The conversation about gender equality in the workplace has been ongoing for centuries, and while society has made strides in some areas, many feel there is still a long way to go. One such debate that has recently caught fire on social media revolves around a female landscaper from Sydney, Australia, who believes a double standard exists when it comes to dress codes on job sites. Shianne Fox, a tradeswoman known on TikTok as “The Bikini Tradie,” has sparked widespread conversation after expressing her frustration over not being allowed to work shirtless in the sweltering heat, while her male counterparts are free to do so without criticism.
On a brutally hot day, where temperatures soared to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius), Shianne took to TikTok to voice her concerns. “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,” she ranted. Her post quickly went viral, striking a nerve with people on both sides of the issue. She continued, “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’.”
Shianne has worked in male-dominated trades for more than four years and often opts for a bikini top while working outdoors to stay cool. She argues that her request to work topless is not about making a statement for attention but rather about seeking equal treatment on the job. She explains that if men are allowed to take their shirts off in the name of comfort and practicality, women should be given the same opportunity without being accused of causing distractions.
Speaking to News.au.com, Shianne explained her reasoning in more detail. “It was such a hot day. Obviously, when you work in the industry, lots of the boys have their tops off. I thought it was only fair if I could get mine off, too. I have no shame in getting my boobs out,” she said. She went on to emphasize that toplessness should not be seen as something scandalous, but as a natural state. “At the end of the day, we all have breasts. It’s just a natural thing. If you’re going to be childish and feel like they’re going to be distracting, then you should just grow up.”
While many men in the comment sections of her posts seem to support her stance—some even jokingly encouraging her to “spread the t-ts and f—k the boys”—her views haven’t been met with unanimous approval. In fact, some women within the trades community have criticized her for what they see as undermining the hard-fought efforts to gain credibility and respect for women in male-dominated fields. One female tradie commented, “She does not speak for us female tradies.” Another echoed that sentiment, saying, “She makes real female tradies look bad.”
Despite the backlash, Shianne believes that putting herself out there could inspire other women to break into the trades, an industry that remains heavily skewed toward men. According to a 2023 Deloitte survey, there is a 12:1 ratio of men to women working in trade jobs, highlighting just how wide the gender gap still is in these fields. While her critics argue that professionalism and societal norms should take precedence over personal comfort, Shianne feels strongly that challenging these outdated expectations is key to changing the landscape for women in trades.
Fox’s controversial stance has ignited conversations about where to draw the line between equality and practicality. Should women fight for the right to work topless if men can, or should the focus be on encouraging more women to enter the trades in the first place? Regardless of where one falls in the debate, it’s clear that the gender imbalance in blue-collar jobs is still a significant issue.
Despite the controversy, Shianne says she enjoys her work in these male-dominated environments. Addressing concerns about harassment, she stated, “A lot of people say you get catcalled, but it’s nothing like that at all.” She believes that attitude plays a crucial role in how women are treated on job sites. “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.”
Shianne Fox’s viral moment has sparked a broader conversation about gender equality, professionalism, and societal norms in industries traditionally dominated by men. While opinions remain divided, her story highlights the ongoing challenges women face in the workplace—and the determination some have to confront those challenges head-on.
