The Beach Chair Worth Buying

It’s taken me years to finally say this, but I am now officially a proud owner of a Tommy Bahama beach chair and umbrella.

I resisted for a long time. Not because I doubted the functionality, but because I couldn’t quite get past the tropical “island-core” aesthetic. Still, after a recent beach weekend surrounded by Tommy Bahama chairs, I completely understand why these chairs have become a cult classic.

The chair really does check every box. It’s lightweight (under 8 pounds), comfortable, easy to carry, and thoughtfully designed with all the essentials: backpack straps, multiple storage pockets, an insulated cooler pouch, towel bar, drink holder, detachable pillow, and five reclining positions. There are even higher-seat versions, canopy styles, and deluxe options depending on your preference.

The chair is also the most consistently recommended beach chairs on the market. It has appeared on best-of lists from The New York Times Wirecutter,Travel + Leisure, and New York Magazine, with reviewers praising its durability, portability, comfort, and smart storage features.

That said, I still think there’s a huge missed opportunity in the design department. Tommy Bahama has experimented with collaborations before, including a recent partnership with John Robshaw, but not within the beach chair category itself from what I can tell.

Personally, I would love to see a limited-edition fashion or design collaboration. Imagine beach chairs in iconic prints from Marimekko, Missoni, Farm Rio, or Love Shack Fancy?

Until then, this chair still fully earns its place as a total get.