Basque

Note: This article is about Basque (clothing) For Basque Country in Spain, see : Basques

A basque (also known as a torsolette) is an item of women's historical apparel. The term, of French origin, can mean either a long corset or jacket characterized by a close, contoured fit and extending past the waistline over the hips.

A basque is a close-fitting bodice, extending from the shoulders to approximately waist level. It may have attached suspenders, and is often worn with a matching pair of knickers or a thong.

Unlike a corset, it is not designed to constrain the figure.

Basques are usually made of satin, but may be in a wide range of materials, such as PVC or see-through nylon.

Basque examples
Ancilla Tilia in latex basque and stockings

In Victorian outerwear, basque refers to a closely fitted jacket extending at the back past the waistline over the hips, to be worn over a bustle.

In 20th century and contemporary attire, the term is used to refer to an article of lingerie, particularly a torso-hugging camisole that resembles a basque or corset (typically featuring decorative front or back lace-up detail), but of more delicate construction and offering little or no figure-molding compression.

Basque may also refer to details reminiscent of lingerie such as frilly lace and cutout, "peekaboo" designs.

A torsolette (also known as a basque) is a short corselette, covering the chest to the waist line.

The undergarment is similar to a Victorian-era corset, but with less compression of the ribs. The modern-day Torsolette features lace-up or hook-and-eye fastening, as well as boning or vertical seams for structure and support. It usually, though not always, has brassiere cups, and is distinguished from the bustier by its length. It sometimes features detachable garters, or suspenders. In American English, it is sometimes known as a "Merry widow" (or "Merrywidow").