What are pleated skirts?

Perhaps every woman has a pleated skirt in her wardrobe. The owners of such skirts usually have a special taste. Such models allow you to make the image more sophisticated, giving sophistication and lightness. Such things allow them to keep themselves confident, look more feminine and appear younger and fresher. Although pleated models are considered difficult to maintain, their use makes it possible to profitably complement the wardrobe and add elegance.

The fashion for pleated products regularly experiences ups and downs. This season, thanks to the Gucci house, such models have become very popular again. The designers of the fashion house have tried to return pleats to fashion shows, using less traditional materials for their models in the form of velvet fabrics, leather, textiles with prints, etc.

The first information about pleated clothing dates back to very ancient times. The use of pleats has been known since the reign of Ramses II. The first skirts of this cut appeared about 4-5 thousand years ago. Presumably, such products were originally worn only by men, later such clothes appeared in the wardrobe of the beautiful half of humanity.

Partial pleating makes the finished garments look original and sometimes even creative. The use of full pleating will help to add tenderness and romance to the look.

A pleated skirt is a model in the form of a cone, which is given a texture in the form of folds heading in one direction. Their width depends on the density of the material used. It should be noted that more often folds are vertical, but in some models they can be located horizontally or diagonally.

Pleating is now at its peak of popularity. That is why many designers are increasingly using this style for sewing products. In many collections, you can see light flowing products made from delicate fabrics such as silk or chiffon. Such airy skirts are more suitable for the summer-spring season.

For the cold season, choose warmer fabrics in the form of thick wool, knitwear or leather. The variety of fabrics used in sewing pleated skirts allows you to create a wide variety of images and at the same time always look elegant and fashionable.

Many people confuse the concepts of "corrugation" and "pleated", believing that this is one type of product. Although outwardly they are similar, they still differ in several ways. When creating corrugated and pleated fabrics, a certain process goes through, including the formation of folds on the material by pressing them with special shapes. As a result, folds appear that look like a fan, and it is customary to call them "corrugation" or "pleated". To find out what is the difference between them, you should familiarize yourself with the characteristics of each method.

For corrugated fabrics:

• folds are located obliquely, at an angle, outwardly look like a fan or like an accordion;
• the width of the fold and hem will be the same.

For pleated canvases, the following points are characteristic:

• parallel arrangement of folds;
• externally, folds look equally smoothed;
• folds and folds in this case will have different widths - so, with a fold width of 2 cm, the fold will be 1.5 cm.

That is, the main difference is the different width of the fold.

If we talk about styles, now many experts note how much the cut of such clothes has changed. Along with the usual vertical arrangement of pleats, it is allowed to add a diagonal cut. Such models are more suitable for ladies with a not quite standard figure.

As for the length of the products, it can be very diverse, while the cut of the hem can be even or asymmetrical. In addition to the classic knee length, the maximum length of the product, as well as the short length and midi, remain relevant.

Some designers continue to experiment not only with the material or length of the product, but also with its cut. So, two-layer models made of translucent pleats and a dense petticoat to match the fabric itself or in a contrasting color have become popular.

Usually a belt in a classic style is made in the form of a thin strip. According to fashion designers, models with a wide belt, outwardly resembling a yoke or bodice, will also look interesting.

Pleated pleats are in themselves a decoration for skirts, so they do not require additional decorations, such as pockets. As a small addition, a thin belt that runs down to the hips can be used. This option is more suitable for clothes with a maxi length.

Pleated skirts vary in style. It can be:

• models on a yoke;
• skirt pants;
• skirt shorts;
• products with a high or low waist;
• flared.

As a rule, they are cut like the sun or half sun.

Women's pleated skirts have become part of the modern woman's wardrobe, but when choosing a similar style, it should be borne in mind that such folds can hide figure flaws, but in some cases they will visually enlarge the hips. This style is more suitable skinny girls rather than ladies with large forms.

In this case chubby girls it is worth choosing models with an asymmetrical cut. Choosing a pleated chiffon or silk skirt would be a good option for them. Thanks to this material, the whole image will turn out to be light, while the model will not burden the silhouette.

