Pleatbased

Pleatbased is a term used in some contemporary fashion and textile art circles to describe a design philosophy and construction method in which pleats are treated as the base geometry of a garment or textile piece. In pleatbased work, repeating pleat units—such as accordion, box, and sunburst forms—are engineered to tile or tessellate across a surface, creating form, texture, and volume from a single, consistent pleating language. The approach emphasizes modularity, scalable patterns, and the memory of fabric, so that complex silhouettes can be produced with standardized pleat units and relatively few seams.

Materials and techniques center on stabilizing pleats through heat-setting and using pleating machines or manual presses to align grids. Fabrics are typically chosen for their ability to hold pleated structure, with synthetic blends (for example polyester or treated cotton) commonly favored, though natural fibers can be pleated when treated. Finishes may include precise edge work, laser-guided scoring, or embroidery that follows the pleat grid to reinforce the geometry. Care involves gentle washing and air drying to preserve the pleat memory.

Applications span apparel, accessories, and interior textiles, with some artists presenting pleatbased works as architectural textiles or wearable sculpture. The term remains a niche descriptor within fashion and textile design, not yet standardized in major glossaries, and its interpretation varies by designer and project.

See also: pleating, fabric engineering, modular design.