4 Editors Test How Well It Shapes

TA3’s suits were first introduced to the world on Shark Tank when founder Leila Shams demonstrated the powers of her waist-sculpting swimwear to the sharks. Since then, it’s joined the legendary annals of brands that didn’t sway the show’s investors, but nonetheless became sensations.

Though the word “viral” is overused these days, TA3 went well and truly viral on TikTok. Videos of people pulling the corset strings and gasping at the camera amassed nearly 100 million views on the app. So we knew we had to try it for ourselves.

We first reviewed TA3 in 2022, when there were only three styles of suits and no apparel. Throughout the years, we’ve kept returning to this brand of high-quality swimwear that actually does what it promises. And though $178+ might sound like a lot for a swimsuit (because it is), our team is still wearing the suits we got back in 2022.

Before we dive into our TA3 swimsuit review, though, we’ll just say this: All bodies are perfect just the way they are, and no one needs to change their body shape or make themselves look “snatched” in order to be beautiful.

If you want more of our favorite suits, see the best swimsuits for women.

Sally’s review of the TA3 Lifty in size large, F cup, short torso

I love all of my TA3 swimsuits, but the Lifty suit is my favorite because the underwire is so supportive and prevents the dreaded uniboob that some one-piece bathing suits can cause. The way the sizing works is nothing short of a miracle. You get to choose your bodice length (short or regular/long), your usual swimsuit size (from XS-4X), and your cup size (from A-J/K,) to get the absolute perfect fit, plus there are a bunch of color options. I’ve truly never had a one-piece fit me better!

The thick shoulder straps are comfy and adjustable, and the cups cradle me perfectly with no digging. It even looks super cute as a bodysuit, so you could theoretically wear it with jeans or flowy linen pants and no one would be the wiser. But I know you’re all here to find out whether it actually does what it promises to do, which is give you a snatched waist. The short answer is: yes!

The longer answer is absolutely yes; the lacing in the back actually works like a dream to cinch your waist in. But the good news is that if you’re ever feeling bloated or you just want something a little less compressive, you can always just loosen it up. It’s like having two sizes in one! Anyway, if you have a large chest, you won’t regret buying this suit — as someone with an F cup, it’s definitely the most comfortable and supportive one-piece I’ve ever tried. This suit even topped our list of the best swimsuits for large busts because of the great sizing options and supportive underwire.

There’s even an option for a high-cut version of this suit here if you prefer to show more leg.

Sam’s review of the TA3 Lushy in size medium, D/DD cup, short torso

The Hi-Cut Lushy by TA3 is perhaps the brand’s most wow-inducing swimsuit. I knew I needed to try it when I saw reviews on the site saying things like “I feel like a catfish in this.” And my personal favorite: “When I put this swimsuit on for the first time, Jesus Christ himself came down from the sky and told me I was the sexiest hot girl to have ever walked the earth.”

And boy, oh boy, are they correct. The suit has the silhouette of a Bridgerton-like corset, which creates a pinup-girl outline that was jaw-dropping to see on myself. I also can’t say enough good things about the sizing. I was able to get this in a short torso and my exact cup size. The suit came with push-up padding, which I removed, but keeping it in would only add to the effect. Wow!

Sally’s review of the TA3 Plungey swimsuit in size large, short torso

I opted for the regular plunge version of the suit in sapphire blue (there’s also a high-cut version here). I have a DDD cup size so I specifically wanted to see if the low-cut suit could handle larger cup sizes. I was honestly amazed by how secure I felt while swimming and snorkeling during my vacation to Mexico! The suit kept everything in place and I felt really confident doing lots of activities in it.

I also love the way the pull-string emphasized my curves without making me feel too constricted. I could pull it tight for a compressive feel and more pronounced hourglass shape, but I could still let it out a bit when I wanted something looser. And, I really appreciate that the straps are adjustable and that I could opt for a short torso cut because I’m only 5’1. 

As far as longevity goes, the swimsuit has held up well for me even after washing it five or six times. I haven’t experienced any discoloration or stretching yet. Given how sturdy the construction is, I suspect it’s going to last me a really long time, making the $178 price tag more justifiable. 

Jaclyn’s review of the TA3 Plungey swimsuit, size XL, regular torso

I felt like a catfish in a swimsuit. The fit up top was great, and I felt very secure and flattered at the bust, something that usually concerns me about swimsuits that aren’t bra-sized. However, I felt like the suit gaped at the bottom.

The Plungey is very reminiscent of a shapewear bodysuit. It’s not the most comfortable swimsuit I’ve ever worn, but it’s a small trade-off for a few hours to feel confident enough to have a photo shoot out in public of myself in a swimsuit.

I felt secure swimming in it, too. I was originally worried the long strings would get in the way with swimming, but it was no issue going for a few laps, or jumping in. Everything stayed put.

Sam’s review of the TA3 Plungey swimsuit in size medium, short torso

You know that Photoshop feature where you can pull your waist in so that it looks smaller? Well, this suit does that in real life. Now, no one’s waist ever needs to look smaller — all bodies are beautiful. But as someone with a larger chest and a short torso, I feel most comfortable in clothing with waist definition (A-line dresses are my go-to). 

