These 7 Spins on the Acapulco Chair Don't Sacrifice Comfort

Named for the Mexican beach town made famous by midcentury glitterati, the Acapulco is one of the more decorative outdoor standards today. It mixes the breezy glamour of Pacific Coast modernism with a good dose of festive decadence.

The chair was allegedly conceived in the 1950s by a vacationing Frenchman seeking a seat that would keep him cool, and it usually consists of rope or vinyl cords woven around a teardrop or oval frame in a style that borrows from traditional Mexican craftsmanship.

While affordable Acapulco chairs abound, some splurge-worthy versions feature more elaborately woven designs and luxe materials. A word of warning: The more seductive, deeper models can also be more difficult to leave—especially after a few margaritas.

Keep reading to see our six favorite designs—and hear how they transport Aric Chen, the general and artistic director at Het Nieuwe Instituut in the Netherlands, to a tropical setting.

Acapulco by CB2

Acapulco Rocking Chair by The Khazana

Traveler Outdoor Armchair With Hood by Stephen Burks for Roche Bobois

Acapulco by Innit Designs

"In my mind’s eye this chair represents nothing but urban chic. It’s an oddly ubiquitous design in the Netherlands, where I live, even though we’re not known for our tropical, sunny weather. Maybe it’s wishful thinking that makes it so popular. But it is comfortable. Once you sink in, it hugs your body and forces you into a relaxed pose. Also, the air can circulate around it, so rain doesn’t collect on the seat. I have a version in white on my terrace, and even though I’m not a color person, I got a shiny yellow table to go next to it. It’s just like being on the beach." —Aric Chen

Mexa Classics Acapulco Lounge Chair by Mexa

Mozambique Basket Chair by House of Nomad

Caribe Vis a Vis Bench by Sebastian Herkner for Ames

Read more: Our Favorite New Takes on Classic Outdoor Chairs

Edited by Meredith Mendelsohn
Selections by Gabrielle Golenda