Style Glossary: Types of Pleats

By Yolanda Wikiel
Updated: August 29, 2014
Arthur Mount
As in origami, each fold creates a dramatically different result. Here are some of the more common types you’ll encounter.
Start Slideshow

1 of 8

Accordion

Arthur Mount

Resembling—you guessed it—the bellows of an accordion, these narrow, often heat-set pleats create a raised zigzag pattern and widen slightly toward the bottom, which is why they’re also referred to as sunburst pleats.



See the pleats in action: Find a pleated dress that’s right for your shape.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 8

Bias

Arthur Mount

Pleats made in fabric cut on the diagonal. They’re usually stitched down only at the top and left unpressed so that the folds look soft and drapey, similar to what you would see on a Grecian-inspired dress.

3 of 8

Box

Arthur Mount

Fabric folded to create a wide, flat area at the top. Can be used as a single pleat (for instance, at the back of a shirt yoke) or as a series of pleats (like a cheerleader’s skirt).

Advertisement

4 of 8

Crystal

Arthur Mount

Very fine, sharply pressed pleats that lie flat and overlap each other the way vertical blinds do. You’ll often find them spiffing up tuxedo shirts.

5 of 8

Godet

Arthur Mount

Hollow, tubular pleats that create a fluted effect. Designers sometimes use them to make a mermaid-style gown flare out toward the bottom hem.

6 of 8

Inverted

Arthur Mount

Two folds brought to a center point and pressed. An A-line skirt will frequently have a single inverted pleat in the front that forms an upside-down V. A kick pleat at the back of a pencil skirt is a mini version.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 8

Knife

Arthur Mount

The most common style, these pressed pleats are generally about one inch apart, all facing the same direction. Usually used in multiples. (Think kilts.)

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

  • By Yolanda Wikiel

Popular in Style

All Topics in Style

Advertisement