Shohei Ohtani's Custom Arm Brace to Be Commercialized, Limited Release Scheduled for February Next Year

The Japanese brand Wacoal's sports functional line "CW-X" announced today the launch of an elbow support brace, the "CW-X Arm Brace," specifically designed for Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani. This product will be released in a limited edition and is expected to go on sale through a dedicated website in February next year.

The development of this brace was driven directly by Ohtani's requirements. Ohtani stated, "I wanted to create a support brace that protects the inside of the elbow and offers adjustability." Having undergone his second Tommy John surgery in 2023, he needed greater stability in both pitching and batting motions post-surgery, prompting the search for a new supportive brace.

After receiving the request, the CW-X team conducted multiple trials, tests, and adjustments, providing a basic version for Ohtani to try in late March this year. Starting from the 2025 season, Ohtani has been using it in actual games and continues to provide feedback, hoping it can assist other players dealing with elbow issues.

The core design of the "CW-X Arm Brace" features a steel wire structure that allows for millimeter-level adjustments, enabling precise control of the elbow's extension and range of motion to stabilize pitching actions. The brace also incorporates support concepts similar to athletic taping, along with anti-slip silicone and wrist straps to prevent shifting during games.

Since baseball players have varying arm shapes and pitching styles, the brand will arrange in-person consultations and measurements for first-time buyers to ensure a proper fit, followed by purchase completion through the dedicated website.

Statistics show that about one in four pitchers in Major League Baseball has undergone ligament reconstruction surgery, with a rising trend among Japanese pitchers as well. Against the backdrop of growing concern over pitcher injuries, this brace, developed based on Ohtani’s actual needs, has attracted considerable attention.

Through his company, Shohei Ohtani expressed, "Returning as a pitcher this year, I have tried many ways to adjust and improve my performance. This CW-X brace is one of those efforts, and I have continuously shared my on-field experience with the team for refinement. Feeling secure on the mound is its greatest value. If it can help players in need, I would be very happy."