And boy, oh boy, does the Plungey suit excel in waist-defining. It actually lifts your breasts while pulling your waist in, creating an hourglass shape that I’ve never seen with another swimsuit. I got tons of compliments when I wore this, which is a true testament to the power of this simple black bathing suit with its magic lacing. 

I’m five-foot-two, so I got the suit in the short version, but there are also different lengths, which is why this suit also made our list of the best swimsuits for long torsos. 

Gabrielle’s review of the TA3 Short Sleeve Surfy, size small, regular torso

The Short Sleeve Surfy is great for people with small busts. It has built-in bra shelf and a hook-and-eye closure that pushes your boobs together, creating cleavage I didn’t even know I had. The signature waist-snatch design is definitely something to behold — it brings out your curves in the best way, even when it’s not pulled tight.

I mostly wore the Surfy’s corset loosely because the compression ponte fabric has enough of a shaping effect on its own. Besides, cinching it evenly is a two-person job, and when pulled too tight, the seat of the suit bunches up.

Still, I was surprised at how comfortable the wide cotton gusset felt, and I loved how the high-cut legs emphasized its hourglass silhouette. I’m 5’9″ and got the regular torso length, but it also comes in short or extra long. While it’s not the most comfortable swimsuit for lounging, the body contouring effect (and subsequent confidence boost) is something you have to see to understand.

A review of TA3’s clothing

TA3 doesn’t just make swimsuits. They’ve also created a line of shaping clothing, such as dresses and corset tops. These products are made for days when your destination is a bar or dinner rather than the pool or the beach. 

Sam’s review of the Squarey Convertible Bubble Dress

I really love this drop-waist number with TA3’s signature lacing on the back. It’s made of structured scuba material that is super supportive. I wore it on vacation to Puerto Rico, and the fabric didn’t wrinkle at all in my suitcase. Though I paired it with white heels and a raffia purse on vacation, it would look just as good with sheer black tights for a holiday party.

The dress is comfortable, super trendy, and versatile enough that I know I’ll get tons of wear out of it. Plus, it has the same high-quality construction that we love TA3 for.

Gabi’s review of the Corsety Square Neck Sleeveless Top

This corset top didn’t work for me. The underwire is supposed to lift and shape your breasts, but I, being a meager size 34B, do not have enough material to fill out the cups. The caved-in neckline made my chest look flatter. Secondly, the fabric in the rear bunches up when the corset is pulled taut, so it sticks out almost like a duck tail. And third, the fabric feels kind of scratchy and too dense to sweat in.I did like that it zips up like a vest, making it much easier to put on than other skintight going-out tops. I also liked that it has the classic TA3 waist-cinching effect. But overall, I don’t think it’s worth the discomfort, and the fit is not ideal for those with small busts.

What we don’t like about TA3

The corseting can cause drooping on the butt part: Gabi and Jaclyn reported the same issue. When the corset is pulled tight, it creates some gaping at the seat of the suit, which can make the back look a little unflattering.

The Lushy’s fit on small busts: “I didn’t like the Lushy’s underwire because it dug into my skin, and the thick padding didn’t create enough lift for a size 34B. Instead, the molded cups left gaps in the top, and despite the rest of the suit fitting like a glove, it doesn’t flatter a small chest. I recommend it more for people with at least C cups” — Gabrielle Chase, style editor.

When pulled tight, the suit isn’t the most comfortable, but we highly recommend loosening the corset straps when you’re just lounging on the beach. The snatching effect is great for pictures or for when you want to be seen, but it does make you feel a little like you’re in the Victorian era.

FAQs

How do TA3 swimsuits work?

The garment’s fabric feels like activewear compression material, not all that dissimilar to a super supportive sports bra. The front and back waist area is lined with power mesh, which helps smooth and shape.

The corseted design starts at around the mid-back, near where the waist is typically smallest, and laces up to around the shoulder blades. With adjustable straps, removable bust pads, and some leeway with the corseted strings, the suit’s sizing is quite accommodating and able to be modified depending on your preference for the day.

How does the sizing work?

When shopping for your perfect size, note that you are able to choose from the regular/long or the short torso fit, which is available for all of their current styles. And from XS to 4X, they have an impressive size range that feels inclusive and intentional. We found that the suits fit true-to-size, but the lace-up system offers a lot of wiggle room in terms of sizing.

Different neckline styles can also be paired with different cuts on the hips, but not every style has a high-cut version.

The bottom line 

It’s no secret that these are on the pricey side – but given the quality, TA3 is worth it. Each suit is an investment piece that will be a staple in your closet for many summer vacations of beachside getaways to come.

Aside from comfort and its customizable fit, many appreciate a piece that pairs well with an outfit in between sunbathing and swimming (say, walking around a beach town or at the resort lunch spot) – and this one-piece acts as the ideal complementary item for denim shorts, a swimsuit coverup, or even loose beachy pants.

If you want to feel polished, snatched, and totally secure when playing around in the water, this suit may be your next best purchase.