Although Knife Pleats Are Regarded As Basic, They Are Still Stylish. Here’s What They Are Best Designed For

As a fashion entrepreneur, do you ensure a lot of research is done into putting out a particular product for your target audience? Trust us when we say that certain terms, styles or processes in the fashion industry can be misused by fashion brand owners.

Read more: Fashion Words: Did You Know That The Sweetheart Neckline Is Mostly Used For Bridal Dresses

Last week, we spoke to the creative director of Styled By Kenke on how Batwing Sleeves, which are generally exaggerated puffed sleeves, can be used to achieve a dramatic look. You can catch up on that and many more right here.

In that light, what are culottes and balloon skirts? How should they be worn? And what outfits can the knife pleat style be used for? Stay with us as we delve into this journey with inputs from the creative director of Kasewa, Ewaoluwa Balogun.

Culottes

Culottes are a women’s knee-length trouser which is cut with full legs to resemble a skirt. They can be paired with a range of tops to give off a formal or informal look.

And just like Ewaoluwa Balogun shared with us,

“Culottes are like palazzos basically, but they are usually mistaken for Gauchos.”

Unlike Gauchos which are wide, calf-length trousers modelled after the trousers worn by cowboys back in the day, culottes are designed to hang like a skirt.

Balloon Skirts

A balloon skirt, also known as a bubble or tulip skirt, is a type of voluminous skirt in which the hem is tucked back under to create a bubble effect at the bottom. 

With the balloon style silhouette, these skirts are designed to billow out in the bottom and sides while being tightly fitted at the waistline.

Knife Pleats

Just as you may already know, a pleat is a type of fold formed by doubling fabric back upon itself and securing it in place, and the knife pleat is one of the unique pleats we have.

Although considered the most basic pleat, because it is simple to sew, knife pleats are used as decorative finishes and they also add fullness to a garment.

“Knife pleats are designed for mostly women’s outfits, such as tennis wears, foreign school uniforms and many more.” – Ewaoluwa Balogun, creative director of Kasewa

How They Should Be Used

Culottes are mainly used in women’s fashion and are very trendy these days. They can be designed with several fabrics including African wax prints, cotton and so on to give a unique look.

Just like the creative director of Kasewa explained, balloon skirts were popular in the old times, and even in ancient movies, they were worn by both genders. Balloon skirts are designed to reach mid-thigh and fabrics such as taffeta, silks and even satin work well for them.

The best fabrics to use for knife pleats just like Ewaoluwa Balogun shared with us are usually cotton and wool because it forms the shape better. Knife pleats can be used to design skater skirts or dresses and many more!

So, as a fashion designer, have you been utilizing these styles and techniques maximally in your brand? Do let us know in the comment section below.