What you don’t often see is the variety of colors in an office chair and this one comes in 16 different colors which is pretty cool, don’t you think so?
Features: With the Leap V2, there are many adjustable features that you’ll love such as the lumbar support that’s height and depth adjusted. It’s all about personal preferences, whether you want the lumbar support to be more prominent or not. The reclining feature on the backrest can be locked in 5 positions. It has a 3D LiveBack technology that moves along to your movements and spine so that you get the best support. It also includes fully adjustable arms, seat height, and depth.
Design: The back and seat are covered in upholstered fabric that’s breathable, along with a seat cushion that includes built-in air pockets which relieve thigh pressure. The design of the Leap V2 is flexible and comfortable, with an S-shape seat that contours your spine perfectly. You might be asking well what about those 16 different color options that we mentioned? We’ll only mention a few and you can check out the rest for yourself because they’re so versatile:
- Black
- Burgundy
- Alpine Fabric
- Blue Fabric
- Cyan Fabric
- Grey Fabric
- Sable Fabric
- Camel/Black
What we like:
- Includes 3 layers of breathable fabric
- LiveBack technology that mimics movements
- Fully adjustable 4D armrests
- Variety of colors to choose from
- Backrest has a reclining function that can lock into 5 different positions
- Waterfall seat edge improves blood circulation in your legs
What we don’t like:
- The seat may be too firm for prolonged hours
Serta Ergonomic Executive Office Chair
Usually, a good ergonomic chair must be expensive in order to provide the best comfort, right? That’s not the case with this Serta office chair and although it has a low price point, it’s still really comfortable to sit in, even for long hours.
Features: This Serta office chair is highly functional and comfortable, with a lumbar support that’s placed in the right areas. Because of the lumbar support, the chair also tilts back which ensures more flexibility. It comes with other great features such as push-button adjustable armrests that reduce pressure on elbows. You can also raise or lower the seat with the side-seat controls that are easy to use.
Design: For cozy times, the Serta chair is essential. The suede-like microfiber fabric has a soft velvety texture that works great during the winter. For more comfort and support, you get a deep cushioned headrest that relieves any discomfort in your neck. Plus, an extra thick 3-inch non-recycled foam on the seat and adjustable foam armrests provide the best comfort for your whole body. The material of this one can be color-dyed which is why there are two material options to choose from: leather and fabric. Additionally, it comes in:
- Dark Grey Fabric
- Black Bonded Leather
- Chestnut Bonded Leather
- Gray Bonded Leather
What we like:
- Made of microfiber material that requires minimal maintenance
- Multilayered cushions are soft and comfortable
- Armrests can be adjusted up to 3 inches and into 4 positions
- Includes a Back in Motion Active Seat technology
- Heavy duty construction
- Easy assembly
- Supports up to 250 lbs
What we don’t like:
- Armrests are a little too far out
Amazon Basics Upholstered, Low-Back, Adjustable, Swivel Office Desk Chair
Let’s do office chair basics 101 with this Amazon Basics office chair that’s perhaps the simplest office chair out there but it still offers great support and for the price point? It can’t get any better. It’s the most affordable office chair, with an upholstered fabric that’s exactly what you’re looking for.
Features: Comfort is not measured by price and although this is less expensive than the other chairs we presented, it has a lot of features, some of which are also adjustable. The seat height is adjustable but it stands straight and doesn’t recline (if you’re okay with it); the casters glide smoothly on any surface, without making any squeaking sounds, and it has a 360 degree swivel feature as well. Pretty basic but still does the job.
Design: The upholstered black fabric gives it that classic look that a typical office chair has but this one has a nicely padded seat and back that give you plenty of comfort. This chair is armless and it slides under any desk and although the weight capacity is 250 lbs, there’s no width restriction at all. The support on the backrest is enough, although the chair itself has a straight position and doesn’t recline. For the price point, you get what you pay for.
What we like:
- Simple upholstered fabric that’s comfortable
- Good quality
- Plain and simple design
- Extremely easy to put together
- Easy-to-follow instructions
- Comes with extra screws
- One of the most affordable office chairs
What we don’t like:
- No color variety
Serta Leighton Home Office Memory Foam, Height-Adjustable Desk Accent Chair
Another Serta office chair that we absolutely love is this Leighton chair that’s padded with memory foam and gives a modern vibe to any office. It comes in some stunning color choices that complement the upholstered fabric so well.
