A pleat is a fold of definite even with. Accordion pleats are a series of narrow, evenly spaced parallel pleats with alternating raised and recessed folds set into cloth. Made by doubling the cloth on itself. First used in English during the 14th century. Modern pleats are made by commercial pleating machines. In connection with boys clothing most associated with the kilt.

structured folds of cloth that give fullness in a garment.

Fabric folds that control fullness in a garment. Variations include box, inverted and knife pleats.

Some species of baleen whales have throat grooves known as pleats. As their mouths fill up with water and food, the pleats expand like an accordian..

Vertical gathers in a section of a Shade