Vintage Pleats

Pleats are identified as pressed or heat-set into a sharp crease or fold.  There are many different styles of pleats which have been used throughout history and many of which are still used today.  Here are a few of my favorite...

This a Mid 1940's Knife pleated skirt.  It is a simple fold turned in one direction that overlaps in the seam and forms a smooth line.  Kilts use pleating with either a Knife or a Box pleat, depending on the traditions.

 

 

This is a 1955 Box pleated skirt.  Box pleats are made bulkier, consisting of two Knife pleats back-to-back.

Inspired from the 1840's, this is a Cartridge pleated skirt.  Cartridge pleats are used to gather large amounts of fabric into a small waistband, this allows the fabric to spring away from the seam, making a full bell-shaped skirt very flattering to the waist.

This is a 1950's Accordion pleated dress.  Accordion pleats are usually small and tight which expands the shape of the garment when moving.