What does pleat mean?
A pleat is a narrow, deliberate fold in fabric, especially in a skirt, trouser leg, or other piece of clothing. Pleats can be sewn, pressed, or formed by arranging the material so that the folds create shape, movement, and decoration. The word can also function as a verb: to pleat fabric means to make folds in it. A knife pleat is a single overlapping fold, while a box pleat consists of two folds joined at a deeper crease. Pleating is valued in both practical and decorative clothing because it controls how fabric hangs and can make it look more structured. Although pleats occur in many kinds of clothing, the term is especially associated with formal skirts, uniform trousers, and finely tailored garments.
A narrow fold made in fabric or another flexible material, usually by overlapping and pressing one section over another.
"A single pleat runs down the front of the coat."
Specific forms include knife pleat, box pleat, and sunburst pleat.
To make narrow, regular folds in fabric or another flexible material.
"The factory pleats the cloth before it is cut into panels."
Usually used in dressmaking, tailoring, and textile production.
Use “pleats” when referring to multiple folds in fabric or other material.
"The curtains have deep pleats along the top."
From a single folded line to an entire garment, a pleat transforms flat fabric into a structured, decorative form.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pleat come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Old French pli, meaning “fold,” which was related to the French verb plier, “to fold.” The English noun developed in the sense of a fold in fabric, while the verb came to mean specifically to fold or press fabric into pleats. The vocabulary ultimately reflects the Latin root plicare, “to fold,” which also underlies forms such as pliant, pliable, and plicate.
Related word forms
How pleat is actually used
The noun is commonly used in clothing and textile contexts. In dressmaking, “knife pleat,” “box pleat,” and “sunburst pleat” name specific kinds of folds.
Easily confused with pleat
A pleat is a fold in fabric, whereas to plead is to make an emotional or legal appeal.