Samantha Davis - Live Life Big

Written by Camila Reed in Sports & Outdoors last updated June 2022 LiveLifeBig.net may earn a small commission when you use one of the links on this page to purchase. I know from personal experience that the last thing you want to deal with at the beach is having your chair sink into the sand. Usually, you're already wet, either from the water or sweating after walking across the beach, so sand sticks to you. On top of that, it is a real struggle to get up when the chair's sitting so low to the ground. In addition to their higher weight capacity, plus-size beach chairs usually have more room for your bottom. Some also come with other fat-friendly features like thicker legs that won't sink down into the ground when you sit in them. Something else I've noticed, though, is that beach chairs made for the heavier body usually hold up more over the years. That being said, there are honestly two types of people that should be buying heavy-duty beach chairs. People who are big, tall, or both and people who want a quality chair that they'll be able to take on beach outings for years to come. So, let's take a look at some heavy-duty beach chairs that make the perfect accessory for a day at the beach. We'll go over a few guidelines for choosing a plus-size beach chair first. For people who want to jump right in, here's a quick look at our top picks: Best Plus-Size Beach Chair Overall: CoastRail Oversize Zero-Gravity Chair (500 pounds) Best for Rocky Coastlines: Realead Oversized Camping Chair (400 pounds) Best Lounge-Style Optionr: KingCamp Oversized Lounge Chair (330 pounds) Best Zero-Gravity Style Beach Chair: Caravan Sports Zero-Gravity Loveseat (500 pounds) Best Big and Tall Beach Chair: Ever Advanced Oversized Lounge Chair (350 pounds) Highest Weight Capacity: Living XL Oversized Camp Chair (1000 pounds) Most Features: CoastRail Zero-Gravity Chair with Sunshade (400 pounds) Most Compact and Portable: Ostrich On Your Back Chair (325 pounds) Best Loveseat-Style Beach Chair: NiceC Double Camping Chair (600 pounds) Best on a Budget: Fitnessclub XL Oversized Beach Chair (350 pounds) Features to Look for in Plus-Size Beach Chairs Heavy-duty beach chairs really are made for anyone who'd prefer sitting in a well-built, durable, and comfortable chair when they visit the beach. If you aren't sure what to look for in a plus-size beach chair, here are some features to consider. Types of Beach Chairs Beach chairs come in all shapes and sizes and with plenty of features that the average beachgoers will appreciate. Some beach chairs have a flat or sturdy seat, while others feature a "zero-gravity" design. Zero gravity chairs are designed to make you feel more weightless and suspend you in the air and many also have recline functions. Camping-style beach chairs are also an option for the bigger person, especially if you want something that folds up really compact for bringing to the beach. However, they are more likely to sink in the sand. Another option is a lounge-style beach chair. These generally recline and have leg rests that stick all the way out, so it's easy to lay out and work on your tan. Height and Width of the Beach Chair Height is something that plays a big role when it comes to back support. While beach chairs don't always go all the way up to your shoulders, I personally prefer something that sits a little higher just because it feels more secure when I lean back. It also gives me the support I need so I'm not straining my back instead of relaxing. The width of the chair really matters when it comes to your bottom. Even chairs with open sides are going to be uncomfortable if your butt hangs over the sides too much, especially if the edges are hard or they tend to dig in. You'll also want to consider how high the seat is from the ground. A seat that sits lower to the ground is going to be harder to get out of, especially if you're tall or carrying some extra weight. Design of the Legs The legs of your beach chair are what play the biggest role in the "sinking" factor I was telling you about earlier. Generally, beach chairs either have two legs that come down into a bar that comes across (similar to a wide "U" shape) or four free-standing legs. If you're at the beach on the sand, which is smoother and softer than a rockier area, it's best to go with the more traditional "U" shaped legs. They don't sink down into the sand as much because of their wider surface area. That being said, these are also a little more imbalanced. Camping-style chairs with four independent legs work better on a rockier or more uneven coastline, however, they are more likely to sink down in the sand. It's really about where you're going. If you want my opinion, it's best to have one of both if you visit different areas. I usually bring my more traditional chair to the beach for swimming, but the other works well if I'm at the lake for paddleboarding, kayaking, or just relaxing on the shoreline. Materials Materials affect the overall durability of the chair, but they also affect how comfortable it is. Personally, I tend to choose softer fabrics that are more breathable, compared to a chair that has plastic on the seat that my legs are going to stick to. Breathability is also something you really want in a beach chair. If you're anything