The suit loosens up

New York

IN the beginning, there were the rules, handed down from the proverbial mount. Thy suit shall be thy prison, in sturdy black, navy blue or grey. Thy feet must ache in polished brogues. Thy weekend wardrobe alone should be a comfort.

But in the midst of a veritable boom in menswear, a funny thing is happening: the rules (even the suits) are loosening up.