A fold in fabric that is pressed, stitched, or otherwise secured in place to create controlled fullness or decorative detail. Pleats allow fabric to expand while maintaining a neat, structured appearance when closed.
From Middle English 'plete', related to 'plait' meaning to fold or braid. The distinction between pleat and plait developed in the 16th century, with pleat specifically referring to fabric folds.
The ancient Greeks and Romans were pleat masters - their chitons and togas used complex pleating that created beautiful draping without any cutting or sewing! Modern designers like Issey Miyake have revolutionized pleating with heat-setting techniques that create permanent pleats in synthetic fabrics.
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