From 3.19 Million to 21 Million! Why Workman Made 7 Times More 'MEDiHEAL®' Recovery Wear

It’s safe to say the biggest story in the recovery wear market last year was the full-blown launch of "MEDiHEAL®," a new line from Workman.

Thanks to its incredibly low prices and savvy use of social media, the brand skyrocketed in popularity in a remarkably short time. And the proof is in the numbers: despite launching in September, they sold a staggering 3.19 million items in just four months by December.

The "MEDiHEAL®" series was so popular that cries of "it's sold out!" were common both in-store and online. So, what’s in store for the lineup this season?

We sat down with Shunya Handa from the Product Development Department to chat about the future of the series, focusing on last season's fan favorites: the "MEDiHEAL® Short-Sleeve Lounge Shirt" and the "MEDiHEAL® Lounge Shorts."

Seeing the Science of Recovery with Your Own Eyes

First off, could you walk us through the key features of the "MEDiHEAL® ルーム半袖シャツ" and the "MEDiHEAL® ルームハーフパンツ"?

Just like the other products in the "MEDiHEAL®" series, its standout feature is how it creates an environment for fatigue recovery by using far-infrared rays to promote blood circulation. It also has a lightweight feel that's perfect for spring and summer, and it's a personal favorite of our brand ambassador, So Takei.

As the name suggests, I assume these are meant to be worn indoors, right?

That's right. We hope people will enjoy them as loungewear. While results may vary, we recommend wearing them for at least two to three hours to experience the recovery benefits. They're also great for wearing to bed.

Could you explain again how the "MEDiHEAL®" series works to provide these recovery effects?

Your body is constantly giving off far-infrared rays. The high-purity ceramics woven into the fabric capture these rays and radiate them back to your body, which helps boost blood circulation. This improved circulation is designed to deliver recovery benefits like easing fatigue, relieving muscle tension and stiffness, and reducing muscle soreness.

Will the ceramic's effects fade with daily wear and washing?

Since the ceramics are blended directly into the yarn, they won't wash out. However, we estimate the lifespan of the garment to be about two years. The fabric will naturally wear down with long-term use, so we recommend replacing it after around two years.

I had a chance to cover my hand with the "MEDiHEAL®" fabric and watch the capillaries in my fingertip on a microscope. In a very short time, my blood flow visibly increased, and I could actually feel my fingertip getting warmer. Is there any risk of getting "too hot" if you wear it for a long time?

In our clinical trials, we observed that while surface body temperature can vary from person to person, core body temperature remains stable. So, theoretically, you won't overheat even if you wear "MEDiHEAL®" for an extended period.

That said, how it feels to wear it really comes down to personal preference. Beyond the Room Short-Sleeve Shirt and Room Half Pants, we also offer products for those with a more active metabolism. Feel free to pick what suits you best.

Aiming to be No. 1 in the Recovery Wear Market

Since making a full-scale entry last year, it feels like Workman's MEDiHEAL® series has been taking the recovery wear market by storm. How many items are currently in the lineup?

We have 36 products in total, including apparel and bedding. We also recommend using this new roomwear in combination with items like towel blankets and mattress pads from the MEDiHEAL® series.

That said, last year its popularity led to many people saying, "I can't buy MEDiHEAL® because it's always sold out." Have you taken any steps to address this?

Last year, when we made our full-scale entry into the recovery wear market, we sold about 3.19 million items. This year, we are producing seven times that amount: 21 million items. We've created a sales plan to ensure we can meet the demand of every customer who wants to buy them.

So, you're truly aiming to become number one in the recovery wear market. It's been about eight months since your official launch. What kind of feedback have you gotten from users about how MEDiHEAL® feels to wear and use?

The most common feedback is that people "feel more relaxed." Also, compared to other Workman products, it's worth noting that it has almost no low ratings.

That's because our lower-priced products often come with reviews that have an "it's cheap, so you get what you pay for" kind of vibe. That's just my observation as someone in product development. But MEDiHEAL® doesn't get that; instead, we receive a lot of feedback from people saying they can feel its recovery effects.

Finally, what does the future hold for the MEDiHEAL® series?

For the upcoming Fall/Winter 2026 season, we aim to deliver an even more advanced version of MEDiHEAL®. Specifically, we're talking about products with higher functionality and a higher price point. Essentially, we're exploring how to cater to customers seeking an even higher level of satisfaction from their recovery wear. Please stay tuned.

──We asked Handa directly if he personally wears MEDiHEAL®. "Yes, I wear it every day. It makes waking up in the morning so much easier. I'm a little scared to sleep without it (laughs)."

This is yet another piece of genuine user feedback. The Room Short-Sleeve Shirt and Room Half Pants featured here, with their soft feel and relaxed fit, are the perfect entry point for anyone new to MEDiHEAL®.

MEDiHEAL® combines the mechanism of far-infrared rays promoting blood circulation with Workman's signature affordability and supply chain power. As a product line that makes the category of recovery wear more accessible for everyday life, its reach is set to accelerate even further.