like me, then your legs just love to stick to leather, plastic, and other less breathable fabrics. Padding does make the chair more comfortable, but I also don't want it so padded that it isn't breathable. Having proper airflow is really important, especially since fat people sweat more than the average person. Weight Capacity Manufacturers generally list a maximum weight capacity for the chair. This usually varies based on the overall build of the frame and the type of materials that the beach chair is made out of. In addition to the actual weight capacity of the chair, it's worth checking out the overall build of the frame. A frame with sturdier, thicker legs is generally built better and will have a higher weight capacity. Fabrics affect the overall weight capacity, too. Fabrics are great as far as breathability, but it's generally a good idea that they are reinforced with double stitching. This is the part where the chair is most likely to fail you and break over time if it isn't designed well. Finally, be sure that you choose a beach chair that gives you at least 20 pounds or so of leeway before hitting its maximum weight. You'll want the room to carry a drink, book, or other gear, plus it's a little wiggle room if you put on a few pounds in between beach seasons like many of us do. Comfort Features Bringing along a beach chair is one of the best ways to enjoy the beach when you're plus size, so you don't have to struggle to get up and down from the towel every time you want to get back in the water. That being said, it's also important that you're comfortable while you're sitting, otherwise, it really defeats the purpose. Something that I really appreciate in a beach chair is the ability to recline at least a little and being able to adjust the recline is a big bonus. Not only is it more relaxing, but you also don't have to sit up or forward, making your tummy look bigger than it is. Reclining is also great if you like to kick back with a book or work on your tan. Armrests are also comfortable, but usually only if they're padded. I find firmer armrests dig into my forearms a bit too much to be comfortable. Finally, be sure the chair that you choose is long enough for what you like to do at the beach. For example, if you want to tan, you'll want something with leg support that is long enough for your whole body to stretch out. It's always awkward and uncomfortable if your head or feet are hanging off the end of your beach chair. Portability The last thing you want to do after a relaxing day at the beach is struggle to get your beach chair and other gear back to your car. A big, bulky chair could also mean making more than one trip from the car to the beach and back! The ideal beach chair is going to fold up easily so it isn't so bulky. I also try to keep the overall weight of the chair around 20-25 pounds, since I have to carry my gear too and sometimes there's a long walk to the water. Something with a carrying bag and strap also makes it really convenient to carry. I prefer something I can throw over my shoulder since then my hands are free for all my other stuff. Other Cool Features to Look for in a Beach Chair Some manufacturers make their plus-size beach chairs with extra features that stand out from the competition. That being said, a beach chair with all the bells and whistles that doesn't support your weight really isn't worth much in the long term. So, start with finding a chair that is comfortable and has a high weight capacity, and then decide if you want to add in some of these bonuses. If you bring your phone to the beach or a book, it might be nice to look for a waterproof pocket on the beach chair. Cupholders are also always a nice bonus, but also are not necessary features. What Happens if You're Too Heavy for a Beach Chair? You aren't necessarily going to bust right through a chair if you exceed the weight limit. However, this really depends on the durability of the chair and how much you exceed the weight limit. Even if the chair doesn't break right away, sitting in a chair that you are too heavy for will break it down a lot more rapidly than normal use. Stitches may come apart and the metal or other materials that make up the lake can bend or bow with time. For this reason, it's best to spend the money to invest in something that supports your weight, even if it is a little more expensive. Are There 500+ Lb Beach Chairs? Yes, you can find beach chairs that support at least 500 pounds of weight and there are even models that support more than that. These chairs are usually really heavy-duty and will last a long time. Expect thick metal, a good amount of support, and durable fabrics with reinforced or double stitching. We have a few of these on our list! Best Plus-Size Beach Chairs with a 300+ Pound Weight Capacity I love spending a day at the beach and having the perfect chair to sit in and soak up the sun while I'm out of the water really makes a difference when it comes to how much I enjoy myself at the beach. Let's jump right in. Best Plus-Size Beach Chair Overall: Coastrail Oversized Zero-Gravity Chair On Sale ($8.28 OFF) 2,392 Reviews Coastrail Outdoor Zero Gravity Chair Oversized XXL 33.5" Width Patio Recliner Padded Reclining... 