Definition

Noun: A type of pleat in fabric where the folds are turned inward, towards each other, so that the fullness is concealed on the back or wrong side of the garment. It is essentially a box pleat constructed in reverse.

Usage

An inverted pleat is used in clothing and soft furnishings to provide controlled fullness and a clean, tailored line on the visible side. It is a common feature in skirts, dresses, and jackets.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The skirt featured a single, sharp inverted pleat at the back for ease of movement.
  • For a more formal look, the designer used an inverted pleat instead of gathers.

Advanced Usage

• Inverted Pleat vs. Box Pleat: While a standard box pleat has the fabric folded outward, creating visible fullness on the right side, an inverted pleat folds the fabric inward, hiding the bulk and presenting a flat panel on the outside.
  • The uniform had inverted pleats on the front of the shirt, giving it a very neat appearance.

Variants and Related Words

• Pleat (n): A fold in cloth made by doubling the material upon itself and then pressing or stitching it into place.
• Box Pleat (n): A pleat consisting of two parallel folds of fabric turned away from each other on the right side.
• Knife Pleat (n): A series of narrow, sharp folds all turned in the same direction.
• Sunburst Pleat (n): Very narrow pleats that radiate out to a wider edge.

Synonyms

• Reverse box pleat
• Inward pleat

Antonyms

• Box pleat (as its outward-folded counterpart)

Noun

1. a box pleat reversed so that the fullness is turned inward