TA3's waist-snatching swimsuits are a splurge, but they're worth the hype. Here's why

CNN

22-07-2025

Beach days filled with sun, sand and swimming are no doubt a highlight of summer, but finding a swimsuit that you can feel comfortable and confident wearing all day long gets harder each year. Even when you find a cute bathing suit, it's often conditional on how you feel the day you try it on, and you can feel completely different when you actually pull it out of your closet. TA3's shapewear-inspired swimwear is made to take the stress away from finding a bathing suit you'll actually want to wear. The viral brand is known for its patented waist-snatching one-piece swimsuits that contour and flatter.
After reviewing the Lifty for our guide to the best tummy-control swimsuits, I also ordered the bestselling Plungey to test for consistency across the different styles and really find out if the brand lives up to the hype.
TA3 Plungey One-Piece Swimsuit
A reliable one-piece is a must-have for summer. This one sculpts like shapewear, accentuates (and even creates) curves and has a flattering deep-V neckline. While it's one of the most expensive swimsuits I've tried, its quality and smoothing power are unmatched.
TA3 Lifty One-Piece Swimsuit
In addition to TA3's signature lace-up back and shaping material, the Lifty style features underwires, unlined cups and thicker straps, which essentially gives you the support and lift you would expect from a bra. It's available in cup sizes A to J/K, making it a great option for those with larger busts. Read our review
A post shared by CNN Underscored (@cnnunderscored) TA3 has been viral for a while now and has been spotted on celebrities including Beyoncé, Sydney Sweeney and Bethenny Frankel. It's best-known for its eye-catching videos of models of all sizes seemingly taking inches off their waists by pulling the strings of the swimsuits and tightening the lace-up backs. It was one of these ads that grabbed the attention of my 70-year-old mom, who forwarded it to me. 'You HAVE to try this for work!' she texted me. Sure, Mom!
It turns out, most women I know — from my peers in their 20s, to my colleagues in their 40s, to my mom and her friends 50 and up — have been on an endless search for an ultra-flattering swimsuit that lives up to the promises of being comfortable and slimming. TA3 positions itself as a very convincing solution to our swimwear woes, so it's no wonder it's gotten so much buzz.
In addition to TA3's social media presence, founder Leila Shams pitched the brand on season 13 of 'Shark Tank.' While she didn't get a deal, the brand has continued its growth since then, extending its size range and adding an apparel line too.
Now that I've tested two of TA3's swimsuits, I can confidently say that they're worth the hype. I liked the Lifty so much that we named it our best splurge pick for tummy-control swimsuits, thanks to its midweight compression, sculpting fit and solid coverage. Both the Lifty and the Plungey are made of a thick, high-quality material that blends 75% nylon and 25% spandex. Both feature the brand's signature lace-up back too, which helps you customize the fit. Pulling the laces tighter will result in a more cinched look at the waist, maximum tummy control and a snugger fit overall. The Plungey is also reinforced around the midsection with an inner mesh lining on the front and back, and has a built-in shelf bra and comes with removable bust pads for extra support. The Lifty, on the other hand, has a supportive underwire that's ideal for larger busts.
One of the best parts about shopping TA3 is its inclusive size range. Not only are there sizes XXS to 4X but there are three torso lengths to choose from. This helps tremendously when shopping for one-pieces in particular. Some styles also go by cup size and can accommodate sizes A to K. These sizing options are far more personalized than any other swimwear I've worn, and they help ensure the right fit for your body.
The swimsuits really feel like wearing shapewear. It takes some effort to squeeze into — there's even a tag that tells you it will feel snug when you pull it on — but that's how it's designed. With spandex as a quarter of its fabric content, sure, there's some stretch too, but it's not as much as you'd find in traditional swimwear or even your favorite yoga pants. Made to support and enhance your curves, the material hugs the body and helps keep everything sucked in.
I'd describe my figure as more straight than curvy, so I was hoping the swimsuit could help create more of an hourglass silhouette. While I didn't pull the strings as tight as the models in the ads, I could still feel and see a noticeable difference in my curves after tying the swimsuit. Honestly, it gave me an instant confidence boost. Even when heading to the beach when I was feeling bloated, TA3's sculpting style made me feel more secure and comfortable with wearing swimwear.
