tatemasuSports supports
You set the goal.We bring the support.
tatemasu makes sports supports for the knee, ankle, wrist, elbow and lower back, in three support levels, sized by measurement, not guesswork.
First collection in development
01The name
Tatemasu, said ta-te-mas
It’s the polite form of the Japanese verb tateru: to stand something up, to set it upright. It’s also the verb you use for setting a goal, as in mokuhyō o tateru.
We like that it’s about something small: deciding to start and setting a goal. Then the plan falls apart in week three, or the 5K ends with a walk home. It happens to everyone. There’s a Japanese proverb for that: nana korobi ya oki. Fall down seven times, get up eight.
A support won’t run for you or lift for you. If you forget you’re wearing it, we’ve done our job.
02The range
Five areas to start with
Every product will show its support level and come with a size chart, in centimeters or by shoe size.
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Kneehiza
Running · Basketball · Squats
In development
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Ankleashikubi
Running · Basketball · Badminton · Hiking
In development
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Wristtekubi
Lifting · Badminton · Yoga
In development
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Elbowhiji
Tennis · Badminton · Lifting
In development
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Lower backkoshi
Lifting · Cycling · Hiking
In development
03Support levels
Tighter isn’t better
Choose by the activity and the feel you want. We grade our supports in three levels:
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Level 1
Light
Knit sleeves. Thin and close-fitting, easy to wear under clothes.
Good forEveryday activity, easy runs, warm-ups
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Level 2
Moderate
A sleeve plus adjustable straps, so you set the snugness yourself.
Good forRunning, court sports, gym sessions
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Level 3
Firm
Adds side stays or padding for a firmer, more structured feel.
Good forSports with sharp cuts or body contact
Our supports are sports gear, not treatment. If you’re injured or in pain, see a doctor first.
04How we work
How we make them
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Start with the complaints
We start by reading bad reviews of supports already on the market. The same complaints keep coming up: they slide down, the edges roll, they get hot, the sizing is guesswork. Those small things come first.
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Test in real training
Samples get worn in real sessions: gym, court, track. Whatever feels wrong gets changed before a design is final.
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Clear size charts
Every product shows where to measure and a size chart, in centimeters wherever possible, not just S/M/L.
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Checked before sale
We check samples from every production batch before it goes on sale. Materials and country of manufacture are listed on each product page.
05How to measure
One minute with a tape measure
These are the usual measuring points. If a product page says otherwise, follow the product page.
- 膝 Knee. Around the thigh, about 10 cm above the center of the kneecap.
- 足首 Ankle. The narrowest point just above the ankle bone. Some styles are sized by shoe size.
- 手首 Wrist. Around the narrowest part of the wrist.
- 肘 Elbow. Around the widest part of the forearm, a few centimeters below the elbow.
- 腰 Lower back. Level all the way around, at navel height.
When you measure
- Measure on bare skin. Keep the tape flat and snug, not tight, and measure twice.
- Between two sizes? Follow the advice on the product page.
Once it’s on
It should feel noticeably snugger than a sock. If you feel numbness or swelling, or it leaves deep marks, take it off.
Are your supports medical devices?
No. tatemasu products are sports supports. They are not medical devices and aren’t intended for medical use. If you’re injured or in pain, please see a doctor.
Which support level should I choose?
Start with the activity, then the feel you want. Everyday activity and easy runs: Level 1. Want to adjust the snugness yourself: Level 2. Sports with sharp cuts or body contact: Level 3. Not sure? Email us.
Can I wear one all day?
Wear it for your activity and take it off afterward so your skin can breathe. We don’t recommend sleeping in it.
How do I wash it?
Usually: hand wash in cold water, no bleach, no tumble dryer, dry flat in the shade. Always follow the care label.
Where can I buy tatemasu?
We plan to start in China (Taobao, Douyin and Xiaohongshu), with an international online store to follow. We’ll post the dates here.
Where are the products made?
Our first collection is planned to be made in China. The country of manufacture will be listed on every product page and label.
Is tatemasu a Japanese brand?
No. tatemasu was started by a small team in China, with one member living in Tokyo. The name comes from Japanese.
07Launch news
When and where to buy
Launch dates and store links will go up here as soon as they’re set. For partnerships or anything else, write to us.
Email ushello@tatemasu.com