Translation guide
A fold in fabric, often sewn in place, used in clothing and textiles.
A fold sewn into fabric, commonly found in skirts, pants, or shirts.
The most common and general term for a pleat, borrowed from English. Used widely in fashion.
The pleats on this skirt are beautiful, aren't they?
A native Japanese word for pleat, fold, or tuck. Slightly more traditional or technical, but still common.
I press the pleats of the skirt firmly with an iron.
Literally 'fold line', can refer to a crease or pleat. More often used for creases in paper or fabric, but can apply to pleats in context.
The crease in my pants has disappeared.
Referring to particular styles of pleats, such as knife pleats or box pleats.
Knife pleats, all facing the same direction. Common in school uniforms.
This school uniform skirt has knife pleats.
To make pleats in fabric.
Literally 'to put in pleats'. The most natural way to express the action of pleating.
Please pleat this fabric.
To make pleats or tucks. Slightly more general, can refer to creating folds.
It's difficult to make pleats in a skirt.
To crease or put a fold line. Can be used for pleating, but more commonly for ironing creases.
I crease it with an iron.
プリーツ is the most common and modern term, especially in fashion contexts. ひだ is a native Japanese word that can sound slightly more traditional or technical, but is still widely understood. For everyday clothing descriptions, プリーツ is usually the safest choice.
Pleated skirts are in fashion.
The pleats of a kimono are beautiful.
Box pleats, where two folds face away from each other, creating a box-like shape.
A box-pleat skirt is easy to move in.
Accordion pleats, very fine and regular, resembling an accordion. Often used in dresses.
She is wearing an accordion-pleat dress.