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Recovery wear is popular among athletes and those who are particular about conditioning. Simply by wearing it, you can expect effects such as recovery from physical fatigue and relaxation. Here, we introduce the benefits of recovery wear and points to keep in mind when choosing it.
Masahiro Nakajima
Ph.D. / CFO, Brain Sleep Inc. / Advanced Sleep Health Instructor
Born in Yamaguchi Prefecture in 1983. Graduated from the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, the University of Tokyo in 2007, and completed his Ph.D. in Physics at the Graduate School of Science, the University of Tokyo in 2012 (Ph.D. in Science). Joined Brain Sleep Inc. as a director at its establishment in May 2019. As CFO, he is responsible for financial oversight and sleep consulting-related businesses for partner companies, as well as sleep research based on the results of sleep-related epidemiological surveys published as "Sleep Deviation Score" and health management support services for corporations. Obtained Advanced Sleep Health Instructor qualification in November 2021.
What is Recovery Wear?
Recovery wear is special apparel that helps your body recover from fatigue just by wearing it. By wearing it during relaxing time at home, while sleeping, or during travel on business trips or vacations, you can expect efficient fatigue recovery.
Benefits of Wearing Recovery Wear
Here are four benefits you can expect from wearing recovery wear.
1: Fatigue Recovery During Sleep
Recovery wear has high fatigue recovery effects, so much so that professional athletes who engage in strenuous exercise daily wear it during their rest periods. By wearing it during sleep, you can wake up the next morning without carrying over fatigue.
2: Relaxation Effect
Some recovery wear comes in loose-fitting sweatshirt styles or hoodie types, offering a comfortable, non-restrictive feel, like pajamas or loungewear. The special fabric helps release tension in your body, promoting relaxation and aiding recovery from the fatigue accumulated in daily life.
3: Improved Sleep Quality
By simply wearing it, recovery wear supports improved rest, leading to enhanced sleep quality. Types that can be worn during sleep also make it easier to turn over and have the effect of loosening body stiffness.
4: Improved Daytime Performance
Simply by changing your pajamas or loungewear to recovery wear, you can alleviate physical ailments, leading to a reduction in daily fatigue and an improvement in daytime performance. It is also recommended for those suffering from chronic stiff shoulders and back pain.
Who is Recovery Wear Recommended For?
Recovery wear was originally developed for athletes to rest effectively, so it efficiently helps your body recover from fatigue just by wearing it.
- Those who want to take their sports performance to the next level
- Those who want to improve their work performance
- Those who don't want to carry fatigue over to the next day
It is recommended not only on days when you've engaged in long hours of sports like training or running, or enjoyed outdoor activities such as golf or hiking, but also for busy businesspeople who manage demanding schedules daily.
Principles and Mechanisms of Recovery Wear
Recovery wear can be broadly divided into two types: those that promote fatigue recovery through compression, and those that do so through special materials.
Type that Promotes Fatigue Recovery Through Compression
Compression types are expected to promote fatigue recovery by improving the flow of waste products and lymph accumulated in the body. For those not used to it, it may feel constrictive during sleep, so it is more suitable for wearing in situations other than sleeping.
Type that Promotes Fatigue Recovery Through Special Materials
Non-compression types promote blood circulation through special minerals blended into the fabric, which is expected to accelerate fatigue recovery and alleviate symptoms such as swelling and muscle stiffness.
Moreover, improved blood circulation raises body temperature and provides warmth, which also promotes the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to stress reduction. Compared to compression types, these are less constrictive and can be worn during sleep, making them suitable for everyone.
Types of Recovery Wear
Recovery wear comes in various types and materials, and their effects differ.
Compression Type
For days of intense exercise, compression recovery wear is recommended as it helps improve the flow of waste products and lymph accumulated in the body.
