Beat your fatigue with Japan’s healing recovery wear

In Eastern medicine, keeping the body warm is essential for a healthy lifestyle. It is associated with blood circulation, the conveyor of nutrients throughout the body, including internal organs. A warm body and healthy blood flow can thus enhance digestion, metabolism, and fertility, among other vital functions—no wonder the Japanese have mastered the art of onsen hot spring culture and invented disposable heat pads.

This preventive medicine concept is transforming the clothing industry. Japan’s Uniqlo immediately comes to mind, popular globally for its cooling and warming textiles that absorb moisture, such as AIRism and Heattech. Other firms have developed loungewear that helps alleviate fatigue simply by wearing it. These fabrics contain minerals that emit far infrared rays, which radiate body heat and provide additional benefits.

Venex

Venex is a small startup that initially focused on nursing care management. In 2007, they developed a proprietary fiber containing platinum and other minerals to make mattresses that promote blood circulation for bedridden seniors. It has gained popularity among athletes and expanded to include loungewear and accessories. The product line also includes stockings designed for postpartum women suffering from leg swelling. The fabric is Oeko-Tex certified for being free of harmful substances.Venex items range from T-shirts (around $70) to light jackets (around $150), which are sold through stores in Japan, Germany, China, and Taiwan, as well as online.

SixPad

SixPad specializes in athletic clothing and accessories that use electric muscle stimulation (EMS) technology for body training. In October 2024, it added a collection of loungewear made of fiber mixed with high-quality ceramic particles derived from natural ore. This heat-radiating fabric accelerates recovery, relaxes stiff and tense muscles, and eases hip and joint pains, inflammation, and neuralgia, among other benefits. T-shirts start around $70, sweaters and pants cost about $100, and SixPad stores in major cities across Japan offer free trials, muscle checkups, and counseling (no international shipping from its online store).

If spending over $70 feels too expensive, you can check out Aoki, a business attire retailer in Japan. They offer affordable recovery wear for $60 per top/bottom set, made with high-density ceramic. Aoki also offers global shipping.

These intelligent loungewear items generate and sustain comfort on their own by using our body heat. Because the nature-based minerals are woven into the fabric, the effects do not fade away. Half of my extended family lives in cold winter locations, such as Colorado and Montana. These will be my holiday gifts for them this year.