In Western Europe, military uniforms adopted a similar decorative fastener from Hungarian Hussars (who possibly had adapted them from earlier Chinese or earlier Ottoman styles,[8] or may have independently developed an analogous fastener) which then began to appear on the civilian clothing of both genders, such as overcoats, spencers, and pelisses.

[2] The frog is the end-product of thousands years of traditional Chinese knotting craft, which is itself rooted in the Lào zi culture.

[13] The development of the zimukou of the Ming dynasty had a significant impact on the history of Chinese fashion as they did not only laid the foundation of the subsequent usage of a large number and variety of frog but also led to the emergence and the popularity of the Chinese high-standing collar (and its derivative, the Mandarin collar) along with a variety of duijin yi (upper garment with central front closure) which uses the frog on the front over the succeeding centuries.

[15] This was particularly evident for prestigious regiments, especially cavalry or hussars, and gave rise to the German term for frogging in general, Husarentressen.

These dolman jackets were tight-fitting and dominated by extensive frogging, often in luxurious materials such as gold, silver or brass metallic cording or brocades.

By the later 19th century, for lower-grade uniforms down to postal deliverers, telegraph boys and hotel pages, the frogging cordage would be retained as a decoration but there would be no corresponding toggle or opening with it.

[6] Braid, cord-filled bias tubing, or fabric-covered wire is used to fashion the customized frogs or pankou.

They can be made from self-fabric to match, but many are chosen to be a contrasting colour: they serve as decorative structural elements on the garment.

[6] Frogs are now key elements in cheongsam representing its "soul" and provide a distinctive Chinese character to the dress;[3] they are typically sewn at the centre of the mandarin collar and along the diagonal slanted (S-shaped) opening.