The catch
Haworth Fern Mesh, Silver Leaf without Optional Lumbar
The selected listing leaves out the optional lumbar insert, and nothing confirms that forward tilt or a headrest is included.
Side by side
Haworth Fern vs Soji: Fern goes to a shorter seat depth and Soji extends farther
Quick verdict
A flexible suspended back and a shorter minimum seat depth come with Fern. Soji reaches farther at maximum depth and has a more conventional task-chair layout.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Fern has an extra half inch of seat travel
Its slide of three inches covers more adjustment than the 2.5-inch slide on Soji.
Where this comes from
18.5 minus 15.5 leaves 3, and 18.75 minus 16.25 leaves 2.5. The difference is 0.5 inch.
The catch
Haworth Soji
A firm seat and a lumbar pad that can feel direct take getting used to, especially until its height is right.
Haworth Fern Mesh, Silver Leaf without Optional Lumbar
- Why pick it
- The flexible Fern back, with no added lumbar insert, is what you want.
- Your fit calls for the shorter seat setting or narrower minimum arm spacing.
- The catch
- The selected listing leaves out the optional lumbar insert, and nothing confirms that forward tilt or a headrest is included.
Haworth Soji
- Why pick it
- The Soji support shape and a slightly longer maximum seat depth appeal to you.
- Your needs are met by a conventional mesh-back task chair.
- The catch
- A firm seat and a lumbar pad that can feel direct take getting used to, especially until its height is right.
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What this page compares
Seat depth, arm spacing and back support are compared for the no-lumbar Fern mesh configuration and Soji, with optional controls kept out of the verdict.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Need less seat depth
Fern's range starts 0.75 inch shorter.
- Haworth Fern Mesh, Silver Leaf without Optional Lumbar
- Better fit
- Haworth Soji
- Good
Need the arms near the torso
Fern's minimum arm spacing is narrower by two inches.
- Haworth Fern Mesh, Silver Leaf without Optional Lumbar
- Better fit
- Haworth Soji
- Good
Like a lumbar pad that is separate
The selected Fern leaves out the optional insert.
- Haworth Fern Mesh, Silver Leaf without Optional Lumbar
- Caution
- Haworth Soji
- Better fit
Prefer no assembly
The selected chairs both come assembled.
- Haworth Fern Mesh, Silver Leaf without Optional Lumbar
- Good
- Haworth Soji
- Good
In practice
Differences you will notice
Fern has an extra half inch of seat travel
Its slide of three inches covers more adjustment than the 2.5-inch slide on Soji.
How we worked this out
18.5 minus 15.5 leaves 3, and 18.75 minus 16.25 leaves 2.5. The difference is 0.5 inch.
Fit for short thighs differs more than minimum height does
Fern's minimum depth is 0.75 inch shorter, whereas minimum heights differ by only 0.1 inch.
How we worked this out
16.25 minus 15.5 leaves 0.75, and 16.5 minus 16.4 leaves 0.1.
The bigger chair can bring the arms in closer
Fern is wider overall, yet its minimum inside arm spacing is two inches narrower.
How we worked this out
29 minus 28 leaves 1 inch more overall width, and 17.1 minus 15.1 leaves 2 inches less minimum arm spacing.
Option A
Haworth, HW-FERN, Silver Leaf, no lumbar
Fern Mesh, Silver Leaf without Optional Lumbar
The selected version, which leaves out the optional lumbar insert, is a flexible mesh-back chair with adjustable seat depth, 4D arms and manual tilt tension.
- Best for
- Buyers who like a flexible back and do not want a separate, prominent lumbar pad
Facts we checked
- On the selected Amazon listing, 4D arms, adjustable seat depth and tilt tension are all documented.
- According to Haworth, the seat-depth range is 15.5 to 18.5 inch and the seat-height range is 16.5 to 21.5 inch.
- Arriving assembled, the selected configuration is rated for up to 350 pounds.
- Only the back is mesh. The seat is upholstered.
Option B
Haworth, Mist
Soji
This commercial task chair keeps things simple, with seat-depth control, synchronized tilt and a foam seat that supports well.
- Best for
- Shared or home offices that need a durable chair that is easy to adjust
Facts we checked
- An upright back lock is part of the synchronized tilt
- Adjustable depth and a waterfall edge feature on the seat
- North American manufacturing, BIFMA compliance and GREENGUARD Gold are all listed by Haworth
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Haworth Fern Mesh, Silver Leaf without Optional Lumbar | Haworth Soji | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back support | Flexible Wave Suspension, selected without optional lumbar insert | Mesh back with lumbar-equipped catalog setup | Both backs are mesh, but the contact and flex are different. |
| Seat depth | 15.5 to 18.5 inches | 16.25 to 18.75 inches | Fern begins shorter and Soji finishes slightly longer. |
| Seat height | 16.5 to 21.5 inches | 16.4 to 21 inches | The minimum heights are close, and Fern goes higher. |
| Between-arm range | 15.1 to 19.8 inches | 17.1 to 20.1 inches | Fern can bring the arms closer together. |
| Overall width | 29 inches | 28 inches | A slightly wider parking space is needed for Fern. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Haworth Fern Mesh, Silver Leaf without Optional Lumbar
- Only a small number of reviews cover the exact Amazon variation.
With Haworth Soji
- When checked, the Mist listing on Amazon had few offers available, but Haworth still sells Soji direct.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
You want a lower-back firmness adjustment of its own
Neither model fits. On top of the seat and recline settings, Leap has a dedicated firmness control.
Decision guide
How to decide
Fern's strengths are a flexible suspended back and a shorter minimum seat depth. Soji's are a greater maximum depth and a more conventional task-chair layout.
If your torso is narrower
The range of the Fern arms helps if your elbows would otherwise drift outward to reach the pads. Overall chair width will not reveal that. Try the arms with your keyboard and mouse placed as you normally have them, then check that the base still fits under the desk.
For your lumbar-pad preference
This Fern leaves out the optional insert on purpose. The flexible back still supports your body, but it will not give the distinct pad contact that the catalog Soji setup does. If you dislike a strong pad, test this precise configuration and not just any Fern in a showroom.
With longer thighs
At maximum depth Soji extends a quarter inch farther. The shorter minimum on Fern is more useful at the opposite end of the fit range. Neither small difference proves comfort, but each tells you which endpoint to test during a return period.
What this page can’t tell you
- Published controls and dimensions are the basis of this comparison, and there was no hands-on comfort or durability testing.
- Nothing here presents a chair as treatment for pain. Do not assume optional features are included.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the office chairs we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
Only 1 of the 32 models checked meet every need here: “I can't stand firm lumbar pads”, “The seat depth has to fit my legs”, “I need flexible arm support for my keyboard and devices”, and “I want air to move across my back”.
1 model fits, out of 32 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “I can't stand firm lumbar pads”, “The seat depth has to fit my legs”, “I need flexible arm support for my keyboard and devices”, and “I want air to move across my back”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haworth Fern Mesh, Silver Leaf without Optional Lumbar |
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| Haworth Soji |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Haworth Fern Mesh, Silver Leaf without Optional Lumbar
The flexible Fern back, with no added lumbar insert, is what you want.
See price & reviews on AmazonHaworth Soji
The Soji support shape and a slightly longer maximum seat depth appeal to you.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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