Pleatierte

Pleatierte is a term encountered in some European fashion and textile glossaries to describe fabrics that have been treated to form evenly spaced, crisp folds or pleats. The word is not universally standardized in major dictionaries and may appear as a regional or niche usage, often influenced by related terms from French and German.

Etymology and usage vary by language. The form likely derives from the broader concept of pleating and resembles calques or adaptations of words such as plissé (French) or plissiert (German). Because pleating terminology is not uniform, pleatierte may be encountered primarily in Dutch, German, or Scandinavian contexts, sometimes as an adjective describing a fabric’s finished texture rather than a separate process.

Characteristics of pleatierte fabrics include defined folds that create volume and texture while retaining a structure that helps the fabric drape in a controlled way. They can range from fine, micro-pleats to wide, architectural pleats. Production can involve mechanical pleating, manual pleating, or heat-setting to preserve the creases. Dyes and finishes are often applied before or after pleating to enhance color behavior within the folds.

Applications are common in fashion garments such as skirts, dresses, and blouses, as well as in home textiles like curtains and upholstery. Care requirements vary by material and method but typically include dry-cleaning or gentle washing, avoidance of harsh ironing on folded areas, and cautious steam or press to refresh the creases.

See also: plissé, pleat, pleating, knife pleat, box pleat.