If you’re the type of person who understands that life is better at the beach, then boy, oh boy, do I have a summer 2024 upgrade for you. I discovered the SUNFLOW beach chair shortly after it launched and to be honest, I’ve never looked back.
What’s so special about SUNFLOW? These don’t just look like chairs; they feel like a statement – a statement about quality, about style, and, frankly, about knowing what you’re doing when you head to the beach.
SUNFLOW, a premium beach brand founded in 2020 by Leslie Hsu and Greg Besner, has elevated the basic beach chair from a utilitarian necessity to a design object. So much so, in fact, that the husband and wife business partners won over “Shark Tank” investor Kevin “Mr. Marvelous” O’Leary.
How? Expertly combining elevated style and durable construction without sacrificing the key needs of an ultimate beach day: comfort, convenience and sun protection.
Today, in addition to beach towels and water bottles, SUNFLOW offers three models of its exceptional chair, each meeting slightly different needs and prices. However, all SUNFLOW chairs share certain essential characteristics:
Premium design: Up to 15 colors and patterns – think less flamboyant flamingos and more nautical stripes and hues.
High protection: It may not completely replace your best beach umbrella, but the optional patented UPF 50 sunshade and cup holder are available. Practical? Absolutely. It’s also a bit bougie at the best of times. 10 out of 10. Highly recommend.
Quality construction: Rust-resistant aluminum, marine-grade fabrics, those details that make it feel like an investment, not just a chair.
Lifetime warranty: Because no one wants a broken beach chair to ruin the summer mood.
Now, let’s dive into the details to distinguish what makes each of these beach loungers stand out:
SUNFLOW The original chair
The original chair is low, sturdy, and tells you right away that it’s not there to play games. It’s a minimalist, low-slung masterpiece available in 18 solid colors, stripes and sleek designs with surprising comfort. It features a unique telescoping frame, which makes the initial setup feel a bit like learning to tie shoelaces – tricky at first but satisfying once mastered. The low seat and missing armrests may turn some away from the inaugural style, but at 40 and with occasional lower back issues, I haven’t had any problems yet.
SUNFLOW The high tide chair
Think of the High Tide chair like The Original, but larger and with armrests. This is pretty much perfect if you prefer a more traditional seat height. It comes in five classic color options and features the same telescoping frame, which keeps it sturdy and elevated. Why it’s available in far fewer colors I don’t know, but the ones available are some of the classiest, in my opinion.
SUNFLOW The Shore Thing chair
The beach brand’s latest offering, The Shore Thing Chair, is a lightweight contender in the heavy beach chair category. It removes some of the more complex features of its older siblings – no telescoping frame or trigger tilt – but don’t be fooled. It still offers a stylish touch with 10 color options and the design sensibilities that have become the hallmark of SUNFLOW offerings.
At $110, it’s the most wallet-friendly option and, honestly, I think it might be my new favorite. It reclines just enough to make you wonder if you really need those extra degrees from more expensive models. It is the only chair with a strap lock mechanism.
Benefits:
- The design is elegant, not noisy – more Hamptons than Hawaii
- The original I have has weathered three summers and still looks like new
- Backpack straps make carrying easy
The inconvenients:
- They are expensive but an investment
- The original low seat and missing armrests could challenge those who need accessibility
- Setup can be tricky at first
Our opinion
Several summers spent using The Original Chair on the beaches of Long Island showed me its true value. It’s the perfect blend of eye-catching design and real-world functionality. Unlike many chairs that are too delicate, too garish, or too flimsy, these strike the ideal balance.
While each chair has its own personality, they all share the family trait of making beach days perfectly comfortable.
Comparisons? Well, while Tommy Bahama might offer a more tiki or tropical vibe, SUNFLOW chairs are aimed at high-end minimalists who like their beach gear to whisper quiet luxury rather than scream beach vacation.
As a firm believer in “buy right or buy twice,” I was intrigued but skeptical of SUNFLOW’s more budget-friendly option, The Shore Thing. Would it seem cheaper? Less refined?
In short, no.
It’s noticeably lighter than other models, and yes, there’s less overall packaging, but the basic construction still feels solid. The fabric is the same high quality marine fabric, Greenguard Gold certified and water resistant. Honestly, it strikes the right balance of aesthetic form and affordable function.
The biggest differences, I would say, are the lack of a telescopic frame and a digital trigger tilt mechanism. For me, for $80 less than The Original, this chair still far outperforms its competitors when it comes to cheaper lounge chairs.
The Verdict: Is it worth the splurge?
If your beach vibe is more “coastal getaway chic” than “nerdy tourist,” SUNFLOW chairs are the way to go. The Shore Thing makes the brand truly approachable, while The Original and The High Tide offer an extra touch of luxury.
Yes, it is an investment. But when a chair transforms your entire beach experience, it’s a worthwhile investment. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a chair with my name on it and a view of the ocean waiting for me.
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