In the heart of Australia’s sweltering summer, one woman’s frustration on a 40°C day (104°F) has ignited a fresh debate about gender equality at work—this time, focused on dress codes in male-dominated industries.
Shianne Fox, a landscaper from Sydney, is known on social media as The Bikini Tradie. With over four years of experience on construction sites, she’s used to the grit and grind of blue-collar work. But recently, she drew national attention after speaking out about what she sees as a clear double standard: why are male workers allowed to go shirtless in the heat while women are expected to stay covered?
In a viral TikTok video, Fox didn’t hold back. “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,” she said. “I just want to be topless like the boys—but no, I will ‘distract them’.”
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(@shiannefoxx)Fox regularly wears a bikini top on-site to stay cool while working outdoors. She says it’s not about seeking attention—it’s about comfort, fairness, and challenging outdated norms. “The human body isn’t inappropriate. Men can take their shirts off and it’s no big deal. Why is it different for women?” she asked.
Her video sparked a wave of reactions—some supportive, some critical. Many praised her courage, especially male viewers who admired her boldness. Others, however, argued that workplace standards exist for professionalism and safety, not just comfort.
And it’s not just the general public that’s divided. Some women in the trades have distanced themselves from Fox’s approach. “She doesn’t speak for us female tradies,” one commenter wrote. Another said, “She makes real female tradies look bad.” These critics worry that Fox’s image as “The Bikini Tradie” may reinforce stereotypes rather than break barriers.
But Fox sees it differently. She says she’s advocating not just for dress code equality, but for greater inclusion of women in trades overall. And the numbers back her up: according to a 2023 Deloitte report, men still outnumber women in trade roles 12 to 1. Fox believes the way to change that is by challenging the double standards that make the job even harder for women.
“I want more women to know they belong in this industry,” she said. “If you walk in with confidence and stand your ground, you’ll be respected.”
Still, her stance raises tough questions: Is fighting for the right to go shirtless really the battle, or is it a symbol of the broader fight for equal treatment and respect? Either way, Fox has gotten people talking—and that might be the most important first step.
Whether you agree with her or not, her story shines a light on the real struggles women face in traditionally male spaces. From policies to perceptions, the road to true equality is still under construction.