It is advisable to choose a cut with folds starting from the hip line, allowing you to visually make the thighs less massive and at the same time lengthen the legs. It is preferable for full ladies to choose a product slightly above the knee.

The product will become a universal option for owners of different body types. on an elastic band. By choosing this option, you can quickly create different images, ranging from office to neutral, street.

As for the length of pleated models, it can be varied, depending on the characteristics of the figure, the season, or simply on personal preferences:

• for tall girls, the choice of models with a length above the knee will be preferable;
• women with small stature are more suitable for skirts with a high waist.

The fashionable pleated skirt reached its peak of popularity somewhere in the 80s of the last century. No wonder this cut was used for business suits, uniforms for school. Currently, such models have become more sophisticated and multifaceted, they can be called simply universal. A pleated skirt can be found in a regular business and casual style or as an evening dress.

Initially, only natural fabrics like silk were used to sew such products. They looked very beautiful and natural, but had a significant drawback - after a short wear, their folds became hardly noticeable.

If light fabrics are used for the autumn-spring period, then heavy warm materials are suitable for winter. For summer, chiffon fabric will be a good option, and woolen fabric is optimal for the winter season. In the off-season, a pleated skirt can be:

• knitted;
• knitted;
• velor;
• velvet.

Nowadays, leather clothing has become very popular. The same goes for pleated skirts. Pleated leather knee-length skirts look very interesting. Such options can become the basis for creating a fashionable image, stylish and feminine.

If we talk about the color palette, then it is striking in its diversity. The choice of shades depends a lot on the season. So, in the spring-summer period, the following will be relevant:

• white;
• blue;
• pink;
• mint;
• powdery skirt;
• polka dot pattern.

Skirts of the following colors are more suitable for the cold season:

• Gray;
• Brown;
• burgundy;
• Navy blue;
• gold;
• silver;
• bronze.

The shiny fabric used for sewing will add lightness and a certain mystery to such things. A silver or gold skirt will be the perfect option for a New Year's corporate party or a fun party.

Predatory design has not lost its position for many years. Fashion designers did not disregard this by releasing trendy pleated skirts under the tiger, python or zebra. Such a print can add intrigue and more expressiveness to the image.Pleated models that combine several shades in the form of geometric shapes will be relevant.

When choosing a pleated skirt, do not forget that this style often visually enlarges the hips.

• This option is more suitable for slender women or ladies with a "triangle" body shape.
• Such a model is also suitable for plump women, but only if the material was chosen correctly, and the length of the product is also taken into account.
• For women with a "triangle" figure, the version of the product with a yoke is more suitable. In this case, the folds will begin below the thigh, so the silhouette will visually appear slimmer.
• If the figure is of the "apple" type, then the product in a small fold will make the figure awkward, giving it the shape of a barrel. This option is more suitable for the "pear" type.

Care should be taken when choosing a similar outfit for pregnant women. But if you balance the bulkier bottom with the top right, you can get a pretty organic look.

It is recommended to wear pleated skirts with a free top. Such clothes look good with a wide blouse, oversized sweater or jacket, cardigan, jacket. When choosing a long option, it is recommended to highlight the waist with a belt or a thin belt. In this case, it is desirable that the top of the ensemble be shortened.

A pleated office skirt will look good with a classic blouse and a fitted jacket. Changing a strict blouse to a top and putting on a leather jacket, you can instantly refresh your look and get a new casual-style outfit.

• For business style a skirt with a satin blouse or a plain shirt, complemented by shoes with low heels, will do.
• In a less formal setting it is better to choose pleating with a light blouse, T-shirt or sweater. As a shoe, it is better to give preference to ballet flats, light sneakers or demi-season boots.
• For an evening out a floor-length skirt with a corset or patterned top is more suitable.

Any option can be used as a shoe. This style will look great with ballerinas, heeled sandals, wedges. Recently, many designers have sought to expand the classic understanding of wearing clothes, offering seemingly incongruous options. That is why many girls prefer to wear pleated skirts, combining them with rough shoes. These can be sneakers, tennis shoes, Cossack boots or lace-up ankle boots.

