Tuesday Stitches’ Tropo Camisole pattern is one of our featured patterns for the Extras and Accessories section of the Curvy Year of Sewing. It is a simple but very useful style that is basically exactly what I’m always trying to find in stores. Will it live up to Erin’s Every Day Dress Up promise?
The Tropo Camisole comes in a decent size range. In fact I’m usually towards the end of the standard size range, but in this case I was towards the middle. Erin recommends picking a size by your high bust, so the range is 32/25/35 to 52/45/55. Then there are 3 cup size options (A/B, C/D, and E/F) to choose from depending on the difference between your high bust and full bust measurement. The Tropo also includes 5 different neckline/shoulder strap configurations including nursing. (Where was this pattern when I was nursing?!?!?!) It also includes an optional shelf bra.
For my first run at the pattern I took my measurements (37.5 high bust, 42 full bust, 35 waist, and 47 hip) and blended between the 12c/d bust, 16 waist, and 18 hip. I was right on the edge between c/d and e/f, but decided to start on the smaller end.
My first version of the tank was made from a medium weight cotton jersey with a swim lining shelf bra and I used 1 inch FOE (fold over elastic) for the straps. And I like the fit pretty well right out of the pdf though I definitely felt the bust was a touch too tight. My side seams were straight, so my bust wasn’t pulling obviously or anything. It just felt like the fabric was working too hard.
I did love the shelf bra with its free floating bra band. I really hate when shelf bras are only in the front and attach at the side seams. The seams are always pulling to the front, but this shelf bra is only attached at the neckline and this provides better support.
I also had some pooling at the small of my back. Needing a sway back adjustment is pretty typical for me, so I wasn’t surprised to see excess fabric at my back waist.
Tropo was an easy camisole to construct. It relies on a regular sewing machine so I barely touched my serger, but if you have a coverstich that could be useful. Erin has posted a few tutorials on her site, so if you get lost there is a helping hand available. After making the first version I only needed to refer to the directions to check my elastic measurements.
For my second version I went up to the E/F cup size and I like the fit a lot better. You can see this version in some sort of athletic poly seems to maybe pull a tad at the bust, but that might be partly my mega boob enlarging sports bra underneath. I also substituted fabric bands for the straps and neckline binding instead of FOE.
Still pooling at the back. I think I might need more butt room in this tank because it it pulled a bit over my backside even though my fabrics had plenty of stretch.
Conclusion
I really like the Tropo Camisole. It has some great features like the cup sizing, shelf bra, and inclusive size range. Erin has really been working on making clothes that work for a variety of body shapes and I really admire her willingness to listen to the needs of her customers and design with those challenges in mind. Most designers seem to design for their own body type, but Erin is showing that a good designer can design for others as well.
However even though I admire Erin, there are a couple things I don’t love about the Tropo Camisole. For the C/D and E/F cup sizes there is a dart. That is great for getting a good fit, but its not a feature I want in a simple knit tank. I wish she’d found a way to incorporate cup sizing without the dart especially since the dart is also in the shelf bra. For my workout top I used a lining, power mesh, and the main fabric which meant 3 layers of darts for a tank. It’s kind of a lot and as I move the darts shift a bit so you can see all the layers.
The other thing that I don’t like is the narrow straps. I used wider FOE than suggested and you can clearly see my bra in both versions. This is not a deal breaker. I’m planning to wear these for pajama tops and work out tops and I’m totally fine with my bra showing at those moments, but I don’t like my bra to show for my everyday wardrobe. Totally a person preference, but I know many of us wear pretty hefty bras to support our heavy busts.
Even with my minor quibbles, this is a fun and easy pattern. Over a weekend I managed to make 2 tank versions and 2 nightgown versions so this pattern has already been well worth the price*. I kind of want to make a whole sleep wardrobe based on the Tropo Camisole!
Size Range (1-5) – 5, remember the bust goes by your high bust measurement
Instructions (1-5) – 5, so easy!
