What Is Recovery Wear? A Complete Guide to Its Mechanism and Benefits
Recently, “recovery wear” that claims to help you recover simply by wearing it has become very popular.
It is often featured on social media by celebrities and athletes, and more people are wearing it in their daily lives.
We looked into the secret behind the effectiveness of recovery wear, which is said to support fatigue recovery.
So, what exactly is recovery wear? Let’s break it down.
What is Recovery Wear?
Recovery wear, now often heard of, is clothing that claims to help reduce:
- Physical fatigue
- Muscle stiffness
The concept originated from compression garments designed for athletes to improve circulation and support recovery from fatigue. Its key appeal is convenience—just wear it. Recently, it has also gained popularity among busy businesspeople and homemakers.
The brand “Venex” is considered one of the pioneers in promoting the concept of “recovery just by wearing.”
*Note: Venex filed a trademark application in 2009 ahead of competitors, but it was not successfully registered.
So, what does “recovery just by wearing” mean?
Across different brands, the common factor is the use of special fibers and fabrics designed to promote blood circulation.
In Japan: Classified as “General Medical Device”
Many recovery wear products in Japan promote their effects—such as improved circulation, fatigue recovery, and relief of muscle stiffness—based on the certification of a “General Medical Device” (clothing for household use that promotes blood circulation with far-infrared radiation). This certification allows companies to claim specific health benefits.
Certification as a “General Medical Device” in Japan means that the product has been reviewed for quality, safety, and basic effectiveness. In order to advertise blood circulation benefits in Japan, obtaining this certification is legally required.
If a product claims circulation benefits without displaying certification, it may be an illegal product under Japanese law. Therefore, consumers are advised to choose certified products, even if they are more expensive.
Note for overseas readers: This “General Medical Device” classification and labeling requirement is unique to Japan. Other countries (e.g., the United States, EU) have different regulatory frameworks. In many regions, such recovery wear may be marketed as general wellness or functional apparel rather than medical devices, unless manufacturers seek formal medical approval. Always check local regulations before relying on such claims.
Reference (Japanese only):
Guideline: Treatment of existing items under the establishment of the general name “clothing for household use that promotes blood circulation with far-infrared radiation”
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/web/t_doc?dataId=00tc7207...How Does It Work?
Far-infrared warming effect
Recovery wear often refers to far-infrared radiation. The wavelength of far-infrared rays corresponds to the vibration frequency of human skin molecules, which makes it easily absorbed at the body surface.
Once absorbed, far-infrared energy is converted into heat, which is transferred deeper into the body via blood circulation. This helps not only to warm the skin surface but also to improve warmth and circulation deeper inside the body.
Many recovery wear items claim to use far-infrared reflection. In short, this means reflecting the far-infrared radiation naturally emitted from the human body back into the skin, retaining heat and enhancing circulation. This retained warmth supports recovery.
We hope this explanation helps you understand recovery wear better.
Please keep this information in mind when considering a purchase.