500-pound weight capacity, great for plus-size beachgoers 33-inches wide for wider bottoms Thick, durable rope makes up suspension system Reclines from 0-170 degrees for maximum comfort Check Today's Price on Amazon Not only does this chair from Coastrail have a high weight capacity of 500 pounds, but it also features an extra-wide seat design so it won't pinch your hips or bottom while you're at the beach. It's also made durable, with a thicker-than-average rope making up the suspension system and thick, rust-resistant steel tubing making up the frame. The zero-gravity design is something that really is about preference. I do find it really comfortable to sit in, but it can be hard to get out of if you're reclined. Since it's easy to adjust the recline on this chair from 0-170 degrees, however, this isn't as much of a problem as it is in other zero-gravity chairs I've tried out. It also locks into place once you choose a position so you don't move around. This also comes with some convenient extras, including a removable pillow rest and removable cupholder/phone holder. The pillow rest is even adjustable so you can use it for back support if you'd like. This beach chair does come with armrests as well. They are adjustable and curved for comfort, but they aren't padded so they can be a little hard when resting your arms heavily. The only other thing that I don't like is the overall weight. The chair weighs a little over 26 pounds. While it's not especially heavy, there are definitely more lightweight options if you're the type of person that brings along a lot of gear to the beach. You can read more reviews, take a closer look at the colors and see today's price on Amazon by clicking here. Best Beach Chair for Rocky Coastlines: Realead Oversized Camping Chair 267 Reviews Realead Oversized Camping Chairs Heavy Duty Folding Chair Padded Support 400 LBS,Portable Outdoor... 400-pound weight limit for the curvy beachgoer High back chair for good neck and shoulder support Reclining function with lumbar support for comfort while you relax Padded armrests and backrest for added comfort Check Today's Price on Amazon With a 400-pound weight limit, this is great for the bigger man or woman on a rockier coastline. It balances well on rough terrain and is padded all down the back. I also like that the padding has a mesh overlay for breathability, so it helps eliminate some sweating you might experience on warmer days. While this chair doesn't offer a full recline, it does recline far enough back that you can relax. Plus, there's lumbar support in the reclined position. I also really appreciate the padded armrests- a lot of beach chairs don't come with this feature. As far as convenience, this folds down into a small size like you'd expect from a camping chair and it weighs just over 12 pounds. It even comes with a carrying case and strap, making it even easier to carry. It also comes with plenty of extras, including a cupholder, a large side pocket, and a zippered back pocket. The only thing I don't really like is folding this chair- it's a little stiff and I struggled a little to get it folded back up. You can see what others have to see and check out today's price on Amazon by clicking here. Best Lounge-Style Beach Chair: KingCamp Oversized Lounge Chair On Sale ($10.00 OFF) 317 Reviews KingCamp Oversized Padded Adjustable 4-Position Folding Chaise Lounge Chair for Outdoor Patio Beach... 330-pound weight limit, higher weight capacity than the average lounge chair Great for people who like to tan at the beach, reclines fully Thick, padded fabric that is comfortable to lay on Folds to a compact size for easy transportation, weighs less than 20 pounds Check Today's Price on Amazon It is a little harder to find full lounge-style chairs with higher weight capacities, but this does have a weight limit of 330 pounds. The chair is made from thick, durable fabric and ropes that make a suspension style that almost cradles your body when you lay down, which is really comfortable. The extra padding also makes this lounge beach chair comfortable. The legs are made from thick steel for durability and sprayed with an anti-rust, waterproof coating. Even the fabric is treated with water-resistant, oil-resistant, and UV-resistant coatings that prevent aging or fading. The only thing I don't like is that the chair is black, which attracts heat and holds it when you are in the sun. This doesn't really have a carrying handle or case either, but that isn't necessarily a dealbreaker. It just means that you'll need to use your hand to carry it, which is totally doable since it weighs less than 20 pounds and folds into a manageable size. You can take a closer on the padding options, colors, and today's price on Amazon by clicking here. Best Zero-Gravity Style Beach Chair: Caravan Sports Zero-Gravity Loveseat 237 Reviews Caravan Sports ZGL01151 Zero Gravity Chair, Beige Loveseat, One Size 500-pound weight limit for bigger beachgoers Flip-lock and smooth recline system make it easy to adjust the recline Tubular steel frame is really sturdy and won't sink in the sand Nice, wide design since it's designed for two people Check Today's Price on Amazon While this is a loveseat-style beach chair, it does work well for a single person who's on the larger side, too. It supports up to 500 pounds and has a tubular frame that won't sink down into the