pleat
What is the opposite of pleat? Here is what we hold, with its meaning and related words.
Noun — A fold pressed or stitched into cloth to shape a garment or add fullness, made by doubling the fabric back on itself.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A fold pressed or stitched into cloth to shape a garment or add fullness, made by doubling the fabric back on itself.
“The skirt fell in sharp pleats from the waistband.”
How to use pleat
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
box pleat
knife pleat
pleated skirt
inverted pleat
pleat front trousers
Neutral and everyday; the standard word in sewing, tailoring and fashion writing.
Etymology
A variant of plait, from Old French pleit, ultimately from Latin plicare meaning 'to fold'.
Full origin of pleat →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a pleat and a plait?
A pleat is a fold in fabric, while a plait (in British English) is hair or material woven together in three or more strands — what Americans call a braid. The two words share an origin, which is why they look so similar, but in modern use they describe completely different things.
What is a box pleat?
A box pleat is made by folding fabric away from itself on both sides so that the pleat sticks out in a flat, squared shape. It adds volume without clinging, which is why it is common on school skirts and curtains.
What is the difference between a pleat and a dart?
A pleat is a fold that hangs loose below the point where it is fixed, adding fullness. A dart is a wedge of fabric stitched shut to remove fullness and make a garment curve to the body.
