New York ? Fashion is full of ups and downs, and suits are no exception. The trend to wear four or five buttons is retreating, and two-button suits will be in style in 2003, predicts the National Association of Men’s Sportswear Buyers.

The NAMSB, a membership organization of menswear retailers, recently conducted its 13th annual Fashion Futures survey and found a general trend toward more conservative clothes.

“Economic problems and the threat of war seem to be having a sobering effect on American men, and life in the business world has become more serious. Influences like this encourage them to reach for symbols of strength and durability, and of course one of those symbols is the suit,” says Jack Herschlag, executive director of the group.

Other predictions of popular fashions include patterned dress shirts and ties, decorated denim, retro striped knits, the shirt-jacket and lightweight sweaters.

Patterns will be rich and complex, including florals and Asian motifs, according to the NAMSB.