The Tropo Maternity Camisole is a Maternity Sewing Exclusive meaning it is available for sale only on Maternity Sewing. The Tropo Maternity Camisole is named for the troposphere – the bottom layer of the earth’s atmosphere – since the camisole is great on its own but also perfectly suited for layering. This fitted camisole has an optional interior shelf bralette that can be sewn out of fashion fabric, power mesh, or fashion fabric and power mesh together for lightweight bust support. It comes in 3 cup size options: A/B, C/D and E/F. C/D and E/F are darted to accomodate a larger bust while mainting a sleek shape. The Tropo Maternity Camisole also has pattern pieces and instructions so that all views can be sewn as a nursing camisole.
View A is straight across the front, View B has a gentle scoop, View C has a sweetheart shape, and View D spices up the sweetheart with a sexy V strap. All views are useable for Front or Back for 16 different possible neckline combinations!
Both the Tropo Maternity Camisole and the Tropo Camisole are available for sale on Maternity Sewing. So what’s the difference? The two versions are built on two different blocks – the maternity version has been drafted on its own maternity block. That means you can select the size you would have worn before pregnancy and sew that same size for this pattern for your late pregnancy wear and it will accommodate the changes in your body shape and an average pregnancy weight gain. Select the cup size based on your current (pregnant) cup size.
When is this camisole meant to be worn? Likely you’ll find it to be best for late maternity – 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Because of the slim fit, the ruched front accommodates and emphasizes your belly which many women don’t find comfortable postpartum. You may want the nursing option on the maternity camisole if you nurse while pregnant or for immediate postpartum use. For more long term use you’ll want to switch over to the nursing option in the non-maternity version.
Tuesday Stitches has a bunch of helpful sewalong information on their website if you’d like some creative patterns hacks or some extra hand-holding through the sewing process.
What do our pattern testers have to say? “A fun top with loads of different options, including some really sexy strappy ones. Definitely a welcome addition to the pitifully small range of sewing patterns for maternity, and one that allows pregnant women to dress in something sexy and show off their bump!” (Find Anna on her blog or Instagram)
“I love the gathers – the look and technique.” (Find Julee on her blog or Instagram)
“I love this pattern! I have a really long torso and at the end of pregnancy, very few shirts and tanks fit me. I didn’t even have to add length and this tank works! I love the different neckline options as well!” (Melissa)
“I like that there are a lot of options with this patten – from neckline shapes to adding in a bralette!”
(Find Joy on Instagram)
“My merino jersey Tropo Maternity Camisole is already one of my most worn maternity garments. I wear it as an underlayer when it’s cool and on its own when its warm. This camisole is so comfortable and best of all, it accommodates all the changes in my body throughout pregnancy.” (Find Elizabeth on Instagram)
“The Tropo Maternity Camisole is a lovely, easy, satisfying sew to ease you into making maternity wear. I loved that it came with real sizing advice (not just ‘sew your pre-maternity size’ and keep everything crossed) and the cup size variations are a god-send to anyone as shocked by the difference between pregnancy and pre-pregnancy chests!” (Find Ellen on Instagram)
“The instructions are pretty easy to follow and it’s a good, basic pattern that I think most pregnant women would be interested in.” (Find Laura on Instagram)
Maternity Sewing was founded by Lisa Kievits and Erin Weisbart. They created Maternity Sewing to help you love your body and your wardrobe while pregnant and after. Read more about Erin & Lisa.
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