pleat
PLEET
/pliːt/
A double fold formed by doubling fabric back upon itself and securing it in place with stitches or pressing.
Creates fullness, texture, and controlled movement in skirts, trousers, and sleeves without expanding waist measurements.
The story behind the word. A doublet of 'plait', entering English via Old French 'pleit' from Latin 'plicatum' (folded). It has been used since the 14th century specifically to denote double folds in clothing.
Word relationships
- fold: Fold is a general bending of material, whereas a pleat is a deliberate, secured structural fold in fabric.
- crease: Crease is an ironed line, whereas a pleat involves doubling back fabric volume and stitching or pressing it permanently.
Commonly confused with
- gather: Gathering draws cloth together in soft irregular bunches, whereas pleating makes crisp, parallel folds.
Word family
- pleated (adjective): Constructed with neat, deliberate fabric folds.
- pleating (noun): The process or arrangement of making pleats.
Collocations
- box pleat
- knife pleat
- accordion pleat
- pleat trousers
Example sentences
- "The knife pleat skirt expanded gracefully as the dancer turned under the bright stage lights." Skirt design
- "Double-pleated trousers offer greater comfort and room through the hips when sitting." Trouser tailoring
Memory hook
PLEAT is neat folded SHEET of fabric. Fold back and press crisp.
When not to use
Do not confuse with a dart; a pleat folds fabric for fullness, while a dart stitches down fabric to reduce bulk and fit curves tight.
Fun facts
- Designer Issey Miyake revolutionized modern fashion in the 1980s with his 'Pleats Please' line using heat-set polyester pleating.
Explore more words
fold, press, Double-breasted, Cummerbund, Tailoring, tufting
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