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A lovely, relaxing edition to your garden this spring and summer

We’re planning ahead to hot, sunny days lounging around outside. A sun lounger in the garden is one piece of outdoor furniture anyone can enjoy, where you can read a magazine, relax with your latest hobby or enjoy an afternoon nap while listening to the buzzing bees.

Sun loungers have come a long way over the last few years and there are lots of stylish versions on the market. While it might seem a little early to be thinking about buying one, there was actually a shortage of sun loungers for sale in 2021, so there's never been a better time to get ahead of the trend and start thinking about which sun lounger you'd like to spend this summer relaxing on.

There are a few things to consider before you buy a sun lounger, the most important of which is the size of the space you have. If you’re lucky enough to have a sprawling garden, you can opt for whatever size sun lounger you want and you’re less likely to have to worry about storage space once the weather turns.

If you have a balcony, roof terrace or side return you might want to opt for a lightweight sun lounger that doesn’t take up masses of room when it’s out, and folds up easily to a compact size when not in use.

The next thing to consider is the weight. If the space you intend to use your sun lounger has a lot of shade, and you know you’ll be tracking the sun all afternoon, consider a sun lounger made from a lightweight material like plastic or aluminium so you can move it around easily, without causing yourself an injury.

If your sun lounger is likely to live in the same place day-in, day-out, you can opt for a heavier material like wood.

Alternatively, many sun loungers come with two wheels at the back which makes them much easier to manoeuvre around the garden.

Sun loungers are made from ultra-strong, high density materials to make sure they're resistant to extreme weather (like heat, or wind from a beach). Many are also water resistant and designed to withstand chemicals from swimming pools (like chlorine), suncreams and oils.

Here, we’ve rounded up 25 of the best sun loungers available to buy right now. There are options to suit every budget, from ones with wheels to ones with concealed trays for your mocktail, from inflatable versions to ones that look like a work of art.

All you need now is a floppy hat, SPF protection and… the sun.

You can throw yourself back on this sun lounger and relax safe in the knowledge it won't run away from you thanks to a robust weatherproof and rustproof aluminium frame. It has a comfy foam cushion, which is held in place to stop it flopping down and bothering you mid lounge, and can be adjusted to five different positions, from completely flat to sitting up and everything in between.

The water-repellent cushions on the Marlow sun lounger mean it can withstand an April shower and be ready for you to lie on again in less than an hour. There's an adjustable back and the rattan-style material will look super stylish in any setting.

Crafted from PE rattan (a material that mimics natural rattan with the added advantage of being even more durable), this sun lounger has five reclining settings, two wheels so you can move around the garden or patio easily and it comes with a soft and squishy cushion that you can sink into while you read the newest issue of Country Living.

Just because you don't have a garden doesn't mean you don't deserve your very own sun lounger this year. Oliver Bonas has the perfect answer for balconies, roof terraces or side returns with this super soft cushioned sun lounger, complete with a headrest for maximum comfort.

This sun lounger is at the pricer end of the scale but it's crafted from 100% FSC teak wood, with a sustainable hardwearing fabric in a choice of black or white. There are two wheels for easy manoeuvring, an adjustable backrest and the stylish design will bring a touch of class to any outdoor space.

Slightly less classy but just as useful all the same, this Lamzc L sun lounger is perfect for relaxing in the garden or even on the beach. Made from durable nylon ripstop, it includes four ground pins to stop it blowing away while you're off getting a drink, a repair kit for any surprise punctures and a handy carry bag. The lounger inflates in 10 seconds and is easily big enough for one adult or two kids.

An ideal option for those of us who are short on storage space, this purse-friendly sun lounger folds up quickly and easily to a really compact size. It's lightweight so easy to transport for any camping trips you might have planned, comes in three colours and has several reclining positions to provide ultimate relaxation and comfort.

This zero gravity recliner comes with a convenient side table you can attach to the legs and is has a powder-coated steel frame making them rust resistant and strong. The fabric is breathable and UV proof and it's fully reclinable. It also comes in a range of six colours.

This rustic sun lounger is actually made from solid wood which has been wire brushed to give it a weathered grey finish. Its textilene® fabric on the seat and back are designed for extra breathability, so you stay cooler and drier and the back has three reclining positions.