Features: This is highly versatile in terms of its features since the height is adjustable from 5.5 inches up to 6.4 inches. This one reclines up to 122 degrees with the tension knob that’s easy to control. To help you with the tilting of the chair, there’s a pull lever that locks the height and you could use that to raise or lower the seat up to 3 inches too. The rolling casters glide around any surface easily, without making any noise.
Design: Details make all the difference. The upholstered fabric that covers the thick padding foam on the chair and armrests make this a unique modern piece for your office. Serta thought it all out for you when they included some stainless steel nail heads as accents to give it that classic style that an office chair needs. The memory foam on the seat has pocket coils which provide comfort throughout the day. In terms of style, the Serta Leighton comes in a twill and bonded leather material, along with 10 other color options that are more on the neutral side but perfect for any interior. Here are a few of them:
- Blush Pink
- Cozy Ivory
- Fresh Lilac
- Gathering Grey
- Inviting Graphite
- Stoneware Beige
What we like:
- Comes with a bonded leather option
- Made from an eco-friendly non-toxic foam
- Reclines up to 122 degrees
- Height adjustable
- 360 degree swivel
- Weight capacity is 250 lbs
What we don’t like:
- Pre-drilled holes may be a little off center
Vinsetto Executive Linen-Feel Fabric Office Chair
Let’s move away from simple office chairs for a moment and spice it up a little with this Vinsetto Executive office chair that comes with plenty of useful features that relieve your pain and align your posture. The linen upholstery fabric is a different type of fabric that offers a cool and soft texture.
Features: Ergonomic features are always a must! The Vinsetto comes with an extendable footrest that makes you sit better for long periods of time. You can easily change positions and it will help reduce fatigue and pain in your ankles or thighs. The tilting angle stands between 90 degrees up to 150 degrees and it swivels at 360 degrees. The height of the seat is adjustable for 3 inches so it meets your size and preferences.
Design: Apart from its ergonomic features, the design of the Vinsetto has a rather cool linen upholstery fabric that has small holes which ventilate air. Also, this type of fabric is anti-microbial and wear-resistant. The chair comes with a detachable headrest pillow that adds extra support to your neck and shoulders, along with the curved padding on the armrests that eases any pain. It only comes in a dark grey color but it’s a neutral color that fits seamlessly within any office.
What we like:
- The fabric is mildew and abrasion resistant
- Thick padding on the armrests and footrests
- Tilts up to 170 degrees
- Height adjustable to fit different sizes
- Extra lumbar support for your lower back
- Weight capacity – 330 lbs
What we don’t like:
- Armrests are not adjustable at all
NOUHAUS +Posture Ergonomic PU Leather Office Chair
What better way to end our list of the best fabric office chairs than this Nouhaus Executive chair? This is a little on the high-end side but it’s totally worth it since it includes many adjustable features plus a high-quality PU leather fabric that’s extremely long-lasting.
Features: The Click5 lumbar support is an amazing ergonomic feature that has 5 stages of ‘clicks’ into place that help align your posture. The flip-adjust armrests are always useful, especially when you can get rid of them completely and make this an armless office chair. Thanks to the gas lift, the seat height can be adjusted up to 4 inches. You need to keep in mind that this is a heavy-duty office chair that weighs a solid 40 lbs and has a nylon wheelbase to glide easily around the floors.
Design: The +Posture is a mid-century type of design that has functionality and comfort as its main strong points. The PU leather fabric and the classic neutral colors of black, taupe, and white are a statement piece in your office. You get some hip room between each armrest; while the smart foam cushion and leather fabric provide more support for your lower and upper body. It’s such a good modern alternative that comes with extra padding everywhere so you’re ergonomically aligned and relaxed at the same time.
What we like:
- High-quality PU leather that looks and feels cool
- TiltRock mechanism for a rocking sensation
- 5 different levels of lumbar support
- Can go armless to save more space
- Ultra-strong construction
- Max weight capacity – 275 lbs
What we don’t like:
- Assembly takes some time (we recommend you get a friend to help you)
- Instructions lack a little