The ongoing conversation about gender equality in the workplace has taken a new turn after an Australian female landscaper raised an important question about workplace dress codes.
The debate, sparked by Shianne Fox, a Sydney-based tradeswoman known as “The Bikini Tradie” on social media, has gained widespread attention. Fox called out what she sees as a double standard: why can men work shirtless in extreme heat while women cannot?
Fox recently took to TikTok to express her frustration after being told she had to keep her shirt on while working outdoors in sweltering 40-degree Celsius (104-degree Fahrenheit) heat. In her video, she criticized the rule, saying, “It’s a f—ing 40-degree day today and I’m the one who has to wear my shirt, while all the boys on-site don’t have to wear theirs. It’s a double standard, it’s sexist, and I’m actually really over it. I just want to be topless like the boys—but no, I will ‘distract them’.”
Having worked in male-dominated trades for over four years, Fox frequently wears a bikini top while on the job to cope with the intense heat. She argued that her request for equal treatment was not inappropriate and that societal perceptions need to evolve. Fox asserted that the human body is natural and that her being topless should not be considered distracting, especially when men working under the same conditions are allowed to go shirtless.
However, her stance has been met with mixed reactions. Some supporters agree with her point, arguing that men and women should be treated equally in all aspects of the workplace, including dress codes. Many male commenters on her video praised her for speaking out, with some even making lighthearted remarks in support of her cause.
Critics, however, argue that workplace dress codes exist for a reason and that professional environments should maintain a level of decorum. Others contend that social norms around public toplessness differ for men and women and that these differences should be respected rather than contested. Workplace health and safety standards also come into play, with many companies requiring all employees to wear protective clothing regardless of gender.
Interestingly, Fox’s position has not received unanimous support from other female tradeswomen. Some believe that her social media presence—where she frequently posts content in a bikini top—undermines the credibility of women in trade industries. One female tradeswoman commented, “She does not speak for us female tradies,” while another added, “She makes real female tradies look bad.”
Despite the backlash, Fox remains firm in her stance and sees herself as an advocate for women entering trade professions. She expressed hope that speaking out might encourage more women to consider blue-collar work, helping to close the vast gender gap in the industry. A 2023 Deloitte survey highlighted the disparity, showing that men outnumber women in trade jobs by a ratio of 12 to 1. Fox argues that challenging outdated norms is an essential part of making the industry more inclusive for women.
While her viral moment has sparked discussion, it raises larger questions: should the focus be on fighting for topless equality, or is the real challenge breaking into male-dominated industries in the first place? Fox believes that standing her ground is key to changing perceptions and fostering inclusivity in the trades. “From my experience, if you just go in there with your head held high and if you don’t let men have it over you, stand your ground. They won’t do anything.”
The debate continues to divide opinions. Should female workers have the same topless rights as men, or is this a step too far? Regardless of where one stands on the issue, it highlights the broader challenges of gender equality in the workplace and the ongoing discussions about societal norms, professionalism, and individual rights.