Neiwai Barely Zero Bra – Honest Review

Is the Neiwai Barely Zero Bra what all the Influencers say it is? 

Neiwai’s social media campaign claims the Barely Zero Bras are:

• extremely comfortable
• one size fits all
• moisture wicking
• and designed to adjust with your body  

Those are some pretty confident claims. 

After over 6 months of use, I have some things to say about this product. 

Mostly good things.

Let’s get to the review. 

Comfort 

The Neiwai (pronounced ‘Neigh-why’) Barely Zero bra is extremely comfortable. 

I do not reach for my old wired bras. Ever.

Goodbye Victoria’s Secret. 

Please move to the back of the sock drawer. 

Neiwai promised comfort and multi-functionality in a minimalist package.

YouTubers like Jen Im raved about how the Neiwai bra worked well for her postpartum body and also doubled as a nursing bra in her #ad videos.

This social media campaign felt perfectly-timed as everyone collectively came out of their athleisure comas following the pandemic. We found ourselves asking was it worth being uncomfortable in the name of fashion?

Let’s just say I bought into the idea.

Sure, I was skeptical at first, but I have since been pleasantly surprised.

Neiwai filled a marketplace void by providing consumers with an alternative to the only two options it felt like we had–a functional, mostly comfortable, sports bra on one hand, or a lacey under-wired grown-up bra on the other.

At least, that’s how it has felt to me.  

CloudFit Fabric

The Barely Zero Bra is made with CloudFit© fabric. This copyrighted fabric is flexible and stretchy enough to conform to my body during movement and supportive enough to feel like I’m wearing a ‘real’ bra.

“Real” bra fit without the real bra discomfort. 

Neiwai should have called this line the ‘Barely There’ bras, to be honest.

The adjustable spaghetti straps make quick work of loosening or tightening the strap length for maximum comfort and support. 

And since the straps are made out of the same soft, CloudFit© fabric, they don’t scratch or itch, like some other bras do (we’ve all been there). 

Fit

Despite the absence of hook and eye clasps, the Neiwai Barely Zero bra fits easily and snuggly.

For a bra that claims to fit multiple cup sizes, I’d say the design is spot on in making that claim a reality. Although I do question the exact size range Neiwai touts in their online size chart. 

How much can this bra really stretch and still deliver the same level of comfort and utility?

Depends on the body type of course. 

Here’s the online size chart for reference:

• Lower Bust 25” – 36” (63 – 93 cm)
• Suggest Bust Measurement 31.5” – 41.5” (80 – 105 cm)

You decide if it lives up to the one-sized fits all claim.

How the Bra Fits Me

When my Neiwai Barely Zero Bra order first arrived, I was unsure if the bra fit, or if it was a little too big, mainly due to how the cups are designed. 

Since they are designed to fit a variety of sizes, the cups cover a greater surface area and start higher up on your chest than you’d expect with a regular sized bra, particularly if you’re on the lower end of the size chart. 

That being said, I don’t find it to be too big after adjusting the straps to fit tighter.

After some quick strap adjustments, I was able to feel snug and have been pleased with the shape and fit ever since.

While the cup inserts appear to hit higher on my chest than my other bras do, the gradual taper delivers a flattering fit under shirts and is a gradual enough taper so that it feels and looks natural. 

The description on the Neiwai site says these bras are ‘tailored for a close comfortable fit’ and that is exactly what it feels like while I’m wearing it. 

One-Size Fits All? 

I can’t speak to the one size fits all claim. The Barely Zero Bra fits me pretty well, and I can see how it could fit someone a size or two bigger than me, simply due to the fact that I had to adjust the straps in the beginning to get a more snug fit and because of how the cups are designed.  

I can definitely see how I could wear this bra through a body fluctuation, like maybe pregnancy. The stretchiness and form of the bras would be put to the test as far as if it would return to the original size, but I’d bet it would live up to the claim for at least a couple of size fluctuations. 

Cami Design

The Barely Zero bra is designed to fit almost like a camisole top with the fabric running horizontally across the chest and back. This design gives the effect of a built-in cami, which I appreciate. 

The fabric doesn’t come up so high that it would be awkward paired with shirts that have scoop fronts or backs, but it is high enough to make a little cami appearance when wearing a v-neckline.

It’s a bonus to skip wearing the actual camisole.  

The spaghetti strap design is what I was after most when shopping for a comfortable weekend bra.

After being disappointed by the lack of comfort and support of bralettes, I was ready to find a more comfy alternative that was easier to dress around than my sports bras.

The Neiwei Barely Zero Bras ended up checking multiple boxes for me. The slim spaghetti straps are easy to dress around and the comfort, above-all, is exactly what I was looking for.

