The conversation around gender equality in the workplace just took a bold new turn—thanks to one Australian tradie who’s not afraid to speak out.
Shianne Fox, a Sydney-based landscaper and social media personality known as “The Bikini Tradie,” is challenging workplace dress codes and the double standards that come with them. Her viral TikTok has ignited a heated debate after she asked a simple but powerful question:
Why can men work shirtless in extreme heat, but women can’t?
In her video, filmed during a brutal 40°C (104°F) workday, Fox doesn’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. I just want to be topless like the boys—but no, I will ‘distract them’.”
Her message is sparking serious conversations about gender norms, workplace expectations, and what equality really looks like on the job site.
With over four years of experience working in male-dominated trades, Shianne Fox is no stranger to the challenges women face on job sites. To beat the intense Aussie heat, she often opts for a bikini top while working—but her call for equal treatment goes far beyond fashion.
Fox argues that her request isn’t about being provocative—it’s about fairness. She believes it’s time for society to rethink outdated perceptions, especially when the human body is something natural.
“If men can take their shirts off in 40-degree heat, why is it seen as ‘distracting’ when a woman does the same?” she asked.
Her bold stance has sparked mixed reactions. While some critics push back, many have rallied behind her message. Supporters—including a surprising number of men—applauded her courage, with several commenters praising her for speaking up and even adding a few cheeky, lighthearted quips in solidarity.
Not everyone is on board with Fox’s stance.
Critics argue that workplace dress codes exist for valid reasons—primarily to maintain professionalism and ensure safety. They point out that public perceptions of toplessness differ between men and women, and that such social norms, whether fair or not, still carry weight in workplace environments. Many employers also cite health and safety regulations, which often require all workers—regardless of gender—to wear protective clothing on-site.
Fox’s position has also sparked debate within the community of female tradesworkers. While some applaud her courage, others worry her approach may do more harm than good. Several female tradies have voiced concern that her social media content—often featuring her in a bikini top—could reinforce negative stereotypes and detract from the growing credibility of women in the trades.
“She does not speak for us female tradies,” one commenter wrote.
Another added, “She makes real female tradies look bad.”
As the conversation continues, Fox’s message is prompting tough but necessary discussions about where to draw the line between equality, professionalism, and personal expression in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Despite the backlash, Shianne Fox isn’t backing down.
She views herself as an advocate for women in the trades and hopes her outspokenness will inspire more women to break into blue-collar professions—industries still heavily dominated by men. According to a 2023 Deloitte survey, men outnumber women in trade roles by a staggering 12 to 1.
Fox believes that challenging outdated norms isn’t just about comfort—it’s about creating space for women to be seen, heard, and respected in environments where they’ve long been underrepresented.
“If we want more women in trades, we need to start questioning the rules that were never made with us in mind,” she said.
For Fox, pushing boundaries is about more than just attire—it’s about progress.
While Fox’s viral moment has certainly sparked conversation, it also raises a deeper question:
Is the real battle about topless equality—or about breaking down the broader barriers that keep women out of male-dominated industries?
For Fox, it’s both. She believes that challenging even the small injustices is key to reshaping perceptions and making trades more inclusive for the next generation of women.
“From my experience, if you just go in there with your head held high and don’t let men have it over you—stand your ground. They won’t do anything.”
Her stance continues to divide opinion. Some argue that topless equality is a distraction from more pressing issues, while others see it as a bold challenge to outdated double standards.
Regardless of where you stand, the conversation shines a spotlight on the ongoing struggles for gender equality in the workplace—and the evolving conversations around societal norms, professionalism, and individual rights.