Non-Compression Type
For those who want to recover from fatigue while relaxing at home or during sleep, non-compression recovery wear is recommended, as it is loose-fitting and comfortable. It is suitable for wearing as pajamas or loungewear, making it a type of recovery wear that can be easily incorporated into daily life.
Different Materials, Different Effects
Additionally, various special materials are used in recovery wear, so choose according to the effect you desire.
If you are looking for an anti-chilling effect, Ko-den-shi material is recommended. Ko-den-shi material has ceramics woven into its fibers, providing high heat retention that allows you to warm yourself using your own body temperature. Therefore, wearing recovery wear made from Ko-den-shi material will warm up even those who suffer from cold sensitivity.
If you're seeking high fatigue recovery benefits, germanium material is recommended.
Germanium is a type of rare mineral called a rare metal, and it is said that only about 0.00014% of naturally occurring germanium exists on Earth. When germanium emits negative electrons, it is expected to act on the bioelectric current, enrich oxygen in the body, activate metabolism, and promote blood flow.
Price Range Varies by Product
There is a significant difference in price depending on the materials used and functionality.
- T-shirts: around 10,000 yen
- Top and bottom sets: around 20,000-40,000 yen
- Small items like neck warmers: around 5,000 yen
It is true that recovery wear, especially products certified as general medical devices, are often expensive. While there are significant differences based on materials, functionality, and manufacturers, generally, T-shirts cost around 10,000 yen, and top and bottom sets for loungewear cost around 20,000 to 40,000 yen. Small items like neck warmers and leg warmers can be purchased for around 5,000 yen.
There are various high-grade materials used in recovery wear, such as germanium, platinum, and ceramics, and some luxury items, like top and bottom sets, can cost over 60,000 yen.
Points to Consider When Choosing Recovery Wear
If you're going to buy recovery wear, you'll want to choose something that you can feel the effects of. Here are 3 points to check when making your selection.
1: Can You Wear It Without Stress?
Recovery wear, which is worn daily during sleep or as loungewear, is worn for long periods, so the fabric material and feel are also important points. If it's uncomfortable to wear or too constricting, you won't be able to continue wearing it, so check if you can wear it without stress.
2: Can It Be Used for a Long Time?
Compression-type recovery wear gradually loses its compression with each wash. While this is unavoidable, some products are highly durable, while others may wear out more easily as clothing, so check before purchasing.
Non-compression recovery wear, because special minerals are blended into the fabric fibers, often maintains its effectiveness even after washing, allowing for long-term use. Additionally, if it has odor-eliminating and antibacterial functions for sweat odor, it can be used comfortably every day, making it highly recommended.
Recommended Way to Wear: During Sleep!
There are various types of recovery wear, but products that can be worn during sleep are recommended.
Reasons why wearing it during sleep is recommended
People who are busy every day often don't get enough sleep. By wearing recovery wear during such limited sleep time, sleep quality can be improved, and you can wake up feeling refreshed the next morning.
Relaxation-type recovery wear often has no compression and can be worn loosely, making it perfect for sleeping. Additionally, choosing a fabric that is soft to the touch and highly absorbent can help you achieve even higher quality sleep.
What are the points of regret for users?
Some people who actually used recovery wear regretted purchasing it. There are two main reasons for this.
Incorrect Washing Method
Recovery wear, designed for fatigue recovery with moderate compression or made from special materials, can wear out faster than usual if not cared for properly. Even expensive products can lose effectiveness if cared for incorrectly, so check the washing instructions before washing.
Did not feel the effect
Some people didn't feel the effects even after wearing recovery wear. If you frequently drink alcohol before bed or drink heavily, or if you have muscle soreness from excessive exercise, you may not feel the effects as much, so it's a good idea to reevaluate your lifestyle.
Turn your usual time into recovery time!
Recovery wear is an item that helps you recover from physical fatigue just by wearing it, making it perfect for busy people. If you want to turn your everyday casual time into recovery time and lead a highly productive life, please consider it.