sand when you sit down. With this being a love-seat style chair, the one downside is that it's a little bulkier than other options. It also weighs a little over 30 pounds, so it's heavier but it's also manageable for most people. This is a true zero-gravity style chair and it's very comfortable to sit in. The fabric is comfortable and breathable and there are even pillows going across the top for added comfort. I really like how easy it is to lock the recline into place, too. You aren't just swinging back and forth because you can hold it in place using the easy-access lever. It's fairly easy to sit back up and get out of the chair, too. You can take a closer look at the design, read more reviews and check today's price on Amazon by clicking here. Best Big and Tall Beach Chair: Ever Advanced Oversized Lounge Chair On Sale ($20.00 OFF) 3,952 Reviews EVER ADVANCED Oversize XL Zero Gravity Recliner Padded Patio Lounger Chair with Adjustable Headrest... 350-pound weight capacity, great for big or tall beachgoers Reclines from 0-170 degrees for comfort Longer leg area for taller people at the beach Padded seatback and adjustable padded pillow for comfort Check Today's Price on Amazon This oversized zero-gravity-style chair is our top pick for big & tall beachgoers because of the extra support it offers length-wise for the legs. The entire length of the chair is 72", so people who are as tall as 6'2" can sit comfortably without worrying about their legs hanging over. Despite the large size when opened, this beach chair folds up compact for easy portability. Since it weighs just under 20 pounds, it also isn't too much to manage even when you have other beach gear to carry, too. Width-wise, the chair is also 30" across so it's comfortable for the wider bottom. It also has plenty of padding made of breathable material to help manage sweat. There's also a detachable pillow for comfort that can be adjusted for different heights or even used for back support instead of for your head. In true zero-gravity style, this reclines and locks into position between 0 and 170 degrees. It also comes with a small table and cupholder that attaches to the chair. You can check out the long list of reviews, take a closer look at the design and see today's price on Amazon by clicking here. Highest Weight Capacity: Living XL Oversized Camp Chair 607 Reviews LivingXL 1000-lb. Capacity Heavy-Duty Portable Oversized Chair, Collapsible Padded Arm Chair with... Impressive 1,000-pound weight capacity for big guys and gals Made from thick fabric and steel tubing for durability Lightweight and compact design for easy portability Cupholder and side pouch included Check Today's Price on Amazon This is more of a camp-style chair but if you need something with a high weight capacity, this chair has a 1,000 pound weight limit that definitely fits the bill. It looks just like a camp chair but has a super heavy-duty steel frame and fabric made from 600D polyester. Plus, the seat itself is 22" deep and 24" across, with plenty of room for the bigger bottom. This beach chair also comes with other extras, such as a cup holder and side pocket. It doesn't have the ability to recline, but if you're looking for something to bring along to the lake, this still gets the job done. Another major advantage is that despite the sturdy, steel frame, this chair only weighs 15 pounds. This, plus the fact that it folds up into a bag with a carrying strap, makes it super easy to bring along on outings. The only disadvantage I see with this chair is the width. While 24" is wide enough for a lot of people, you'd think that it would be wider because of the high weight limit. The metal frame can dig into your legs where they come into contact with the seat of the chair if you are too wide for it. Still, it's worth checking out so if you want to read more reviews or check today's price on Amazon you can click here. Best Feature-Loaded Beach Chair: Coastrail Zero-Gravity Chair with Sunshade 489 Reviews Coastrail Outdoor Zero Gravity Chair with Sun Shade, 400lbs Capacity Padded Seat Cool-Mesh Back... 400-pound weight limit for plus-sized men and women High-back design provides a good amount of back support Thick frame and bungee ropes for durability Lots of extras including a cupholder, pillow, and built-in sunshade Check Today's Price on Amazon This chair is built nice and sturdy for bigger beachgoers with a thick rope that makes up the suspension of the chair, durable fabric, and a solid frame. Despite its durable build, this beach chair weighs just over 21 pounds so it's fairly easy to carry around once it's folded. The chair has an adjustable recline that makes it easy to get comfortable, plus it has a safety pin for added security so the chair doesn't fold in on itself while you're sitting in. It also comes with armrests and while they are curved for comfort, they are also wooden on top so they are a little harder than I prefer my armrests to be. Like I had mentioned earlier, accessories can be nice to have but they aren't always a necessity. For example, if this chair doesn't measure up in other areas, then that sunshade doesn't do as much for you. Plus, you can easily set up an umbrella once you get to the beach instead. I do like the included side table and pillow though, and even the sunshade is