Is a kick pleat the same as a regular pleat?

No. A kick pleat is a specific type of inverted pleat, usually short and at the hem, designed for movement, not decoration.

Can a kick pleat be found on garments other than skirts?

Yes, though most common on skirts, it can also be used on coats, jackets, or dresses with a narrow silhouette.

Where is a kick pleat typically located?

Most commonly at the centre back or side seams of a skirt's hemline.

Do I need a kick pleat?

If you have a straight or pencil skirt that feels restrictive when walking, a kick pleat is a practical tailoring solution.

kick pleat

Low

UK/ˈkɪk ˌpliːt/US/ˈkɪk ˌplit/

Technical/Specialized (Fashion/Tailoring)

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

A short, narrow pleat at the hem of a tight skirt, allowing freedom of movement.

Any inverted pleat, typically found in tailored clothing, that allows fabric to expand.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

Specifically a tailoring term; not generally used in everyday conversation. The 'kick' refers to the movement it facilitates.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in meaning or use. Spelling is consistent.

Connotations

Neutral tailoring term in both regions.

Frequency

Equally low frequency in both; primarily used in fashion/tailoring contexts.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

skirt with ainvertedbacktailorednarrow

medium

insert astitch thedeepcentre

weak

dressjacketfabric

Grammar

Valency Patterns

The [garment] has/had/features a kick pleat.Add/insert a kick pleat to/in the [garment].

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

action pleat

Neutral

inverted pleat

Weak

ventslit

Vocabulary

Antonyms

flat panelplain seam

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“None”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Used in the context of garment manufacturing specifications.

Academic

Rare; potential use in fashion history or design papers.

Everyday

Very rare. A person might note it when describing a specific skirt's design.

Technical

Standard term in pattern making, tailoring, and fashion design.

Examples

By Part of Speech

adjective

British English

The kick-pleat detail is very practical.

American English

She prefers a kick-pleat skirt for walking.

Examples

By CEFR Level

This skirt has a kick pleat.

I like skirts with a kick pleat because they are easier to walk in.

The tailor suggested adding a kick pleat to the slim-fit skirt for added mobility.

The elegance of the midi pencil skirt was preserved by the inclusion of a discreet, inverted kick pleat at the centre back.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a skirt that needs room for your leg to KICK out; the pleat provides that KICK space.

Conceptual Metaphor

FREEDOM IS A RELEASED FOLD (The restrictive garment is 'released' by the pleat, granting freedom).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Avoid literal translation 'пинок складки'. It is a technical term: 'разрез со складкой', 'отрезная складка'.

Common Mistakes

Confusing it with a simple slit or vent (a kick pleat is specifically an inverted pleat).
Using 'kick pleat' to describe pleats elsewhere on a garment.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

A is often added to the back of a tight skirt to make walking easier.

Multiple Choice

What is the primary function of a kick pleat?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No. A kick pleat is a specific type of inverted pleat, usually short and at the hem, designed for movement, not decoration.
: Yes, though most common on skirts, it can also be used on coats, jackets, or dresses with a narrow silhouette.
: Most commonly at the centre back or side seams of a skirt's hemline.
: If you have a straight or pencil skirt that feels restrictive when walking, a kick pleat is a practical tailoring solution.