One of the little details we’ve been seeing quite a bit this season is the frog fastening.

If you’ve noticed more tops, cardigans and jackets with those small knotted closures down the front, you’re not imagining it. Frog fastenings have been making their way into spring and summer collections, adding a slightly unexpected detail to otherwise simple pieces. And as the first fall collections start appearing, it looks like they’re coming with us into the new season.

Where did frog fastenings come from?

Frog fastenings have a much longer history than their current fashion moment might suggest. The style is most closely associated with traditional Chinese clothing, where knotted closures, known as pankou, have been used on garments including the qipao and other traditional jackets. They were both functional and decorative, often becoming an important part of the overall design. (Wikipedia⁠)

There’s also a Western fashion history to the detail. From the 17th through 19th centuries, similar braided fastenings became particularly associated with European military uniforms, especially the elaborate jackets worn by Hussar and cavalry regiments. Eventually, the decorative detail made its way into civilian clothing and became a recognizable fashion detail in its own right. (Fashion History Timeline⁠)

Today, we’re seeing designers take elements of both of these traditions and reinterpret them in much simpler, everyday pieces. This spring and summer, frog closures have appeared on everything from lightweight jackets to cardigans and tops, and recent fashion coverage is already pointing to frog-fastening jackets as one of the early trends of fall 2026. (Who What Wear⁠)

How to style them

The nice thing about frog fastenings is that you don’t really need to do much else.

Because the fastening is already an interesting detail, I’d keep the rest of the outfit fairly simple. A frog-fastening jacket with straight-leg jeans and ballet flats is an easy everyday combination, while wearing the jacket with tailored trousers makes it feel a little more polished.

For warmer days, we’ve seen the lighter versions styled with linen trousers or worn over a simple tank. As we move into fall, think about swapping the linen for denim, wool trousers or a simple knit underneath. The same jacket can easily work across both seasons. (Who What Wear⁠)

You can also wear a frog-fastening cardigan or blouse with a simple midi or column skirt. I especially like the idea of keeping the colours neutral and letting the fastening be the interesting part of the outfit.

And you don’t necessarily have to wear it traditionally. One of the ways we’ve been seeing these jackets styled is buttoned up and worn almost like a top, with simple trousers or denim underneath. (Who What Wear⁠)

If you’re someone who tends to gravitate towards basics, this is probably one of the easier trends to try. You don’t need to completely change your wardrobe or start dressing like you’re heading to a costume party. A simple black, cream, navy or brown piece with subtle frog fastenings can add just enough detail to make an outfit feel a little more considered.

We’ve already been seeing the trend throughout the spring and summer season, and with fall collections continuing to arrive, it’s clear that frog fastenings aren’t going anywhere just yet.

Sometimes the easiest way to update your wardrobe is just to look at the details.

Love, Laura