Shohei Ohtani continues to awe Major League Baseball fans as the ultimate two-way superstar, dominating both on the mound and at the plate. But behind his jaw-dropping performances lies something less visible yet just as crucial: meticulous conditioning and an obsession with recovery.
One of the key tools supporting Shohei Ohtani’s durability is recovery wear—specialized clothing designed to help the body rest, heal, and recharge. In this feature, we’ll explore the brands and models Shohei Ohtani swears by, break down their materials and price ranges, and uncover why recovery wear has become indispensable to his success.
What Exactly Is Recovery Wear?
Recovery wear refers to specially engineered apparel worn during sleep or rest that promotes muscle recovery, improves circulation, and regulates body temperature. Once a niche concept in sports science, it has steadily crossed over into everyday life, now being used by office workers, frequent travellers, and people simply seeking better-quality sleep.
Shohei Ohtani himself has often emphasized the importance of rest, remarking that “quality sleep determines next-day performance.” Even after exhausting road trips or late-night games, he makes sure to wear recovery gear. In fact, he revealed in an interview with U.S. media that he “always wears it on flights.” That dedication underscores just how central recovery wear is to his routine.
Why Recovery Wear Matters in MLB
A Major League season runs 162 games, with players logging tens of thousands of kilometres in travel. The physical toll of pitching and hitting on a daily basis—combined with jet lag and gruelling travel—can be staggering. If fatigue lingers, it does not just affect muscles and joints but also sharpness, focus, and decision-making. In short, recovery speed can make or break a career.
Sports scientists explain that recovery wear enhances circulation through gentle compression and far-infrared effects, helping the body flush out fatigue-inducing byproducts like lactic acid. It also encourages a relaxed state, balances the nervous system, and enables deeper, more restorative sleep—all of which Shohei Ohtani relies on to stay at his peak.
Shohei Ohtani’s Go-To Recovery Wear
CW-X (Wacoal) Core Model Compression Shorts
- Why he wears it: Built with EXO-WEB™ technology, these shorts stabilize the hips and pelvis, reducing muscle vibration and providing a solid base for explosive movement.
- Material: “Flex Move®” stretch fabric with 8-way flexibility, sweat-wicking, and quick-drying.
- Price: Around ¥8,800 (tax included). Online deals can go as low as ¥5,500.
- Where to buy: Wacoal Official
Core Model Hip Support Compression Short Brief: Men’s Black – CW-X
Gravity Weighted Eye Mask
- Why he wears it: The mask’s bead-filled interior provides gentle pressure around the eyes, promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality. It also blocks light during travel—perfect for long flights.
- Material: Silk cover on the skin side, polyester exterior, cotton and beads inside.
- Price: Around $40 in the U.S. (or approximately ¥13,000 in Japan).
- Where to buy: Gravity Official (U.S.)
VENEX Recovery Wear
- Why he wears it: Developed with VENEX’s proprietary “PHT” fiber, this line emits far-infrared rays to improve circulation and regulate the nervous system.
- Material: Polyester and polyurethane infused with nano-platinum and other elements.
- Price:
- Short-sleeve tops & half pants: ¥9,900–11,000
- Long-sleeve tops & long pants: ¥14,300–18,700
- Medical-certified set: Up to ¥35,200
- Where to buy: VENEX Official Store (JP only)
Not Just for Pro Athletes
Recovery wear is not reserved for stars like Shohei Ohtani. Office workers struggling with stiff shoulders, retail employees on their feet all day, and anyone looking to improve sleep can benefit. It is versatile—suitable for bedtime, travel, or simply lounging at home. In colder months, it doubles as cozy thermal wear, blending comfort with functionality.
The Takeaway
Shohei Ohtani sustains his world-class performance with a three-pronged recovery strategy:
- CW-X compression shorts to stabilize muscles and joints
- Gravity weighted eye mask to optimize sleep and reduce travel fatigue
- VENEX recovery wear for everyday recovery support
His approach proves that recovery is not just about rest—it is about actively supporting the body’s ability to heal. And while we may not all face the grind of a 162-game MLB season, adopting recovery wear can elevate the quality of our own daily lives. So why not take a page out of Shohei Ohtani’s playbook and add recovery wear to your wardrobe?
