It is said that pleats originated with the Egyptians, and over time more and more varieties have been created, leaving us all wondering, how to care for pleated clothes.
Whether it's your favourite pleated skirt or a formal dress with pleats galore, we bet you're wondering how to wash, dry and store your garments while ensuring the pleats stay looking crisp - well, strap in, here's how to care for pleated clothes.
How to care for pleated clothes - varieties of pleats
There are three most common methods of pleating clothes: stitched pleats, heat-pressed pleats and chemical pleats, and they all require slightly different care.
Stitched pleats: This is a catch-all term for any pleats that are made and held using a sewing machine.
Heat-pressed pleats:This type of pleats uses a mechanical force to pleat the fabric, and heat to fix them. For a permanent effect, only polyester can be used. The effect doesn’t last on natural fibres.
Chemical pleats:To pleat natural fabrics, chemicals must be used, as the heat pressing method doesn’t last on natural fibres. Depending on the effect needed, different chemicals are applied to fabrics, as well as heat and sometimes pressure.
How to care for pleated clothes - how to wash
Luckily, all three varieties of pleats can be washed at home, either in the washing machine or by hand. However, make sure to check the care label for any additional instructions.
Now, pleated clothes are more likely to have the transcendent statement, 'dry clean only' on their labels. It is your choice whether to adhere to this instruction or not, but we're pretty confident that you can achieve similar, if not the same, results at home, for far less money, less hassle, and less harm to the environment!
Step 1 - If machine washing, pop it in the machine and set to a cool wash (30 degrees) on a gentle spin cycle. It's true that pleats will survive the washing machine, but the less agitation the better, and that goes for all washes!
Step 2 - Similarly, you're going to need a super gentle detergent, especially if you're dealing with chemical pleats. Our Eco Wash for Silk and Delicates is the perfect pH neutral detergent that cleanses and nourishes fabrics even at cold temperatures.
Step 3 - If you're hand washing, which is the better way forward if you're precious about your pleats, fill a basin with cool water, add a splash of detergent and gently massage the garment around in the water, equally distributing the product, and then rinse thoroughly.
Step 4 - Air dry, air dry, air dry! While you can machine wash your pleated clothes, don't put them anywhere near a tumble dryer. To dry your pleated clothes, hang them on a hanger to air dry in the same position as you'd wear them, and the pleats should naturally fall into place.
How to care for pleated clothes - how to refresh the pleats
One super important facet to care for pleated clothes is knowing how to re-sharped or re-pleat your garments if your pleat lines are looking like they need a little TLC.
Step 1 -Lay the garment on an ironing board and arrange the pleats. Iron over the existing pleat line to regain the original appearance; to do this, clip each pleat with a paper clip. As you iron, move the paperclip so you do not iron over the metal.
Step 2-Set the iron to the hottest steam setting. Starting from the waistband, press the iron down onto the pleats, hold it for five seconds and then pull upward. Move down the pleats and repeat, pressing down, holding for five seconds and lifting. Work your way down one section of pleats at a time; when you reach the paperclips, move them upward or further down; do not iron over them. Repeat lifting and pressing throughout the entire garment.
Step 3 -Hang the garment up immediately and remove the paperclips. Once the skirt cools completely, hang it in your closet to prevent further wrinkling.
Our top tip: If you can't quite manage the use of an iron on your garment (perhaps the pleats are too fine), our little life hack is that you can use a hair straightener as a handy, slim iron instead.
If you're worried about over-washing your pleated garments, or if washing the garments is warping the formation of the pleats, try giving it a spritz with our Deodorising Clothing Spritz. This way, you can wash your clothes less often, and your pleats will stay intact for longer.
So there you go, now you know how to care for pleated clothes, so your favourite skirt or dress can stay looking fabulous. Shop the whole Clothes Doctor range to make every laundry day a pleasure.
As a seasoned expert in the realm of garment care, particularly when it comes to pleated clothes, I bring to the forefront a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience. My expertise spans the origins of pleats, the various pleating methods, and the meticulous care required to maintain the integrity of pleated garments. Let's delve into the concepts presented in the article and explore the nuances of caring for pleated clothes.
1. Origins of Pleats: Pleats, as mentioned, are said to have originated with the Egyptians. While the article doesn't delve into historical details, it's essential to recognize that pleats have a rich cultural history, evolving over time into diverse forms.
2. Varieties of Pleats: The article outlines three common methods of pleating clothes:
- Stitched Pleats: Created and held using a sewing machine.
- Heat-Pressed Pleats: Mechanically pleated with heat to fix them. Effective for polyester but not long-lasting on natural fibers.
- Chemical Pleats: Involves the use of chemicals for pleating natural fabrics, often combined with heat and pressure.
3. Washing Pleated Clothes: The article emphasizes that all three varieties of pleats can be washed at home, either by machine or hand. The steps provided for washing include:
- Machine Washing: Use a cool wash (30 degrees) with a gentle spin cycle.
- Detergent: Use a super gentle detergent, especially for chemical pleats.
- Hand Washing: Fill a basin with cool water, add detergent, gently massage the garment, and rinse thoroughly.
- Drying: Avoid tumble drying; air dry on a hanger to maintain pleat structure.
4. Refreshing Pleats: To maintain the crispness of pleats, the article provides steps for refreshing them:
- Ironing: Lay the garment on an ironing board, arrange the pleats, and iron over the existing pleat lines using a paper clip to avoid damaging the metal.
- Steam Setting: Set the iron to the hottest steam setting and press down on pleats, lifting the iron in intervals.
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Hanging: Hang the garment immediately after ironing to prevent further wrinkling.
A notable alternative is using a hair straightener if traditional ironing proves challenging.
5. Over-Washing Prevention: The article acknowledges concerns about over-washing pleated garments and suggests using a deodorizing clothing spritz as an alternative to frequent washing. This helps in preserving the pleats for a longer duration.
In conclusion, armed with this comprehensive guide, individuals can confidently care for their pleated clothes, ensuring they remain in impeccable condition for an extended period.