For summer, it is better to choose pleated skirts in light pastel colors. To create an elegant look, you should pay attention to the mini and midi length model. With these skirts, any look will look fresh and playful. In this case, you can choose a T-shirt, a top or a light blouse as a top. A white top combined with a light bottom will look very delicate. This outfit is perfect for going to the movies, for any occasion or for a romantic meeting.

The uniqueness of these models lies in their versatility. So, for spring, an excellent option would be to choose an asymmetric cut product or a mini skirt in combination with a light blouse and pumps.

In springtime, a combination of a bright high-waisted skirt with a black or white top would be a good option. In the evening, you can throw a light jacket over your shoulders. Sandals or high-heeled shoes will complete the look. If you are going to a meeting with colleagues or friends, you can safely use this option. A light jacket or biker jacket, as well as an elongated trench coat or blazer, denim jackets and vests will help to complement the chosen image.

In the fall wardrobe there is enough space for pleated skirts made from different materials. Moreover, the fabric for such products will no longer be so delicate and airy. They were replaced by things made of knitwear, wool or other, denser fabric.

Knee-length clothes are more suitable for this season. For a midi skirt, you should choose a classic shirt, turtleneck or jumper. If it gets cold, you can put on a short jacket or a cropped leather jacket over your shoulders. It is better to use rough boots or boots as shoes.

Pleated products are distinguished by their practicality, at the same time they look very elegant. Choosing a knee-length knitted skirt with a fur vest and high boots will help to create a bright look. Instead of a vest, you can choose a short coat or a knitted jacket, supplemented with a belt.

Trending models for fall will be ideally combined with sweatshirts, chunky knit sweaters, hoodies, as well as high boots, boots or sneakers. For insulation, you can use leather jackets or bomber jackets, they will look great with skirts of any length.

In the cold season, clothes made of thick materials, for example, wool or leather, are appropriate. Warm pleated skirts are worn with oversized sweaters. Low-heeled boots are more suitable as shoes.

In winter, warmer clothes are required, so a warm pleated skirt is best combined with a down jacket, a shortened fur coat or a sheepskin coat. A skirt of this style will be an excellent option for creating an image and will allow you to make a lot of multi-layer combinations in different styles.

Pleated items require special care. In order for the clothes to regain their original appearance after washing, certain recommendations should be followed:

• it is recommended to clean such products, taking into account the instructions on the label;
• pleated skirts made from synthetic fabrics can be washed at home by hand or in a washing machine, observing a delicate wash cycle;
• pleated models cannot be squeezed out strongly; after washing, they should be carefully hung;
• to preserve folds on the skirt during washing, it is advisable to place the product in a cover or use a regular stocking for this purpose.

Before hand or machine wash, such products must be sewn with large stitches along each fold. This will improve the quality of the garment after washing and help iron the garment without difficulty. When ironing such clothes, you must put a thin cloth or gauze on top of it. Leather and knitwear products do not require ironing.

Knitted pleated skirts can only be washed by hand, at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees. Slightly squeezing, the thing is laid out on a horizontal surface with a previously spread towel. After partial drying, the clothes can be hung on the hanger by hooking them onto the belt.

Drawing up winning options primarily depends on personal preference and on the chosen style.

For those who prefer a romantic style, such models are best combined with an airy and light top. A midi skirt with a chiffon blouse or top, as well as a wide-brimmed hat and graceful ballet shoes will look good. In windy weather, you can additionally wear a light jacket or a denim vest or jacket.

For women who prefer a business style, it is better to stay on skirts slightly above or below the knee. Chiffon or thick silk would be an excellent option in this case. For the top, it is better to choose a classic shirt or a blouse with an elongated vest. Comfortable pumps or oxfords, as well as a tote bag, will help complement the basic set.

In cold weather, a mid-length knitted pleated skirt is more suitable. Shirts sewn from dense fabrics, jackets can serve as a top for her.Complement the look with ankle boots or high boots.

A layered model will help create a festive look. In this case, shoes with heels will come in handy. It is better to use a clutch and discreet stylish jewelry as additional accessories.

The pleated skirt will be an important element for creating an attractive and feminine look. The correct choice of models will allow you to create a variety of and not boring bows every day.