Why This Female Worker is Ready to Say Goodbye to Her Shirt

The debate over gender differences and inequalities has been at the heart of societal conversations for centuries — and it’s a topic that remains as relevant as ever today.

In Sydney, Australia, a female landscaper has sparked a social media storm after highlighting what she views as a glaring double standard in the workplace. Her question: why is it acceptable for men to work shirtless in the heat, but women are expected to cover up?

“It’s a f—ing 40-degree day today…”

Anyone who’s had to work outside in the blistering heat knows how unbearable it can be when the sun is scorching and the temperature soars. Whether you’re sweating it out on the road or at a construction site, you’ve felt the intensity of pushing through a sweltering day.

When I was growing up, it wasn’t uncommon to see road workers or construction workers shirtless on those sweltering days. While it may not be as common now, I still occasionally spot men working with sunburned shoulders and no shirt in sight.

Shianne Fox, an Australian tradeswoman known as “The Bikini Tradie” on social media, took to TikTok to voice her frustration after being told she couldn’t remove her shirt while working outside on a blistering 104°F (40°C) day.

It’s a f—ing 40-degree day today, and I’m the one who has to keep my shirt on, while all the boys on-site get to go shirtless,” Shianne ranted in her TikTok video.

Frustrated by the unfair standard, 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’ll ‘distract them.’”

Fox, who frequently works in a bikini top to cope with the intense heat, made it clear that she wasn’t asking for special treatment—just equal rights. She argued that if her male “tradies” (Australian slang for tradespeople, including carpenters, plumbers, and electricians) could strip down to stay cool, why shouldn’t she have the same option?

A fight for gender equality or a boundary best left untouched?

Fox, who has spent over four years in male-dominated trades and often works in a bikini to beat the heat, insists she’s comfortable in her own skin and sees nothing inappropriate about her request.

She argues that going topless on the job shouldn’t be seen as “distracting” since it’s a “natural thing.” However, critics push back, saying that workplace standards and societal norms exist for a reason—where professionalism should outweigh personal comfort.

“It was such a hot day. Obviously, in this industry, a lot of the boys take their shirts off. I just thought it was only fair if I could do the same. I have no shame in getting my b–bs out,” Fox stated.

She went on to argue that the idea of her being a “distraction” is outdated. “At the end of the day, they’re just a natural thing. We all have breasts. If you think they’re distracting, maybe you should just grow up,” she told News.com.au.

Fox, who also shares content on an adult platform, acknowledges that her stance is controversial but hopes speaking out will inspire more women to pursue careers in the trades.

“I thought if I put myself out there, maybe other women would want to join the industry,” she said.

Backlash from other women

Not all female tradies are backing her stance. Many women in the industry feel that Fox’s social media presence—especially her videos working in a bikini top—is damaging their credibility and reinforcing outdated stereotypes.

One female tradeswoman commented, “She does not speak for us female tradies.”

Another added, “She makes real female tradies look bad.”

For these women, the fight for equality in the trades is about proving their skills and professionalism—not drawing attention to their appearance.