Basques and Corsets

Basques and Corsets have been around for centuries, but what do they have to do with each other? Surprisingly, a lot. Basque country is located in the north-central area of Spain, while Corsica is an island located off the coast of France. Both areas are known for their distinctive culture and language. But how did these two regions come to be associated with corsets? The answer lies in the history of both garments. The first corset was believed to have been created by the Basques sometime in the 16th century. It was made out of cloth and lace, and it served as a way to hold up women's skirts so that they wouldn't get dirty when they sat down.