Maybe it’s the 30-year anniversary of Issey Miyake’s iconic Pleats Please line that’s having a ripple effect on the fashion world, but variations on the brand’s signature micro pleats seem to be everywhere at the moment. The impeccable heat-set pleating on a Pleats Please garment—which put the style on the map when the brand launched in the early ’90s—is enduringly appealing today, and you might be tempted to dabble in the trend, considering all the micro pleated styles bubbling up across price points right now.
It’s not hard to see why the trend is seeing a resurgence. The curve-hugging, divinely stretchy texture of a finely pleated “plissé” polyester garment is wildly flattering on a variety of body types, moldable into a number of playful forms, and practically ageless (if Pleats Please’s foothold amongst boomers and Gen Z shoppers alike is any indication). Plus, the swishy fabric itself has the advantage of being wrinkle-resistant—meaning it’s perfect for packing up in your best designer luggage or slipping into bleary-eyed in the morning—and exceptionally comfortable and versatile. Below, all the ways to wear the micro pleated plissé styles from head to toe.
Tops
An airy pleated tank is an easy way to get a foot in the door if you’re new to the world of micro pleats, with the added bonus of never needing to iron it before heading out the door. For a night out on the town, go sculptural with a cropped batwing top or channel the slinky ’90s with a rippling lime halter.
Cult Gaia Mala Cropped Plissé-Satin Top
Good American Always Fits Plissé Halter Top
Dresses
The pleated dress is the move for wedding season, whether you’re donning a billowy jewel-toned number with some shine to it or a chic column sheath that can be dressed up or down. Toning it down for your vacation abroad? Pack a virtually unwrinkleable pleated shift into your carry-on and you won’t regret it later.
ASOS DESIGN Curve Plissé Long Sleeve Dress
COS Sleeveless Pleated Maxi Dress
Sanctuary Plissé Sleeveless Column Dress
Skirts
The texture of a pleated skirt can carry an entire outfit (big main character energy here) and works with everything from a crop top to a peplum tank. Even better: Get matchy-matchy with it and double down on a checkerboard pleated set.
Dressed in Lala Est La Vie Plissé Top & Skirt Set
Ulla Johnson Dioni Plisse Satin Midi Skirt
Pants
All those parallel lines work their magic in creating the illusion of lengthier limbs, either in flowy wide-leg form, straight-leg styles, or cropped variations like the iconic Pleats Please trousers that come in a whole Crayola box of colors. The best part of all? Not a button or zip in sight. Trust us: The allure of stretchy, elegant pull-on pants only intensifies after an especially heavy lunch.
Anine Bing Billie Plisse Pants
Pleats Please Issey Miyake Blue New Colorful Basics 3 Trousers
Mango Pleated Wide-Leg Pants
Accessories
We’ll go ahead and say it: Everything looks better in micro pleats. Just take it from Loewe’s line of pleated leather accessories or Loeffler Randall’s signature ribbed sandals and bags. If your pleats are accompanying you into a frigid AC environment, there’s even an airy cashmere-blend wrap for that.
Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza Bracelet Pleated Pouch Shoulder Bag
