The ongoing debate about gender equality in the workplace has taken a new twist, and this time, it’s happening on the hot job sites of Sydney, Australia. Shianne Fox, a female landscaper and tradeswoman, has gone viral on social media after calling out what she believes is a blatant double standard in the construction and trade industries.
Her question is simple but powerful: why are men allowed to work shirtless on scorching days while women are not? Fox, who is known as “The Bikini Tradie” on platforms like TikTok, has worked in male-dominated trades for over four years. She frequently wears a bikini top while completing her tasks to stay cool under the intense Australian sun, especially during summer days when temperatures can reach as high as 104°F (40°C). On one particularly hot day, she took to TikTok to vent her frustration after being told she couldn’t remove her shirt, despite the men on her job site working bare-chested without consequence. In her video, Fox exclaims, “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 continued, “It’s a double standard, it’s sexist, and I’m actually really over it.
want to be topless like the boys—but no, I will ‘distract them.’” Fox argues that she’s not asking for special treatment, only for equal rights in the workplace. She believes that her ability to do her job shouldn’t be judged based on what she’s wearing—or not wearing. From her perspective, if men can take their shirts off to stay cool, women should be allowed the same opportunity without fear of being labeled a distraction. She told News.au.com, “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.” Fox feels strongly that there’s nothing inappropriate about her request. In her opinion, toplessness isn’t something that should be sexualized, but rather seen as a natural, practical decision in the context of extreme heat and physical labor. “At the end of the day, we all have breasts,” she said.
“If you’re going to be childish and feel like they’re going to be distracting, then you should just grow up.” Her stance, while gaining support from many, has also sparked backlash—especially from other women in the trades. Some female tradespeople argue that Fox’s social media presence, which includes videos of her working in a bikini top and sharing content on adult platforms, damages the credibility of women in male-dominated industries. One female tradeswoman stated bluntly, “She does not speak for us female tradies.” Another added, “She makes real female tradies look bad.”
Despite the criticism, Fox remains committed to her message. She believes that by being open and vocal about her experiences, she might inspire more women to enter the trades. “I thought if I put myself out there, maybe other women will want to join the industry,” she explained. Fox acknowledges that her approach is unconventional and that it may not resonate with everyone. Still, she insists that the construction and trade industries aren’t as hostile toward women as some might assume. “A lot of people say you get catcalled, but it’s nothing like that at all,” she said. “From my experience, if you just go in there with your head held high and you don’t let men have it over you, stand your ground, they won’t do anything.”
Fox’s viral moment has reignited a conversation about what equality looks like on the job site. A 2023 Deloitte survey found that there is a 12-to-1 ratio of men to women in trade work. With such a significant gender gap, her story raises an important question: should the focus be on whether women can work topless, or should the larger battle be about getting more women into these male-dominated industries in the first place? Regardless of where people stand on the topless debate, Fox has brought attention to the fact that women are still underrepresented in blue-collar jobs. And while many men voiced support in her video comments—some in jest, others more seriously—critics were quick to push back. One detractor quipped, “Surely there’s an aircon in the kitchen,” a comment that highlights the persistent sexism that many female workers still face today. Whether you agree with Fox or not, it’s clear that her story has started a broader conversation.
She believes women in the trades deserve to work under the same conditions as their male counterparts, including how they choose to dress to stay comfortable on the job. And while her approach may not be for everyone, her willingness to speak out is making people think twice about longstanding gender norms in traditionally male-dominated fields.