Construction Process (1-5) – 5, goes together smoothly
Final Fit (1-5) – 4, not enough butt room and straps are a little narrow
Overall Rating (1-5) + Explanation – 4.75, such a great loungewear staple
Contest!
Tuesday Stitches was kind enough to offer up a Tropo Camisole to one very lucky CSC reader! Comment on this post by June 24th at 11:59pm PST and I’ll draw one winner who will receive the Tropo Camisole for free. Thank you Erin!
*I bought this pattern and fabric with my own money. All opinions are mine!
Thank you for sharing your review! I have had this pattern on my radar for a bit now but it’s not been at the top of my “need” list. I love the idea of cup sizes, especially if there’s a shelf bra involved. I normally hate shelf bras because they are always too small and just result in miles of cleavage, but this sounds like a good option. I wonder if gathering at the sideseam instead of doing a full dart might be a good option for the larger cup sizes?
This is a great random link I’ve opened. I’m a very inexperienced seamstress but the plus sized tanks with shelf bra have disappeared from stores near me. This will definitely inspire me to get back on the sewing wagon and practice. Thank you so much for doing the review.
I really like the idea of the bra shelf. Often at home I prefer to go braless but this cami with a bit of support sounds perfect.
Definitely a pattern I’ve been looking for! I used to wear tops like this all the time when I was shopping but haven’t since I started sewing for myself.
I think you are right on about your review. Glad you like the pattern so much. Think I will give this pattern a try.
I thought this was for wovens, which might make the dart more sensible? But thank you for this review, the combo of built in cup sizes and optional internal support sounds like a real winner
I thought this was for wovens, which might make the dart more sensible? But thank you for this review, the combo od built in cup sizes and optional internal support sounds like a real winner
I love the idea of a nightgown version! Thanks for the review.
This looks really great, I like the fit on you and also the coverage it provides. Since I like to wear camisoles under shirts and wrap dresses this looks like a fun and easy top to whip up and I’m thinking about giving this pattern a try. Thank you for the great review and for bringing this top to my attention!
love the look f this camisole but not quite sure about shelf bra. looks like an awesome sleep top…tfs:)
love the look f this camisole but not quite sure about shelf bra. looks like an awesome sleep top…tfs:)
Thank you for a very detailed review of the pattern. I liked the fact that there is an optional bra shelf. Knowing ahead of time that the diretions are very easy to understand and execute are the best advice!
I wonder if you can replace the straps with a wide elastic or stretch lace?
Yes you can! There are tutorials on our blog for substituting both extra-wide fold-over elastic and stretch lace.
This sounds like a handy pattern! I like that you made work out tanks.
How cute! Looks like a lot of my store bought summer wear.
Great review. The straight neckline is my favourite.
Great review.
The pattern looks like it has a lot of options. I wouldn’t have thought to lengthen it into a night gown, but that’s a great idea for summer.
I think the straight neckline is my favourite.
Thanks for the review! I had dismissed this pattern as I didn’t think it went up to my size😊
I haven’t been able to find the RTW knit camisoles I like (at least not in colors I like) for a long time — this pattern is a perfect replacement. I also love the nightgown version! I can see so many possibilities here. I admit, though, that I’m small enough in the bust to do without a dart, and I can see why others would object to that in a knit. I’m putting it on my list.
Thank you for the review-it was very helpful and well written. I was impressed by the range of cup sizes.
This looks like a comfortable camisole to wear under wrap dresses all day long. Thank you for your review.
Thank you for the review. I’ve been on the hunt for a good basic Cami pattern and this one definitely has potential!
Appreciate the review!
This looks like the perfect wardrobe basic for me. Having the cup sizes factored in, AND internal support makes it a winner.My measurements are pretty close to yours, Jessica, so your findings would certainly help me out. I might be tempted to try a small area of gathering at the front sides (or even easing, if the dart isn’t too big) to replace the dart. Thanks for the informative review.
You’re right, Jane. I’ve changed darts to gathers quite a few times with great success when I didn’t want a dart in something.