a nice bonus. The table is big enough to hold two cups, my phone, plus a book or two depending on thickness so I have everything I want near me handy while I'm at the beach. You can check out the full list of features, read more reviews and check today's price on Amazon by clicking here. Most Compact: Ostrich On Your Back Chair 2,498 Reviews Ostrich On Your Back Chair 400-pound weight limit and over 12 feet long, great for tall guys or bigger guys Weighs less than 10 pounds, super portable Wide design is 27 Check Today's Price on Amazon The major advantage of this chair is its small, compact size. It weighs less than 10 pounds and has two carrying straps so you can wear it like a backpack. This leaves your hands free to carry all your other gear. I also really love that this has openings in the chair where you can put your face and your arms. If you're the type that likes to read or look at your phone while you get some sun on your back, this plus-size beach chair is really great for that. Plus, it's 27" across, so it's comfortable to lay in. The chair also has five different reclining positions, or you can lay it flat down. The only thing I don't really like is that this isn't the type of chair that gives you support on your entire legs, so they'll hang over the chair into the sand when you're fully extended. This also may not be the best choice for people who have a hard time getting up from the ground. It only sits about 9" high, so it can be uncomfortable for some people. It's really a matter of preference, though! You can check out all 5 colors, read more reviews and see today's price on Amazon by clicking here. Best Loveseat-Style Beach Chair: NiceC Double Camping Chair On Sale ($20.00 OFF) 120 Reviews NiceC Double Camping Chair, Loveseat, Oversized Folding Camp seat with Strap Carry Bag(Blue) Weight limit of 300 pounds per seat, or 600 pounds total Weighs just 10 pounds for easy portability Comes with carrying bag and strap for carrying to the beach Really easy to set up once it's out of the bag Check Today's Price on Amazon This loveseat-style beach chair holds up to 600 pounds total, despite being just ten pounds in weight itself. It's super easy to set up, which makes it great when you want to get to the beach and start relaxing. You can easily fold this up, put it in the carrying bag, and throw it over your shoulder. Another major benefit is the soft-shell cupholders, which easily tuck away inside the bag without extra equipment, but still give you somewhere to put your drink (or your phone). There are about 17.5" between the chair bottom and the ground. Since it sits high enough up, it isn't too hard to get in and out of this chair without a big struggle. The only thing I didn't really like about this chair was the quality of the material. While it is fairly durable, it's also a little stiffer and less comfortable to sit on than some of the other options I've listed so far. You can see what other plus size folks have to say and check today's price on Amazon by clicking here. Best on a Budget: Fitnessclub XL Oversized Beach Chair 122 Reviews 18 inch Higher Zero Gravity Chair, 29.5'' Oversize Width,350LBS Capacity Heavy Duty Folding Lounge... 350-pound weight limit with a heavy-duty design Wide seat is almost 30-inches across for wider bottoms Tall seat back and leg area for better support while seated Zero-gravity design so you can sit up or recline and relax Check Today's Price on Amazon This zero-gravity style chair has a 350-pound weight limit and extra-large dimensions, which are great for plus-size beachgoers. The seat is 29.5" across for bigger bottoms and even the leg and back of this chair is extra-long, which provides plenty of support for the taller person as well. The zero-gravity design lets you sit up or recline this chair, depending on your preference. It's also easy to lock it into place once you get comfortable, so you don't have to worry about the chair changing positions if you need to adjust. It's made super durable with a steel frame and really thick rope for the suspension. The fabric is really lightweight and breathable, though it doesn't have the same comfort that some of the more padded options offer. This beach chair also comes with extras including a removable padded pillow and tray that holds your drink, cell phone, and more. The biggest downside is that it's rather large when folded, so it can be bulky to move around when you take it to the beach. It also doesn't recline fully like most zero-gravity chairs- it has a maximum recline angle of 150 degrees. You can check out the unique heavy-duty design, read more reviews and see today's price on Amazon by clicking here. Final Word The perfect plus-size beach chair really has a way of making a day by the water a lot more enjoyable. There's no reason you shouldn't lounge if you want to, work on your tan, or just have somewhere to relax when you're taking a break from the water. The way you want to use your beach chair really has a big effect on which type is going to work best- that's why I included so many options! These beach chairs are a little more expensive than the average camping chair, but they are also really heavy-duty and really worth their investment for how long they'll last. I hope you have a great time at the beach with these chairs!