Are you taller than 1.85 m? Sitting healthy and relaxed on an office chair is essential, especially for tall people with a higher body weight. For a healthy back, but also for concentrated work. There are special XXL office chairs for exactly that. These are tailored precisely to the needs of larger and heavier people.
In our guide you will find everything about XXL office chairs. We'll show you
- why an ergonomically adapted desk chair is so important
- the difference between an XXL and a standard work chair
- how to find the best office chair for you with our checklist
- how to adjust your chair correctly
What is an XXL office chair and why is it necessary?
Desk chairs for tall people are generally suitable for people with a height of 1.85 to 1.90 m. They are developed in accordance with the requirements of the so-called office chair standard, but they are based on the body measurements of taller people and therefore have different dimensions. This also applies to people who are (severely) overweight. Then it is likely that the product dimensions of an ordinary work chair are not sufficient. In addition, XXL office chairs are more stable than ordinary chairs.
The office chair norm has limits
Basically, every desk chair should of course fit as many people as possible. For average women and men, for smaller and larger people and for thinner and fatter people. To make this possible, manufacturers adhere to certain standards.
The corresponding measurements for the office chair come from anthropometry, which is the study of the dimensions and proportions of the human body. Specifically, the range of values that includes the standard dimensions for office chairs is defined in the office chair standard DIN EN 1335. This represents the majority of people in Germany, so to speak.
1. Larger than the norm
The problem is that not all people conform to this norm. If you are taller than average, you will not be able to adjust the chair to suit your body's ergonomic needs. The seat height is then usually too low, the seat is generally too narrow and not deep enough, the backrest is too low and too narrow and the armrests are also too deep and do not fit. It is also possible that your own weight exceeds the load limit of the work chair.
When does a person become tall?
There is a standard for that too. This is set out in DIN 33402-2 “Ergonomics – Human body dimensions – Part 2: Values”. The measurements of the body are divided into percentiles (hundredths). A percentile indicates the percentage of people who are smaller or at most exactly the same height as the specified body measurement.
This means that if you can place yourself at the 95th percentile or above, you are a great person. To put it simply: 95% of all comparison people are either the same height or smaller than you. Only 5% are larger. According to this information, a man with a height of 185.5 cm or more is considered tall and a woman with a height of 172.0 cm or more.
Office chairs for tall people are based on the size specification for men. Of course, this means that no matter your gender, if you are over 185 cm tall, you should specifically look for a suitable work chair for tall people. Did you know that as an employee you even have a legal right to an ergonomic workplace?
2. Heavier than the norm
The weight standard is also regulated in DIN EN 1335. According to this, an office chair must be able to bear a load of at least 110 kg. If you are overweight or significantly taller than average, the chair must be able to support a greater weight. Overweight people also often have the problem that the seat and backrest are too narrow, the support for the spine is too low, the pressure distribution is incorrect and the padding when sitting is not sufficient.
This results in poor posture and this can in turn lead to sitting disorders such as back pain, tension, pressure pain when sitting, pain in the knees or blood congestion in the legs. It is therefore essential to sit and work on an ergonomically adapted chair.
Difference between an office chair for tall and heavy people and a conventional chair
Office chairs for taller and heavier people have a few features that differentiate them from standard-sized desk chairs:
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Seat: Since tall people's legs and lower legs are longer, the seat needs to be higher. The thighs are also longer and the hips are wider. Therefore, the seat of these special chairs is wider. This can also be helpful for overweight people. The wider seat ensures better pressure distribution and relieves strain on the muscles, bones and joints.
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Armrests: The armrests are placed further outwards and should also be more adjustable in height.
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Backrest: In tall people, the back is also higher and the shoulders are broader. Accordingly, the backrest also has a larger area. It is wider and higher.
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Maximum load: The desk chair is overall more stable because it has to carry more weight. So it can withstand a higher maximum weight. The XXL office chair can usually support a body weight of 150 to 180 kg. The chair's mechanics are also designed to handle the heavy weight.
Checklist: Important ergonomic properties of the XXL office chair
Only those who sit healthily and ergonomically correctly can sustainably prevent problems caused by incorrect posture. We have put together a detailed checklist for you so that you are well informed about what you should pay attention to before buying a particularly large desk chair:
Gender differences in sitting
There are some physical differences between men and women. Sitting is also affected. In medicine there is even the term “gender seating” for this. Most desk chairs are made more for the male gender. Women should take a closer look when choosing an office chair. There are actually special office chairs for them. At HJH you will find ours, for example ERGOHUMAN SLIM. This is tailored precisely to the needs of the female gender.
Duration of sitting
Make sure you sit for at least 8 hours. You can find the information about this in the description of the respective manufacturer. The sitting time depends on the materials used for the cover and padding. Accordingly, the materials should be robust and abrasion-resistant. When it comes to padding, the correct pressure distribution is important. You should still be able to sit comfortably on it even after a long day at work.
backrest
It is important for tall people that the desk chair has the right back height. The backrest should reach at least your shoulders and be at least as wide as your shoulder blades so that you can lean comfortably. We also recommend adjusting the height of the backrest. So that you can adapt them perfectly to your spine. To provide additional support for the lumbar region, you should choose a model with adjustable lumbar support, which you can adjust in height and, ideally, in depth. Here you can find out everything about lumbar support.
Resilience
Since taller people are usually heavier, the maximum load capacity should also be higher. Standard office chairs can usually hold up to 120 kg. XXL office chairs can often be loaded with a body weight of 150 to 180 kg. The chairs are often suitable for tall and heavy people at the same time. Basically, make sure that the maximum load capacity is at least 10% more than your body weight.
