What Is Pleated Fabric? Meaning, Properties & Uses

What is pleated fabric?

Pleated fabric has permanent folds heat-set into the cloth, so pleats stay in place. Pleated sequins, chiffon and rayon prints are available.

Pleated fabric in Hindi

In Hindi, pleated fabric is written as प्लीटेड. In everyday Indian trade talk you will also hear it called "pleated kapda" or "pleated cloth".

Properties of pleated fabric

Property	Typical
Weight	40 to 160 GSM
Best for	skirts, dresses, dupattas, tops and party wear
Care	Most polyester-based fabrics wash well at low temperatures and dry quickly

GSM is grams per square metre. Convert it to weight per metre with our GSM calculator.

What is pleated fabric used for?

Common uses include skirts, dresses, dupattas, tops and party wear.

How to choose pleated fabric

Check the pleat width and the direction of the pleats before cutting. Cut along the pleat direction to keep the fall even.

How to wash and care for pleated fabric

Most polyester-based fabrics wash well at low temperatures and dry quickly. Use a cool iron on the reverse and test a small swatch first, because finishes and prints vary between designs.

Do pleats stay after washing?

Heat-set pleats on synthetic fabrics are durable, but avoid high heat and wring. Check care notes on each product.

Where to see and buy pleated fabric

You can browse real pleated fabric designs, with prices per metre, in our pleated fabric collection. Trade buyers can ask for samples and bulk pricing through our contact page.