Very helpful review, thank you! I’m particularly glad you mentioned the part about bust darts, I don’t understand them on knits either. The tpps look great, and I love the nightgowns you made, worth giving thos one a shot.
This looks like the perfect wardrobe basic for me. Having the cup size factored in, AND internal support makes it a winner. My measurements are pretty close to yours, Jessica, so your findings would certainly help me out. Thanks for the informative review.
The camisole pattern sounds great and very inclusive of a lot of sizes and cup sizes. I love Erin’s motto : We believe in inclusion, representation, self expression and self love! whats not to like about that! 🙂
You are right, a dart doesn’t make sense in a casual camisole pattern. Mikhaela from Polka Dot Overload did a post on how to rotate a side dart into the side seam: http://www.polkadotoverload.com/2010/04/finished-my-polka-dot-preggo-jalie-tops.html
Looks like a great cami, and I’d love to try it, especially for a nightgown since it’s nice to have a shelf bra for sleeping.
Thanks for such a detailed review! This has tempted me to get the pattern – the shelf bra in particular sounds like such a welcome feature.
That looks like the perfect cami. I can never have enough for under cardigans and other sweaters.
I’ve been needing to make a few cami’s and always look for curvy reviews prior to purchasing any pattern. I will be adding the Tropo Cami to my list!
Interesting. I wonder if I could mash up this with the Cashmerette Concord and get rid of the dart that way…
I have been wanting to try this pattern so I thank you for the thoughtful review. And now that I see you have also made a nightgown from the same pattern I will definitely try this pattern.
I have a second trimester belly (not pregnant just looks that way) and a well rounded booty. I like how you blended between sizes because I have to do the same. I’m guessing that it must have been straightforward and easy to do so or you would have mentioned it. Nice job, you look lovely. Thank you for the review.
Nice tanks. The purple is a nice color on you.
Expecting my first very soon and I’ve been eyeing this pattern for a while. I’m still on the fence; I really appreciate your review.
Looks like a winner!
I like your camisoles. I have not sewn this pattern, but I would have to agree with your assessment about darts. 3 layers of darts is too much.
This looks like a great pattern. I love sleeping in a camisole with a built in shelf bra, so this would be perfect for me!
This looks like a winner for me. I’ve seen descriptions of pattern adjustments for removing dart in a tee. This is with a fba. I’ll try that myself.
I love a cool cami, I am in Louisiana semi-tropical climate. The narrow straps bother me as well, I would make them wide. Cannot do the digging in. Thank you for checking this out.
Looks like a great basic wardrobe piece. We have similar body shape so I appreciate your review and fitting tips. And when we find a way to fit large busts without a dart! Let me know!!! Lol
I’ve had my eye on the Tropo since it was released, and though I don’t make clothing often, it has tempted me. Thank you for your thorough review, and I like the nightgown review you linked to as well!
I have some store bought camis with the shelf bra that I hate wearing as they cut into the under side of my boobs. Would love to try this pattern.
Thanks for review. I always like wearing camis. Well done!
I just started following you, and I love your review style. Camis weren’t on my list before, but they are now!
Thanks for the review I’ll consider sticking it on my list to buy.
My hips are much bigger than my top half by at least 2 sizes. I do find that sometimes the pooling of fabric in the back is sorted by more hip room rather than a sway back adjustment. I guess both could be required. I read Kenneth King’s book section on this and it made perfect sense.
I do like the inclusive sizing in this range – and the wide cross section of models.
I have been looking at cami patterns – this looks really interesting!
Thank you for the review, I have been wondering about this pattern. For me, darts in jersey are not a deal breaker if they give a great fit! I also love the neckline shape. I have *quite a few* fabrics in my stash that would make lovely Tropo camisoles!
A great review of a great cami.. think I may have to just buy anywsy.. too perfect for the summer!!! Jan xxc
Really enjoyed reading this post. Have only worn a “store bought” camisole once and wasn’t happy with the fit. Jessica’s body is near to mine and it was interesting to read about her project. Would love to give this pattern a try!