I loved the red color of the Plungey style — I got tons of compliments on it — and I'd also recommend one of the two-tone colors. These feature contrasting side panels that help give the illusion of an hourglass figure before you even tie the swimsuit. Besides the color, I like that the straps are a bit thicker than most and that it provides full bum coverage.
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If you're considering trying the Plungey, I'll offer two critiques before you make your decision. The deep V-neck may not be a great fit for larger busts. I tried the size small and it compressed my chest a lot rather than providing lift and support. Instead, I'd recommend the the Lifty since you can order this style by cup size and it has a built-in underwire.
The other caution for these TA3 suits is that some may find the backs difficult to tie solo. It's really no more trouble than tying your own bikini, but for those with mobility limitations, you'll need an extra pair of hands. The long ties make it a tad easier, and for some, they may even be long enough to wrap around the waist and tie in the front instead. I also saw a few reviews saying that their ties have stretched out over time, but I think it would be a pretty easy fix to just cut the extra length and knot the ends if needed.
Now, I know $178 is a lot of money to spend on a swimsuit, but this is the last one I'll be adding to my closet for a long time. If you aren't ready to make the splurge, here are four alternatives that I found too.
Adore Me Elizabeth Contour One-Piece Swimsuit
Another one of my favorite one-pieces I've been wearing this summer, the Adore Me Elizabeth Contour boasts a cute keyhole detail on the front and a mesh lining within that helps compress and smooth. While it's only available in one length and may be a difficult fit for long torsos, It's also available in plus sizes.
Cupshe Ruffled One-Piece Swimsuit
Our pick for best budget tummy-control swimsuit, this Cupshe one-piece is a stylish option and one of the closest comparisons style-wise to the TA3 Plungey. The affordable swimsuit has a similar low V-neck, classic bum coverage and lace-up back to tie everything together. Read our review
Wild Fable Tie-Back One-Piece Swimsuit
Featuring a high-leg cut and tie back, this swimsuit has similar design details to the TA3 Plungey at a fraction of the cost. You won't get the corset-like effect with this swimsuit, but it's a cute and affordable option.
Coco Reef Contours Solitaire V-Neck One-Piece Swimsuit
This expert-recommended one-piece has a flattering V-neck that is reinforced with extra support, thanks to an underwire. The design also includes a patented Shapemaker lining to smooth and ruching to flatter your figure. Prev
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If you're looking for sculpting swimwear that provides shapewear-like support, TA3 is worth the investment. It's not just a viral gimmick; it actually delivers. And there are plenty of women who agree. One thing that stood out to me is that the brand's product reviews aren't crowded with incentivized posts; real women share their reviews on TA3's website and even include photos of themselves in their swimsuits. While you may get a star rating at best while shopping for swimsuits on other sites, you can actually find helpful (sometimes paragraphs-long) reviews from women of different sizes and ages on TA3. It's a testament to how confidence-boosting the swimsuits actually are. I've even spotted several from women who have said they've bought a new TA3 every year since trying their first because they're that good.
With tummy control, waist shaping and stylish designs, the brand's swimwear simply checks all the boxes.
Should you size up or down in TA3 swimsuits?
Should you size up or down in TA3 swimsuits?
While TA3's extensive size range is designed to fit true to size, the brand recommends sizing up if you are between sizes.
Did TA3 get a deal on "Shark Tank"?
Did TA3 get a deal on "Shark Tank"?
Founder Leila Shams pitched her business to the Sharks on Season 13, Episode 5 of 'Shark Tank,' seeking $500,000 for a 10% stake in TA3; however, she did not secure an investment deal.
Where does TA3 ship from?
Where does TA3 ship from?
According to the brand's website, all orders ship from Texas. All orders over $100 (which means all of TA3's one-piece swimwear) qualify for free ground shipping.
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors with many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products who ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item.
For this story, beauty and fashion editor Sophie Shaw tested TA3's viral swimsuits to see if the corset-inspired swimwear lives up to the hype. She's previously tested and written about other swimwear, including the best tummy-control swimsuits and Hunza G's one-size swimwear.