Muna and Broad’s Torrens Box Top is an oversized boxy top for woven fabrics. It has sleeve bands with a unique method of sewing them in and a high scoop neck. A sleeve addition ( includes a regular sleeve and a wide sleeve) to the Torrens has just been released but the CSC editors got early access to it. 

Muna and Broad is a plus-sized pattern company. The Torrens box top was originally released with sizes A (Bust 50″-52″) to size C (Bust 58″-60″), but has been recently re-released with smaller sizes bb (Bust 42″-44″) and aa (Bust 46″-48″) and the larger size D (Bust 62″-64″). The pattern is currently discounted for the re-release, no code is needed! 

The CSC editors were given the pattern for free but their opinions are their own. 

Andie

Measurements: Bust 52″; Waist 48″; Hips 56″

Body Shape: Crustless Quiche (I don’t do body shapes)

Pattern size: Size A

Alterations: None for version 1 (pink swiss dot). For version 2, I lowered the neckline gave it a 1/2 hem. I didn’t want to do too many alterations for version 2 but I did do about a 1/2 inch correction for the gaping as well.

Fabric: Version 1 is in a light pink cotton swiss dot. Version 2 is in a red rayon.

Fit: Both version fit pretty well. I lowered the neckline in my second version because I find high necks to be uncomfortable. It’s just my preference to have them lower. I do need to address the neckline gaping, though, which is more pronounced in version 2 due to rayon growing and because I lowered the neckline. The sleeves are so lovely and roomy, too. I used the wide sleeve version and for once I didn’t need to do a full bicep adjustment! I love it!

Changes for Future Versions: I will address the gaping on the neckline but other than that, I think it’s great for a boxy silhouette. 

Final Thoughts: I’ve been exploring the boxy silhouette lately and really love it. It’s a super comfortable and relaxed style. The red top still looks pretty dressy as well so great for work video conferences (I work from home). The whole pattern went together so well and so fast that making two versions in a week was really quite easy! It’s a great pattern for beginners and intermediate sewists. Out of the two versions, I love the red, but that’s mostly because it’s the middle of winter here in Toronto, Canada, and longer sleeves are necessary. I think I will have many of the sleeved versions by the time winter ends here.

Sierra

Measurements: Bust 54 “, Waist 44″, Hips 54”

Body Shape: Hourglass-ish

Pattern size: B – based on my full bust measurement

Alterations: I lengthened my top by two inches at the hem. 

Fabric: I used a polyester crepe fabric from deep in the stash. It was one of the first fabrics I purchased from Blackbird Fabrics.

Fit: I like the fit overall. I found myself staring at the neck and shoulder area and wondering if something needed to be adjusted for my body – possibly changing the slope of the shoulder seam or lowering the neckline. I reached out to Leila for some fit advice and she was incredibly helpful. My shoulders are on the narrow side compared to my bust, and that was what I was seeing. I added two inches at the hem to make sure I could wear it with some of my pants and skirts that aren’t high rise. I don’t think I really needed to do that, but I also like the added length.

Changes for Future Versions: I am going to try making the top in size A to see if I prefer the fit in the shoulders. I would also like to lower the neckline and inch and lengthen the top to make a knee length dress similar to Jess’s version.

Final Thoughts: I made this top out of some precious fabric and I’m so glad I used it for this special project. I brought it home with me and wore it on Christmas day. I feel really good in this top and I realize all of the minor tweaks I’m thinking about making are really just to make a great top even better. I can see myself making several more of these and playing with all sorts of fabric and print combinations.

Megan

Measurements: Bust: 47″, Waist 44″, Hip 56″

Body Shape: Representing team pear!

Pattern size: A at the bust graded to B at the hips.

Alterations: The only alteration I made was to grade between sizes.

Fabric: Fabric from Notionally Better on Etsy, no notions required!

Fit: Well, this is a box top, so you might think there isn’t much to say, but I actually think it was designed rather thoughtfully for the plus size figure. The neckline is just the right size and shape to now show any bra straps, the sleeve openings are big enough to not be restrictive but small enough that they don’t flash any side boob, and the length is great.

Changes for Future Versions: I would like to try the long sleeve option! Otherwise, I am super happy with the fit and I’m sure there will be many more of these in my wardrobe. 

Final Thoughts: This is my first “box top” type of garment, and it won’t be my last. I love how easy it to make and how versatile it has been in my wardrobe. Its great for prints because the only place you need pattern match is the side seam and in a solid color, it looks more formal for the office or fancier occasions. This pattern is a real win for me! You can see more pictures and a more detailed review on my blog.