In the end it was less silly than suave.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull donned traditional Filipino garb for his first group photo with 20 other leaders of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit on Wednesday.
Flanked by Chinese President Xi Jinping and with fellow APEC newbie Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau nearby, Mr Turnbull smiled and gave the traditional wave in his designer 'Barong'.
Colloquially dubbed the "silly shirts" picture, the Asia Pacific's awkward family photo is often considered the highlight of the trade summit.
The region can thank a former US president for starting the tradition.
In 1993, Bill Clinton gave his guests leather bomber jackets in the style of American fighter pilots in an apparent attempt to make his fellow VIPs feel relaxed at the meetings.
Last year's turn in Beijing was ridiculed for decking leaders in "Star Trek" like suits.
The host country this year was careful not to make the same fashion faux pas.
Designer Paul Cabral was tasked with researching each leaders' home culture and arts to use as the basis for his creations.
The semi-sheer cream shirts, partially made from pineapple fibre, were then specially tailored for each VIP with motifs of their country.
US President Barack Obama's features American renaissance architecture, Mr Jinping's bamboo leaves.
Mr Turnbull's appears to play homage to Australian shores with waves embroidered on his shirt.
Not so silly after all.
