Pleats are folds of fabric pinned and sewn in place, creating a decorative and often structural element in garments and other textiles like curtains. Each type of pleat serves its purpose – adding fullness to a skirt, creating movement in a dress, or adding a decorative touch to a shirt.
There are two types of pleats: permanent, sewn in place and cannot be undone, and temporary, which can be pressed or ironed out.
There are many pleat styles, such as knife, box, inverted, and accordion pleats. For example, knife pleats are created by folding the fabric back and forth in a zigzag pattern, creating a pleated effect.
Learn more about fashion styles and how they work on the body:
History of Pleats
For centuries, pleats have been a popular fashion feature, starting in ancient Egypt when rulers decorated their tunics with them. Pleats were traditionally used to create volume in the clothing of the upper classes before they became more natural and flowing in the 18th century. Throughout history, this versatile design element has been functional and decorative. It is still popular in the fashion industry today.
What is the Purpose of Pleats?
Pleats are used for a variety of purposes in the clothing and textile industry, including:
- Fullness – Pleats can add fullness to garments, such as skirts and pants. Using pleats to add fullness to a garment helps to create a more flattering silhouette while also enhancing the overall comfort of the piece.
- Added Movement – It is possible to add movement to a garment through pleats, making it appear more dynamic and adding visual interest.
- Functionality – In some garments, pleats can be functional. For example, a kick pleat added to the back of a skirt allows for easy movement.
- Decorative – Pleats can be incorporated to add a decorative touch to a garment, such as a shirt or a blouse. They can be used to create different textures and patterns and can also be used to add a more formal or elegant look to a garment.
Now, let’s look at the different styles of pleats and how they are used in fashion.
Types of Pleats with Names and Pictures
Knife pleats
The knife pleat is a narrow pleat that folds evenly and in a single direction. The pleats are created by folding each pleat in the opposite direction of the adjacent pleat, forming a zig-zag pattern. This allows the fabric to move freely without bunching or gathering, creating a smooth silhouette.
Skirts and pants with knife pleats can add a lot of volume, so it’s important to balance that with a fitted top. To create a more proportionate appearance, tuck your blouse in or wear a fitted sweater.
Box pleats
The box pleat forms a box-like shape when two wide pleats are folded in opposite directions. They create a full and voluminous look, making them well-suited to formal and casual looks. They also help to add structure to a garment, making it more comfortable to wear. It is common to find box pleats on skirts, dresses, and school uniforms.
When styling box pleats, cinch your waist with a belt. Play with proportions by keeping the rest of your outfit simple—pair box pleats with other classic elements, such as a tailored blouse.
Inverted pleats
Inverted pleats create a smooth look on the outside by folding inwards towards the centre of a garment. This fullness can help to create a smoother silhouette, as the pleats allow more fabric to be used without increasing bulk.
Inverted pleats provide a decorative element that can add visual interest to a skirt or pair of pants.
Accordion pleats
The accordion pleats fold in a zig-zag pattern to form ridges and valleys. The pleats are sewn to stretch or compress and maintain their shape. This allows the garment to move with the body, creating a unique and flattering silhouette.
In skirts and dresses, they often add movement and texture.
Sunray pleats
Radiating outwards from a central point, sunray pleats form a sunburst pattern. The pleats are sewn at an angle, creating a fan-like or curved effect. This allows the pleats to move and shift as the wearer moves, creating a dynamic and flattering silhouette. Sunray pleats are particularly effective for this, as the pleats can be manipulated to create various shapes and textures.
Kick pleats
A kick pleat is a short pleat at the bottom of a skirt or pair of pants. They are added to allow ease of movement while walking. As you walk, the kick pleats open, allowing the fabric to move with you and not restrict your movement. The pleats are closed when standing still, creating a neat and tailored look.
To Sum Up
Pleats are versatile design elements that can be used in many ways to enhance a garment’s appearance, fit, and function. Each type serves its purpose, from knife to box pleats, inverted pleats to accordion pleats. We hope this guide has helped you understand the different types of pleats and how they can create movement, desired looks, or flatter the body. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to incorporate pleats into your wardrobe and elevate your style confidently.