It looks like this summer is going to be another scorcher. Have you heard of Workman’s “air-conditioned clothing,” which can help blow away that feeling of despair?
The latest addition to Workman’s line of heatwave-fighting apparel, the “WindCore ICE×HEATER Peltier Vest,” will be restocked at all Workman stores on June 26. It features a “Peltier plate” that cools down to a maximum of 30°C in about one second after being turned on, providing direct cooling to the body. We went behind the scenes at a hands-on event held at the “Workman Product Development Center” in Ueno, Tokyo, to test its power to “stay ice-cold.”
This product was developed by our in-house Comfort Work Research Institute under the supervision of Professor Emeritus Kei Nagashima of Waseda University, with the harsh environmental conditions of 45°C in mind. The lineup consists of two models: the “PRO3” (19,800 yen), which features cooling plates in five locations, and the higher-end “7-Plate Special Edition” (29,800 yen), which features plates in a total of seven locations, including the neck area where major blood vessels run.
At the “Tokyo Motorcycle Show” held this past March, 5,000 units flew off the shelves in just three days. Combined with orders from companies looking to prevent heatstroke in the workplace, current demand has reportedly reached 150% of last year’s levels, making this the hottest—or rather, the coolest—item on everyone’s radar right now.
The “Peltier element,” which also serves as the product name, is an electronic component that can control temperature—either by cooling or heating—when an electric current is passed through it; this technology has traditionally been used in refrigerators and computer cooling systems.
“Fan-equipped clothing,” which has become widespread in recent years as a measure against extreme heat, has a drawback: due to its design—which draws in outside air—it can suck hot air, dust, and even surrounding odors into the garment when temperatures are too high (for example, in work environments such as construction sites or garbage collection). Furthermore, because the clothing expands as air enters, it is unsuitable for work in confined spaces that requires the use of one’s hands.
On the other hand, a Peltier vest is worn over clothing such as a T-shirt; since it works by having stainless steel cooling plates pressed tightly against the body to draw heat away directly, it cools the body quietly without making the clothing bulge.
However, applying this technology to clothing appears to have been an extremely difficult task. “If the goal is simply to cool a specific area locally, it’s not technically difficult—you just need to increase the current. “However, to lower the temperature of the entire body through clothing, we needed to arrange multiple plates to generate a certain level of cooling output. At the same time, simply increasing the output and cooling the body too much poses a risk of cold burns, so we struggled to find the perfect balance—an output level that would cool the body as much as possible while remaining safe and harmless to the human body,” said Naoshi Matsushige of Workman’s Public Relations Department.
After much trial and error, this product was finally completed. When you put it on and turn it on, the cooling plate begins to get ice-cold in about one second. It delivers an impressive cooling effect, lowering the surface temperature by up to approximately 30°C relative to the ambient temperature (for example, in an environment where the air temperature is 25°C, the device’s surface temperature drops to about -5°C).
What caught my attention was the “weight.” Including the included dedicated portable battery (20,000 mAh), the total weight is about 1 kg, but because the vest is designed to fit snugly against the body, I hardly noticed the weight while wearing it, and I was surprised at how much more freely I could move than I had imagined.
In addition to Strong and Weak modes, it features a “Fluctuation Mode” that automatically cycles on and off to prevent your body from getting too cold. What’s even more impressive is that it also includes a “heating function” capable of reaching temperatures of up to approximately +39°C, making it an all-season heating and cooling garment that can be used not only in summer but also in winter.
I do think that around 20,000 to 30,000 yen is a bit pricey, but it’s actually better value than repeatedly buying store-bought instant cooling packs, cooling sprays, and disposable hand warmers, and it doesn’t lose its coolness right away. Another advantage is that, in a pinch, the high-capacity battery can double as a smartphone charger.
When you actually wear it, there’s no denying that the device section on the back bulges out slightly, giving it a “turtle shell” look. However, since the vest itself is lightweight, if you throw on a UV-protective hoodie or sweatshirt over it, the odd appearance becomes almost unnoticeable.
The “PRO3” model, featuring five cooling plates, is also available in a refreshing white color. Although it’s a one-size-fits-all design intended for body types ranging from SS to 5L (chest circumference 72–124 cm), it can be adjusted to several different sizes using dials and adjusters, allowing even petite individuals and women to ensure a snug fit.
The continuous operating time with the included battery is approximately 4 hours in “Low” cooling mode and approximately 2.1 hours in “High” mode. The pocket that holds the battery incorporates the company’s proprietary insulating material, “X SHELTER,” which minimizes heat transfer to the interior, ensuring a safety design that prevents the battery itself from overheating even under the hot sun. The vest itself can be washed with water as long as the device is removed.
Both models had already been available in stores since February 2026, but sales exceeded expectations, leading to persistent shortages. In response, the company strengthened its supply system by ramping up production ahead of the peak summer heat, resulting in this nationwide restock.
It’s not just for professional craftsmen working in harsh conditions—it’s also perfect for a wide range of situations, from your daily commute to outdoor activities, travel, and weekend walks. Be sure to check it out as the ultimate gear to help you survive this year’s record-breaking heatwave.
© Source travel watch