At first glance, they look similar. A wooden spreader bar, a hanging seat, a gentle sway, and the promise of relaxation. However, you only need to sit in both to feel that a Brazilian chair and a Mexican chair offer a completely different type of comfort.

One envelops the body with solid fabric. The other works under you using hundreds or thousands of interwoven threads.

And this very difference is of huge importance if you are looking for a comfortable hanging chair for a balcony, terrace, garden, or home.

If your primary concern is breathability, flexible contouring to your physique, lightness, and the ability to sit comfortably even on warm days, a Mexican hammock chair will most often be the better choice.

See hand-woven Mexican hammock chairs from Hamakija

If, on the other hand, you have more space and dream not only of sitting but also of lying down completely, taking a nap, or relaxing as a pair, it is worth looking at Hamakija Mexican hammocks right away.

Brazilian vs. Mexican chair - the most important difference

The most important difference does not concern the color, the spreader bar, or the way it is hung.

It concerns the seat itself.

Brazilian chair

A typical Brazilian chair is made of solid fabric or canvas. It forms a soft pocket in which we sit much like in an armchair.

The fabric envelops the body relatively evenly and provides a pleasant cocoon-like feeling. At the same time, it restricts airflow and cannot work independently at different points of the seat.

Mexican chair

A Mexican hammock chair is not made from a single piece of fabric. Its surface is formed by a dense, flexible weave of many thin threads.

When you sit down, individual parts of the seat can shift and work independently. The weave yields where pressure is greater and supports the body where it is needed.

That is precisely why a well-made Mexican chair can adapt simultaneously to your:

• back,

• hips,

• shoulders,

• thighs,

• legs.

Therefore, you are not sitting on a rigid surface. The seat adjusts around you.

It is exactly the same idea of comfort that stands behind traditional Mexican hammocks.

Brazilian or Mexican chair - a quick comparison

Feature	Brazilian chair	Mexican chair
Construction	solid fabric or canvas	flexible weave of many threads
Breathability	moderate	very high
Body contouring	more uniform	flexible and targeted
Sensation	soft cocoon	light, springy support
Comfort in heat	lower	very good
Changing position	more restricted	very free
Appearance	fabric, classic	light, openwork, artisanal
When folded	usually larger	very compact
Resistance to snagging	higher	requires more care
Best use	interiors and cooler days	home, balcony, terrace, and garden

Our choice?

If you are looking for a chair primarily for daily relaxation and you care about maximum breathability and body contouring, it is definitely worth starting with a Mexican chair.

It is not without reason that the entire collection of Hamakija Mexican hammock chairs is based on this construction.

Why is a Mexican hammock chair so comfortable?

The secret does not lie in a soft cushion or a thick layer of fabric.

Quite the opposite.

The biggest advantage is that the seat can work along with your body.

In classic fabric, pressure is distributed over one solid surface. In a Mexican weave, many threads can react to the load independently.

The effect is a characteristic feeling of light envelopment without stiffly forcing one position.

You can:

• sit more upright with a book,

• lean back and recline slightly,

• sit sideways,

• tuck your legs in,

• assume a semi-reclined position in a larger model.

This is especially important if you want to spend not just five minutes in the chair, but truly relax.

If you want to use the full seat, also see our guide: How to properly sit in a hammock chair?

 

Does a string Mexican chair dig into the body?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions.

Looking at the photo, you might think: "But it's a net. Won't those strings press against me?"

In a high-quality Mexican chair, it is the opposite.

Comfort comes from a large number of thin threads distributing pressure over a large surface. It is a completely different feeling than sitting on a few thick, tightly tensioned ropes.

That is why, when buying, it is not worth looking solely at appearance.

What matters are:

• weave density,

• thread quality,

• the size of the usable surface,

• weaving method,

• chair size,

• spreader bar length,

• quality of workmanship at the most stressed points.

A cheap chair that looks like a Mexican product does not have to provide the same comfort as a hand-woven chair made using the traditional method.

At Hamakija, that is precisely why we focus on authentic chairs woven in Mexico, not on mass-produced imitations of string seats.

If you want to see up close why the method of execution matters, read also: How is one of the world's most comfortable hammocks made?

Breathability - a huge advantage of the Mexican chair in summer

On a hot August day, the difference between solid fabric and an openwork weave is felt even more clearly.

The canvas of a Brazilian chair retains some heat and limits air movement under the back.

In a Mexican chair, there are thousands of tiny spaces between the threads through which air can flow.

