A basque waist is a bodice with a form-fitting silhouette designed to hug the waistline. Unlike a traditional [corset](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-wear-a-corset), a basque design extends past the waistline, creating a slight cover over the hips. Most basque waists feature two angled [seams](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/7-different-types-of-seams-and-how-to-use-them-in-garments) that form a triangular shape at the lower front of the bodice. Today, the cut is common in lingerie—a basque is a piece of long, fitted lingerie with spaghetti straps that extends to the hips.
The basque waistline rose to prominence in the 1800s. Inspired by traditional Basque clothing, the drop-waist style peaked in popularity during the Victorian era when women used tight bodices to create an hourglass silhouette while wearing hoop skirts and bustles. In contemporary fashion, the basque waist is a popular cut for intimates, wedding dresses, or ball gowns.
The waistline of a garment impacts the appearance of your entire frame. Consider the following benefits of the basque waist to determine if this bodice style is right for you. A basque waist:

1. __Elongates your silhouette__: Since the basque waist extends below the hips, it makes your torso appear longer. Selecting a basque waist garment with a V-neck, such as a Queen Anne or sweetheart [neckline](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/guide-to-necklines), can also lengthen and accentuate your figure since the V-shaped neckline reflects the form of the basque waist.
2. __Draws attention to your upper body__: Since a basque waist extends below the waistline and over the hips, it draws attention to your upper body. Wedding gowns with sequin, beaded, or appliqué detailing on the bodice also helps highlight the upper body.
3. __Gently shapes your torso__: A basque waist gently hugs the upper body, unlike a corset, which cinches the waistline to alter the torso shape. This makes the garment more comfortable to wear as it smooths and highlights the natural contours of your body. The tight fit of a basque waist also makes it flattering for billowing skirt materials, such as layered tulle or [chiffon](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-chiffon-fabric-learn-about-the-characteristics-of-this-luxury-fabric-and-how-chiffon-is-made). If you prefer dresses with full skirts, consider a basque waist bodice to contrast the drape of the material.
Become a better fashion designer with the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com). Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia, Diane von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs, Tan France, Anna Wintour, and more.
A basque waist highlights the curve of your natural waist, giving different body types a sleek silhouette. The basque waistline is a popular cut for bridal gowns, lingerie, and couture dresses.

A basque waist highlights the curve of your natural waist, giving different body types a sleek silhouette. The basque waistline is a popular cut for bridal gowns, lingerie, and couture dresses.

Basque Waist Overview: 3 Benefits of a Basque Waist Silhouette

A basque waist is a bodice with a form-fitting silhouette designed to hug the waistline. Unlike a traditional <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-wear-a-corset' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-wear-a-corset","linkCopy":"corset","category":null}'>corset</a>, a basque design extends past the waistline, creating a slight cover over the hips. Most basque waists feature two angled <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/7-different-types-of-seams-and-how-to-use-them-in-garments' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/7-different-types-of-seams-and-how-to-use-them-in-garments","linkCopy":"seams","category":null}'>seams</a> that form a triangular shape at the lower front of the bodice. Today, the cut is common in lingerie—a basque is a piece of long, fitted lingerie with spaghetti straps that extends to the hips.

What Is a Basque Waist?

The basque waistline rose to prominence in the 1800s. Inspired by traditional Basque clothing, the drop-waist style peaked in popularity during the Victorian era when women used tight bodices to create an hourglass silhouette while wearing hoop skirts and bustles. In contemporary fashion, the basque waist is a popular cut for intimates, wedding dresses, or ball gowns.

A Brief History of the Basque Waist

The waistline of a garment impacts the appearance of your entire frame. Consider the following benefits of the basque waist to determine if this bodice style is right for you. A basque waist:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Elongates your silhouette: Since the basque waist extends below the hips, it makes your torso appear longer. Selecting a basque waist garment with a V-neck, such as a Queen Anne or sweetheart <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/guide-to-necklines' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/guide-to-necklines","linkCopy":"neckline","category":null}'>neckline</a>, can also lengthen and accentuate your figure since the V-shaped neckline reflects the form of the basque waist. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Draws attention to your upper body: Since a basque waist extends below the waistline and over the hips, it draws attention to your upper body. Wedding gowns with sequin, beaded, or appliqué detailing on the bodice also helps highlight the upper body. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Gently shapes your torso: A basque waist gently hugs the upper body, unlike a corset, which cinches the waistline to alter the torso shape. This makes the garment more comfortable to wear as it smooths and highlights the natural contours of your body. The tight fit of a basque waist also makes it flattering for billowing skirt materials, such as layered tulle or <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-chiffon-fabric-learn-about-the-characteristics-of-this-luxury-fabric-and-how-chiffon-is-made' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-chiffon-fabric-learn-about-the-characteristics-of-this-luxury-fabric-and-how-chiffon-is-made","linkCopy":"chiffon","category":null}'>chiffon</a>. If you prefer dresses with full skirts, consider a basque waist bodice to contrast the drape of the material. </li></ol>

3 Benefits of a Basque Waist

Become a better fashion designer with the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a>. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia, Diane von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs, Tan France, Anna Wintour, and more.

Want to Learn More About Fashion Design?

A basque waist highlights the curve of your natural waist, giving different body types a sleek silhouette. The basque waistline is a popular cut for bridal gowns, lingerie, and couture dresses.

A basque waist highlights the curve of your natural waist, giving different body types a sleek silhouette. The basque waistline is a popular cut for bridal gowns, lingerie, and couture dresses.
