Comparison
Gesture vs Fern
Steelcase vs Haworth — full spec comparison
Bottom line
Gesture is foam + 360° arms for device postures at 400 lb; Fern is Wave Suspension mesh with optional headrest and Haworth’s 350/325 lb forward-tilt warranty split.
Comparing 2 chairs across key specs.
Brand
Steelcase
Model
Gesture
Era produced
2013–Present
Discontinued
No
MSRP (new)
$1,480
Avg refurbished
$700
Avg used
$400
Height range
152–198 cm
Weight capacity
181 kg
Seat width
51 cm
Seat depth
47 cm
Backrest height
61 cm
Seat material
Fabric + Foam
Armrests
4D Articulating
Forward tilt
Yes
Lumbar
Integrated
Headrest
Factory
Cylinder
Top-activated pneumatic
Caster stem
11mm × 22mm standard
Frame
Polymer shell + steel core mechanism
Tilt / lock
Core-equalized recline with tension; lock available
Arm adjustability
360° range: height, width, depth, near-infinite pivot
Brand
Haworth
Model
Fern
Era produced
2019–Present
Discontinued
No
MSRP (new)
$1,499
Avg refurbished
$780
Avg used
$500
Height range
152–193 cm
Weight capacity
159 kg
Seat width
51 cm
Seat depth
47 cm
Backrest height
61 cm
Seat material
Full Mesh
Armrests
4D Articulating
Forward tilt
Yes
Lumbar
Height-Adjustable Pad
Headrest
Factory
Cylinder
Top-activated pneumatic (16.5"–21.5" seat height)
Caster stem
11mm × 22mm standard
Frame
Stem-based polymer structure + Wave Suspension
Tilt / lock
Synchronized 3-point tilt; 5-position back stop; optional 5° forward tilt
Arm adjustability
4D, height-adjustable, fixed, or armless
| Spec | SteelcaseGesture | HaworthFern |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Steelcase | Haworth |
| Model | Gesture | Fern |
| Era produced | 2013–Present | 2019–Present |
| Discontinued | No | No |
| MSRP (new) | $1,480 | $1,499 |
| Avg refurbished | $700 | $780 |
| Avg used | $400 | $500 |
| Height range | 152–198 cm | 152–193 cm |
| Weight capacity | 181 kg | 159 kg |
| Seat width | 51 cm | 51 cm |
| Seat depth | 47 cm | 47 cm |
| Backrest height | 61 cm | 61 cm |
| Seat material | Fabric + Foam | Full Mesh |
| Armrests | 4D Articulating | 4D Articulating |
| Forward tilt | Yes | Yes |
| Lumbar | Integrated | Height-Adjustable Pad |
| Headrest | Factory | Factory |
| Cylinder | Top-activated pneumatic | Top-activated pneumatic (16.5"–21.5" seat height) |
| Caster stem | 11mm × 22mm standard | 11mm × 22mm standard |
| Frame | Polymer shell + steel core mechanism | Stem-based polymer structure + Wave Suspension |
| Tilt / lock | Core-equalized recline with tension; lock available | Synchronized 3-point tilt; 5-position back stop; optional 5° forward tilt |
| Arm adjustability | 360° range: height, width, depth, near-infinite pivot | 4D, height-adjustable, fixed, or armless |
| Buy |
FAQ
- Should I buy Gesture or Fern?
- Buy Gesture if you move across devices and want foam plus 360° arms at 400 lb. Buy Fern if you want modern Wave Suspension mesh and a factory headrest path—and confirm Haworth’s forward-tilt capacity tier.
- Which has the higher weight capacity?
- Gesture is 400 lb. Fern is typically 350 lb without forward tilt and 325 lb with it on Haworth warranty literature—match the option to the rating.
- Is Gesture or Fern cooler for long sits?
- Fern’s mesh usually runs cooler. Gesture’s foam wraparound back is often preferred by people who dislike mesh pressure patterns.