Therefore, your back and legs are not trapped between your body and a large surface of fabric.

This is a big advantage especially:

• on the balcony,

• on a south-facing terrace,

• in the garden,

• under a pergola,

• by the pool,

• in a warm living room,

• during summer relaxation.

If the chair is to be used primarily outdoors, you can additionally consider a nylon model, e.g., Caribe L, which combines a breathable weave with a material that performs well in daily outdoor use.

See all Mexican hammock chairs

Hanging chair for the balcony - the Mexican one has another advantage

A full-size hammock will not always fit on a small balcony.

And this is where a hammock chair shows its greatest practical advantage: it only needs one point to be hung.

You don't have to look for two walls or two trees several meters apart.

You can hang the chair on a properly prepared:

• ceiling,

• wooden beam,

• pergola,

• terrace structure,

• sturdy branch,

• dedicated stand.

It also takes up little space when removed.

Therefore, if you dream of the comfort of a hammock but have limited floor space, a Mexican hanging chair is one of the simplest ways to create your own relaxation zone.

Read also: No space for a large hammock? Meet the Maya XL Mexican hanging chair

Which Mexican hammock chair to choose?

Here it is worth moving away from the "cheapest is enough" rule.

In a hammock chair, size really does matter.

A small model will work for more upright sitting. A large XL or XXL gives much more freedom: you can rest a larger part of your back, tuck your legs in, and more easily find your favorite position.

Do you want a small chair for a balcony or terrace?

Choose a more compact L model.

This is a good direction if you have little space, mainly want to sit with coffee or a book, and care about the ease of moving the chair around.

A good example is Caribe L or Indio L.

Do you want more space and comfort?

Check out the Maya XL or Mayo XL models.

A larger seat gives more freedom and it is easier to use the chair not only for sitting but also for a semi-reclined position.

Do you want a truly large premium chair?

Then it is worth looking at XXL models, such as Brasil XXL, Merida XXL, or Deluxe Natural XXL.

This is a solution for people who treat the chair not as a decoration, but as a full-fledged place for daily relaxation.

Compare all sizes and models of Hamakija hammock chairs




Cotton or nylon? That also matters

Not every Mexican chair has to be the same.

At Hamakija, you will find models made of both natural cotton and nylon.

Cotton hammock chair

A good choice if you appreciate:

• natural material,

• softness,

• pleasant contact with the skin,

• homey character,

• boho style,

• calm, natural colors.

Natural ecru models look especially impressive, combining well with wood, plants, linen, wicker, and light interiors.

You can read more about the material here: Mexican cotton - natural softness, breathability, and comfort

Nylon hammock chair

It is worth considering primarily where the chair will be used outdoors more often.

Nylon is light, practical, and dries faster, which is why it works great on a terrace, balcony, or in the garden.

Regardless of the material, the most important thing remains the characteristic, flexible weave that distinguishes the Mexican chair from a classic Brazilian fabric chair.

Mexican hammock chair for the home - furniture you don't have to hide after summer

A hammock chair doesn't have to be just garden equipment.

More and more often, its natural place becomes:

• a living room,

• a bedroom,

• a child's room,

• a teenager's room,

• a home office,

• a conservatory,

• an attic,

• a reading corner.

Here, the Mexican weave has one more advantage - visual lightness.

Solid fabric creates a large surface and can optically fill the space more heavily. An openwork chair lets light through and leaves the background visible.

That is why even a large model can look light.

Natural chairs fit particularly well into the aesthetics of:

• boho,

• japandi,

• Scandinavian,

• rustic,

• Mediterranean,

• minimalist.

And an intensely colored chair can do exactly the opposite - become the strongest element of the entire interior.

When will a Brazilian chair be a better choice?

We do not want to convince anyone that one solution is the best for absolutely everyone.

A Brazilian chair is worth considering if:

• you like solid, thicker fabrics,

• you care about a strong cocoon feeling,

• you use the chair mainly in a cooler interior,

• you prefer a classic fabric appearance,

• you often wear clothes with Velcro, sharp zippers, or elements that could snag on the weave.

A Mexican chair requires a little more attention.

Jewelry, Velcro, or a sharp zipper element can snag a single thread. This does not mean that the product is delicate - it just means a hand-woven weave should be treated a bit differently than a uniform piece of canvas.

However, if your priority is comfort, breathability, flexibility, and the freedom to change position, the advantage of the Mexican construction becomes very clear.

Hammock chair or a full Mexican hammock?

