Dating syntectonic sedimentary sequences is often seen as the unique way to constrain the initiation, duration, and rate of folding as well as the sequence of deformation in the shallow crust. Beyond fold growth, however, deformation mesostructures accommodate the internal strain of pre-folding strata before, during, and after strata tilting. Absolute dating of syn-folding mesostructures may help constrain the duration of fold growth in the absence of preserved growth strata. Absolute dating of mesostructures related to early-folding layer-parallel shortening and late fold tightening provides an access to the timing and duration of the entire folding event. We compile available ages from the literature and provide new U–Pb ages of calcite cements from veins and faults from four folds (Apennines, Pyrenees, Rocky Mountains). Our results not only better constrain the timing of fold growth but also reveal a contraction preceding and following folding, the duration of which might be a function of the tectonic style and regional sequence of deformation. This study paves the way for a better appraisal of folding lifetime and processes and stress evolution in folded domains.