- Heavy-duty chair (up to 250 kg): For those who are very overweight, there are special heavy-duty chairs that can usually carry a weight of up to 250 kg. These XXXL office chairs are particularly stable and equipped with an extra large and wide seat.
Seat height
Your office chair should definitely have a stepless seat height adjustment. This is particularly important so that the legs have enough space and a healthy sitting posture is possible. There's even a formula for that optimal seat height:
Divide your height in centimeters by the number 3.72. For example, if you are 1.85 m tall, the seat height is approximately 50 cm.
For example, if you are 1.90 m to 2.00 m tall, you should choose a height between 52 and 55 cm. You can use the following table as a guide for the seat height:
| Body size | Seat height |
|---|---|
| 150cm | 40cm |
| 160cm | 43cm |
| 170cm | 46cm |
| 180cm | 48cm |
| 185cm | 50cm |
| 190cm | 51cm |
| 195cm | 52cm |
| 200cm | 54cm |
| 205cm | 55cm |
| 210cm | 56/57cm |
| 215cm | 58cm |
| 220cm | 60cm |
Seat depth and seat width
There should be between 3 and 5 cm of space between the backs of your knees and the front edge of the seat. You can achieve the optimal sitting position for you if the depth of the seat is also adjustable. If you have wide hips, make sure that the seat is wide enough.
Adjustable armrests
To ensure that you sit comfortably and relieve the strain on your back, you should be able to adjust the armrests on your chair. By supporting the forearms, the shoulder and neck areas are wonderfully relieved. 2D, 3D or 4D armrests are even more effective. These can also be adjusted in width, depth and radially.
Movement mechanics
Additional features include a rocker function and a so-called synchronous mechanism. This allows you to sit actively and thus promote your back health. Try never to sit statically. Instead, you should stay constantly moving while working at your desk - or more precisely, sit dynamically. This is exactly what the synchronous mechanism makes possible. This allows you to move to all sides. At the same time, the seat and backrest remain at the correct angle to each other. By changing positions regularly, the pressure on the spine is better distributed and the body receives better blood circulation. In the best case scenario, the ergonomic office chair will still make you feel fit and productive after a long day at the office and you won't have any problems with tension or other health problems.
headrest
It may also be worth getting a desk chair with a headrest. It ensures pleasant periods of relaxation in between and relieves the strain on the neck and shoulders. Of course, it should also be placed in the correct position. Therefore, make sure that the head support is adjustable in height, depth and angle.
The right wheels for sitting down safely
Also make sure you have the right roles. For soft floors such as carpets you need hard rollers and for hard floors such as parquet, laminate or PVC you should use soft rollers. Many office chairs also have universal castors that are suitable for both surfaces. Also relevant – braked security rollers. These only roll when someone is sitting on the chair. When unloaded they are braked. This provides extra security.
Adjust the XXL office chair correctly
It is important that you can adjust the office chair to suit your body. Only then can it provide ergonomic support for your back and properly relieve the strain on your spine during your daily work at your desk. The best thing to do is to take a look at the operating instructions for your chair. It describes how you can best adjust it to your body measurements.
When making the setting, pay particular attention to the following:
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Seat height: Both feet must be evenly placed on the floor. Your back should rest against the backrest. The upper and lower legs should form a 90 degree angle.
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Seat depth: Then adjust the seat depth so that there is approximately 3 to 5 cm of space between the front edge of your seat and the back of your knees.
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Backrest: The height of the backrest should be adjusted so that the greatest curvature is in the belt line area, approximately at the level of the iliac crest.
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Lumbar support: The lumbar support must be located in the lower back area. It should support the 5 lumbar vertebrae so that an upright posture is maintained.
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Synchronous mechanics: Thanks to the synchronous mechanism, the office chair automatically adapts to your body weight. If your chair doesn't have one, the setting is correct if the resistance of the backrest is comfortable and you only need a little force to lean back.
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Seat tilt adjustment: If your desk chair is equipped with a seat tilt adjustment, adjust the seat so that the pelvis tilts forward slightly. This promotes a straight posture.
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Armrests: Adjust this so that your upper and lower arms form a 90 degree angle. The arms should be able to rest relaxed on the backrests.
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Head and neck support: The head or neck support should be adjusted so that your head neither falls back nor is pushed forward.
Different body proportions
Whether the office chair is the right one does not just depend on your height and weight. It should be remembered that every person has different proportions. This becomes particularly clear if you are overweight. For example, men are more likely to have a large, bulky upper body. So broad shoulders, a broad back and a larger waist circumference. In women, body fat lies more in the waist, hips, butt and thighs.
In any case, the chair must adapt to your own needs. For example, it may well be that the maximum load on the office chair is not exceeded, but problems can still occur when sitting due to excess weight.
However, if you weigh more than 120 kg, you should choose an office chair for tall people or a special chair for overweight people. Because this is absolutely necessary for reasons of ergonomics and safety.
You can also differentiate between the length of the extremities, i.e. arms and legs:
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Sitting dwarf -> long-legged: short upper body, long legs
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Sitting giant -> short-legged: long upper body, short legs
This should make it clear that everyone has different needs and that there is no standard chair for everyone. So get the work chair that suits you best. Above all, pay attention to the correct dimensions and adjustment options. Then nothing stands in the way of the perfect office chair!
Do you want to know more?
Haven't found what you're looking for yet or still have unanswered questions? In our guide you will find further interesting content on the broad topic of sitting. Of course, we are also happy to provide you with advice and assistance: via telephone, email or online chat. We are here for you and look forward to hearing from you!