Plissé

/pliˈseɪ/ noun

Definition

A fabric with permanent accordion-like pleats or puckered stripes created through chemical treatment that causes certain areas to shrink.

Etymology

From French 'plissé' meaning 'pleated', from 'plisser' (to pleat). The chemical plissé process was developed in the early 20th century as an industrial alternative to hand-pleating.

Kelly Says

Plissé is chemistry doing the work of a seamstress – caustic soda selectively shrinks parts of the fabric to create permanent pleats without a single stitch! This revolutionary process made pleated effects affordable for everyday clothing, not just expensive couture pieces.

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