Nothing screams retro summer holiday like these tilting sunshades. Recreate your childhood memories and invest in your very own version for your back garden. This lightweight folding sun lounger has four different reclining positions, a sturdy steel frame and the awning is adjustable and detachable.

At first, we weren't sure if this was a sun lounger or a piece of art, but either way we'd like it for our garden. Made from acacia wood it's designed for maximum comfort as it curves to the contours of your body. It might not look like it but the lounger actually folds down to a very compact size and has a carry handle for easy transportation. There's only one position but if you wanted to be more upright you could grab a cushion from your sofa or pop a rolled-up towel under your head.

A stylish rope style sun lounger that's ideal for those of us who like a little arm and back support for reading while lounging. Made from metal and polyester, it's durable and easy to clean and assemble. We love the pale blue padded cushions which are classy and comfortable at the same time.

You get two sun loungers for the price of one with this pretty floral set. Pop a table in the middle and enjoy sundowners together, or take yours and retreat to a quiet corner of the garden for a nap. The thick fibre cushion is comfortable and supportive at the same time and there are multiple reclining settings. The black powder coated steel frames mean you can leave these outdoors in all weathers and they won't go rusty. Just remove the cushion covers first.

We think the full length padded cushion on this sun lounger would make it incredibly difficult to get off - because you'd be so comfortable you'd probably fall asleep. It's a purse friendly price, comes with six adjustable positions and even has an adjustable foot rest for total relaxation. When not in use it can be folded down easily and the cover is machine washable for extra practicality points.

This sun lounger is one of the most affordable we've found on the market - and one of the brightest too. Ideal for those who don't have much space to sunbathe in, it folds up easily to a compact size. There are five recline settings and it also comes in a punchy tropical print for any summer shindigs you might be planning.

With its interesting slat design, solid reclaimed wood framework and comfy UV resistant soft grey cushion, this sun lounger will make a timeless addition to your alfresco space. To prolong the life of your furniture Nkuku suggests adding a natural water-resistant oil or wax before use the first time.

Pull up a chair and relax in this stylish option. This folding lounger is lightweight and is handmade by a small company in the UK using oak wood with an eco-friendly varnish. There are three backrest settings and the head pillow is fully detachable.

Lie back and think of Copacabana in this sun lounger named after the Rio De Janeiro beach. With a polyethylene resin coating that mimics rattan, it's sure to add an exotic touch to your garden. There's only one setting but when it looks this chic it's worth it.

This sun lounger has been designed to look like the acacia tree so it'll look perfectly at home in your back garden. The lounger has four reclining positions and sturdy armrests and the pretty muted floral canvas is machine washable.

Add a little drama to your garden this summer with this contemporary cheerful bright red sun lounger. Created as part of the “M'Afrique” project by Patrizia Moroso, this completely hand-made lounger consists of coloured polyethylene threads, hand-woven on a tubular structure on lacquered steel. The braiding technique used is traditionally found in Africa to make fishing nets.

What's the only thing better than lounging in the sun with a cool drink? When you're doing it with a pal. This double lounger can be joined together to create a large day bed or used separately if one of you prefers the shade. With a supportive back, arm panel on one side and a squashy cushion to lie on you can't go wrong. There's no reclining position but if you put the beds together you have enough room to lay flat if needed.

Strong and simple, this foldable, compact and sturdy sun lounger would be a great addition to your balcony this summer. Pop a few colourful cushions on the top and relax in style.

A three-piece sun lounger set made from high strength aluminium, covered in UV protected durable rattan. The contemporary grey cushions contain deep filled foam for extra comfort and the loungers are on wheels for easy manoeuvring. This set also includes an all important glass topped table to rest your suncream, book and shades on.

The ergonomic design of this sun lounger is very pleasing on the eye - as are the muted pastel colours. Featuring five reclining positions and a detachable headrest, this super lightweight option is elegant and functional at the same time. Sklum advises that to extend the loungers life if should be cleaned with a damp cloth and protected from bad weather and extreme humidity.

This classic wooden garden lounger has an attractive slatted design and will add a touch of rustic charm to your garden, patio, pool deck or other outdoor living space. Made from solid acacia wood, it's pretty heavy but comes with handy wheels to help you move it around the garden. The backrest and footrest are completely adjustable and the armrests come in handy. The best part? It contains a concealed pull-out table for your drink and sunglasses.