A Basque Waist is a waistline identified by its placement below the natural waistline but before the hips. It is typically defined by a strong “V” point or dropped “U” waistline.
Popularized during the Victorian period, it gets its name from Basque Country, a region that straddles the borders of France and Spain. It originated as an element on tops in the Victorian period that would be worn over skirts to create a unified silhouette.
Basque Waists are a popular design feature to enhance the waist and create a sculpted appearance that lengthens the torso.