The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summits have a tendency of making headlines for more than the policies discussed, by honouring the hospitality of the host nation

For more than two decades, the 21 APEC leaders have honoured the hospitality of the nation hosting the summit, by dressing in the country's national garment.

This year, the likes of U.S. President Barack Obama donned the Philippines' barong tagalog, a partially see-through, embroidered shirt sewn from pineapple fiber and silk.

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Rocking the red carpet: US President Barack Obama dons a traditional barong tagalog shirt as he arrives or a welcome dinner during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Manila

Fashion forward: Each of the leaders attending the summit had been given individually embroidered barong tagalogs, a partially see-through shirt sewn from pineapple fiber and silk

Filipino designer to the stars Paul Cabral laboured for four months creating a traditional 'barong' shirt for each of the 21 APEC leaders, embroidered with individual symbols of their country.

But shaking off the APEC red carpet's reputation as a worst-dressed parade will be a tall order for Cabral if past attempts are anything to go by.

The tradition of APEC dodgy outfits was started by Former President Bill Clinton in 1993, when he handed out leather bomber jackets similar to those worn by American fighter pilots. The U.S. leader apparently wanted his fellow VIPs to feel relaxed at the meetings.

Since then, the occasionally awkward ceremony of the leaders posing in the native garb of the host country, has become a signature event at most annual APEC gatherings - and a treasure trove for online meme creators.

I'm too sexy for my shirt: Chinese President Xi Jingping walks past US President Barack Obama as they arrive for the "family photo" before the welcome dinner

Shirt game on point: U.S. President Barack Obama stands with fellow APEC leaders for an official photo in their traditional garb prior to the welcome dinner at the APEC summit in Manila

Shirtgoals: Philippine President Benigno Aquino shake hands with President Obama upon arrival as Aquino's sister Maria Elena Cruz looks on

Perfectly prepared: Filipino designer to the stars Paul Cabral laboured for four months creating a traditional 'barong' shirt for each of the 21 APEC leaders, embroidered with individual symbols of their country

Strong look: Then President George W. Bush, and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Vietnam's 'ao dai' tunics during the 2006 APEC meeting

Last year, the tunics worn by the leaders in China went viral for resembling Star Trek uniforms, and in 2008, in the aftermath of the global financial crisis,, the ponchos worn by the leaders in Peru were ridiculed as potato sacks.

In 2006, global power players looked visibly uncomfortable as they shuffled onto the stage for a photo-op wearing Vietnam's 'ao dai' tunics.

The 'barong tagalog' holds a special place in a Filipino man's closet, reserved for special events like weddings. It also serves as his burial shroud.

The cloth is made from the hard, spiked leaves from the pineapple's crown, which are pounded and dried.

For the leaders' shirts, Cabral mixed it with silk to make it more comfortable.