What Sets Goldwin's "Compression Tights" with Recognized Blood Circulation Enhancement Apart from the Rest?

Goldwin Inc. offers "Compression Calf Sleeves" and "Compression Long Tights" as registered medical devices that help improve blood circulation and reduce swelling.

While there are numerous tights with compression functions for sports and daily life, what sets Goldwin's products apart? Also, how has the latest version, renewed after three years, evolved from the previous models?

Medical Device-Registered Calf Sleeves and Tights

Developed to achieve three "C"s: Compression, Conditioning, and Comfort, the sports tights from Goldwin have been loved by many users since their inception in 2009. Although compression wear designed to support the body through pressure is released by various manufacturers, what specific features do Goldwin's "Compression Calf Sleeves" and "Compression Long Tights" have? We asked Yuya Kobayashi, MD of Goldwin’s business division, for an explanation.
 
"Regarding the Compression Calf Sleeves and Compression Long Tights, a major point is that they are registered as medical devices—elastic stockings—in Japan. Medical devices have clear structures, efficacies, and performance, and are either used ‘for diagnosing, treating, or preventing diseases’ or ‘affecting the structure or function of the body.’ Simply put, their benefits and effects are substantiated."

Registering as a medical device imposes special rules not only for manufacturing but also for management and sales, which can build consumer trust. Goldwin also registers to correctly convey the functions and usage methods to consumers.

Moreover, the appropriate graduated compression design that meets the standards for medical device elastic stockings (gradually changing compression from the ankle to the calf and thigh to apply proper pressure externally, supporting the muscle's pumping action) promotes blood circulation, reduces swelling, and improves condition.

The main cause of swelling is blood flow. While the heart's role is to send blood throughout the body, blood sent to the legs needs to go against gravity to return to the heart.

The muscle pump action, also known as the milking action, is crucial here. The muscle pump action of the leg muscles, mainly the calf, compresses the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow back smoothly to the heart. Sitting or standing for long periods can cause swelling because the muscles don’t work correctly and the pump action doesn’t operate, resulting in improper blood circulation. Medical device elastic stockings help alleviate such leg swelling.
 
In fact, the author has been a long-time user of the "Compression Calf Sleeves" and wears them during long travels on flights or bullet trains. Once, I forgot to bring them on a 12-hour flight abroad and experienced leg swelling to the extent that I couldn't wear my shoes. It made me realize how much the "Compression Calf Sleeves" had been helping me.

Redesigned for Skin & Earth-Friendly Design

After three years, the "Compression Calf Sleeve" and "Compression Long Tights" have been renewed. So, what exactly has changed from the previous models?
 
"There are two major points of renewal. The armpit seams are now seamless, and part of the base nylon material has been replaced with recycled material."
 
The previous models used special tape on the seams and featured Smart Seams to reduce chafing and rubbing by making the seams flat on the skin side. However, the new models adopt a new technology called overlap bonding, resulting in a seamless design. This greatly reduces the chances of seam marks and chafing against the skin, further increasing comfort.