pleated

This term describes a specific structural manipulation of fabric where folds are created and typically secured. It carries a connotation of precision, order, and intentional design, often associated with tailored clothing, uniforms, or formal drapery. While "folded" is a general term for any bend in material, "pleated" specifically implies a repetitive, parallel pattern of folds.

In a fashion context, the word suggests a certain level of crispness or rigidity, especially when referring to "knife pleats" or "accordion pleats." It is primarily used as a descriptive adjective to denote the physical state of a garment's construction rather than a temporary action.