Letter: Bright clothes maketh the man

Sir: Marion Hume's article "Why are men such a let-down at the Oscars?" (31 March) was hugely more interesting than the ceremony itself. A casual inspection of the male guests at a formal dinner should be enough to convince anyone that the majority of men look as ridiculous as they undoubtedly feel when dressed in the traditional "black tie".

As someone who enjoys wearing striking clothing in bright colours, I resent the implication that the main function of the human male is to provide a bland backdrop against which the female of the species can exhibit her exotic plumage. The excuse that a dinner jacket "calls attention to the man rather than the clothes" is too glib; after all, we do not all have the good fortune to resemble Paul Newman.

I look forward to the day when both sexes have the freedom of choice to wear the colour, style and degree of comfort which best suits them, without feeling the need to accommodate the dictates of fashion or tradition.

Yours faithfully,

BRYAN JONES

Ripon, Yorkshire