And here we come to the question worth asking yourself before buying:

Do I really want to sit primarily, or would I also like to be able to lie down completely?

A hammock chair takes up less space and needs one hanging point.

A full-size hammock requires more space, but in return, it gives a completely different level of freedom.

You can:

• lie down,

• assume a traditional diagonal position,

• take a nap,

• read in a semi-reclined position,

• relax with a child,

• use it as a pair in a sufficiently large model.

If you have a garden, a large terrace, or a suitable place at home, it is definitely worth looking at Hamakija hand-woven Mexican hammocks.

For one person, you can start with a light Arena L or Margarita L model.

If you want more space, it is worth looking at larger models, e.g., Tropical XL or Luna XL.

And if your limitation is the lack of two trees, also check out our guide: Hammock with a stand or between trees?

 

Hammock chair or hammock? The simplest choice rule

Choose a hammock chair if:

• you have a small balcony or terrace,

• you have only one suspension point,

• you mainly want to read or sit,

• you are looking for a compact solution,

• you want to hang the chair in a living room or bedroom,

• you enjoy sitting or semi-reclining positions.

See Mexican hammock chairs

Choose a classic Mexican hammock if:

• you have more space,

• you want to be able to lie down completely,

• you enjoy napping in a hammock,

• you plan to relax with someone else,

• you are looking for a large family hammock,

• you want maximum freedom of movement.

See Mexican hammocks

And what if you have room for both?

You don't have to choose at all.

A large hammock can create a family relaxation zone in the garden, and a hammock chair a quiet corner on the terrace, balcony, or inside your home.

Brazilian chair or Mexican one - which is more comfortable?

The ultimate choice will always be a matter of individual preference.

But in terms of construction, both chairs offer a completely different experience.

A Brazilian chair wraps you in a piece of soft fabric.

A Mexican chair wraps you in a flexible weave that works with your body.

If you like solid canvas and a classic cocoon feel, the Brazilian model might be exactly what you are looking for.

However, if you care about:

• breathability,

• flexible fit,

• easy position changes,

• lightweight construction,

• handcrafted quality,

• original character,

• comfort both at home and outside in the summer,

it is worth choosing a Mexican hammock chair.

At Hamakija, you will find hand-woven models from compact L chairs, through comfortable XL, to very large XXL versions.

See all Hamakija Mexican hammock chairs

See all Hamakija Mexican hammocks

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Mexican chair comfortable?

Yes. Its most important feature is the flexible, braided weave that adapts to your silhouette. The larger and more densely woven the seat, the more options you have for comfortable body positioning.

Does the weave of a Mexican chair dig into the body?

In a well-made chair, it shouldn't. The weight is distributed across a large number of thin threads, rather than relying on a few thick cords.

Is a Mexican chair suitable for a balcony?

Yes. It is one of the places where it works particularly well. It takes up less space than a classic hammock and requires only one suspension point.

Hammock chair or hammock for a balcony?

For a small balcony, a hammock chair will usually be more practical. If the balcony is long and has two suitable mounting points, you can also consider a classic hammock.

Can a hammock chair be hung indoors?

Yes, if it is attached to a properly prepared structural element or placed on a dedicated stand. If you have any doubts about the ceiling or mounting, it is worth consulting a specialist.

Is a cotton or nylon hammock chair better?

For the home, many people choose soft, natural cotton. For the terrace and garden, nylon can be more practical, especially if you want easier drying and frequent use of the chair outdoors.

Is a hammock chair the same thing as a Brazilian swing?

The terms "hammock chair," "Brazilian chair," "hanging chair," and "Brazilian swing" are sometimes used interchangeably. In practice, however, it is worth looking primarily at the seat construction. Solid fabric and a hand-woven Mexican weave provide completely different sensations when sitting.

Is it better to buy an XL or XXL hammock chair?

If you have enough space, the larger model gives you more freedom to position your body. XL is a good compromise between size and comfort, while XXL is worth choosing if you want to make the most of the chair for resting in a semi-reclining position.

Discover the comfort of a true Mexican weave

A photo can show the color.

A description can give dimensions.

But only when you sit in a well-made Mexican chair do you begin to understand why its construction is so different from an ordinary fabric hanging chair.

Thousands of threads, a flexible weave, breathability, and manual labor make the chair not only look different.

It works differently under your body.

If you are looking for your own space for reading, coffee, napping, or simply doing nothing, check out the Hamakija collection and choose a size tailored to your space.

See Hamakija Mexican hammock chairs

See hand-woven Mexican hammocks