Function 

The Barely Zero Bras are designed to function as a loungewear bra that fits and flatters like a traditional day-wear bra. 

These bras excel in a slow-paced setting like at a desk job or office type setting. While I’ve done a couple of ab workouts or yoga stretches while wearing these bras and have had a great experience, I’d say reach for your sports whenever it’s time to do a HIIT workout or to go for a run.

Moisture Wicking Fabric 

The moisture wicking capability of this bra is shockingly good.

I played tennis randomly on a day I didn’t think I’d be super active while wearing my Barely Zero Bra. We played during the peak heat and humidity that south Louisiana has to offer, but the bra didn’t stay sweat-soaked for long. It kept me dry and comfortable the rest of the day. 

I was very impressed by the moisture wicking technology. It performed much better compared to my regular cotton sports bras, which tragically stay sweat-soaked for a while. 

High Intensity Workouts

Having said that, I wouldn’t recommend planning to play tennis or any high impact sport while wearing these bras. While I had an overall good experience, if I had the option, I’d choose something more designed for the activity. 

While the support is there from my standards, it isn’t the absolute best option for high intensity, high impact activities. I’d reach for a sports bra in that case. 

The Barely Zero bra worked well enough for me running around playing tennis for a couple of hours. It did a better job than I would have anticipated for a bra that is designed to fit like a grown-up-girl bra and is more inline with the loungewear fit and function.

My One Complaint 

The Neiwai Barely Zero bra isn’t as breathable as I’d like. 

At first, this was extremely noticeable to me, now, it is less noticeable. The first week or so of wearing the bra felt like my skin was not getting the amount of air it was used to. That feeling has since gone away, but I will say I do still notice it at times.

It’s almost like my skin is gasping for air. 

The fabric is stretchy, moisture wicking, and comfortable, but the breathability of the fabric, specifically on my back and rib cage feels like it restricts airflow to my skin enough for me to notice when I remove it after an all-day wear. I can’t say the same for the cups of this particular bra. I don’t get the same restriction or feeling in that area.  

Bottom Line

Overall, the Neiwai Barely Zero bras deliver:

• comfort, comfort, comfort  
• barely-there fit and feel
• enough support and form to fit like a ‘real’ bra
• one size fits all some* 
• moisture wicking 
• stretch and comfort that can work well with body fluctuations
• adjusts as your body changes 

*I can’t confirm personally that these bras fit the claimed size range, but I can say that I can see how they could stretch to fit another couple of sizes up from me. 

This bra:

• Is not recommended for high intensity sports, but it can work for some and in some cases. (It mainly depends on your support needs)
• Lacks a bit of breathability in the fabric 

The Neiwai Barely Zero bra is my daily go-to. During the work week, while lounging, during the weekend, while walking and doing light exercise, and the list goes on. If you’re in the market for a new bra, definitely give this line a try.

Get to Know the Brand: Frequently Asked Questions

What does Neiwai Mean and how do you pronounce it?

Neiwai is Mandarin for ‘inside and out’.  

It is pronounced ‘Neigh-why’.

Neiwai is a functional lingerie company turned athleisure brand that was founded in 2012. The brand is designed in China.

Are Neiwai bras good? 

Yes, the quality and performance of Neiwai bras are solid. They represent a quality product that will fit most women and be something you will want to wear again and again. 

Where is Neiwai made? 

Neiwai was founded in Shanghai, China in 2012. Neiwai products are designed in China and made in Austria through the brand’s collaboration with Austrian company, Wolford.  

Who owns Neiwai? 

Neiwai was founded by Xiaolu Liu in 2012 after the birth of her first child. A time when her desire for comfort rose above the narrative that lingerie was the desirable and go-to undergarment. She decided to make an undergarment that made her happy and comfortable. 

Where do Neiwai Bras ship from? 

In the early days of the company, Neiwai was shipping from international locations. Since the bras are designed in China and made in Austria, I’d imagine they shipped from near these locations. Now, Neiwai also ships from Los Angeles, CA. 

In the beginning, shipping took up to three weeks to ship from international locations, but now you can expect your order in around 7-10 business days when you pay for base shipping–provided your order is in stock in the U.S. 

The brand now ships from its San Francisco, CA location. 

How to wash Neiwai Products? 

Neiwai suggests hand washing Barely Zerio underwear and bras in cold water for no longer than 5 minutes and laying flat to dry in a cool shaded place. If you choose to wash in a machine, use a laundry bag and lay flat to dry. Checkout the website’s material and care section for a full how-to guide. 

Personally, I’ve machine washed and dried a couple of pairs of the Barely Zero underwear pieces and they have come out unscathed so far. And as far as the hand washing, it is quick and easy to do.