When I was growing up, it wasn’t unusual to see road workers or construction workers shirtless on hot days. It might not be as common today, but I still occasionally see men working with sunburned shoulders and nothing on top.

Shianne Fox, an Australian tradeswoman who goes by the name “The Bikini Tradie” on social media, took to TikTok to vent her frustration after being told she couldn’t remove her shirt while working outside on a scorching 104°F (40°C) day.

 

”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 and 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’.”

Fox, who often works in a bikini top due to the intense heat, said she was simply asking for equal treatment, just like her male ”tradies” (”tradie” is Australian slang for a tradesperson, referring to skilled workers in fields like carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work)

A battle over gender equality or a step too far?
Fox, who has worked in male-dominated trades for over four years and typically wears a bikini while she’s completing tasks, said she’s comfortable in her own skin and believes there’s nothing inappropriate about her request.

Foxx argued that working topless shouldn’t be considered “distracting” since it’s a “natural thing.” However, critics pointed out that societal norms and workplace standards exist for a reason, and professionalism should take precedence over personal comfort.

 

“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 b–bs out.”

“I don’t think it should be ‘distracting’ because at the end of the day they’re just a natural thing. 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,” she told News.au.com.

Fox, who also shares content on an adult website, says she knows her stance is controversial but believes speaking out might encourage more women to join the trades.

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

Backlash from other women
Not all female tradies are standing with her. Many women in the industry feel that her social media presence — including videos of her working in a bikini top — is hurting their credibility.

One female tradeswoman commented:

“She does not speak for us female tradies.”

Another added:

“She makes real female tradies look bad.”

 

Fox’s video received thousands of comments, with many men agreeing with her stance.

“Yep, totally agree—spread the t-ts and f—k the boys,” one man wrote.

“I don’t think anyone would complain, miss,” another added.

But others weren’t convinced:

“Surely there’s an aircon in the kitchen,” one critic quipped.

The bigger picture
While Fox’s debate rages on, the reality is that women remain vastly underrepresented in blue-collar jobs.

A 2023 Deloitte survey revealed a staggering 12:1 ratio of men to women in trade work. With such a huge gender gap, Fox’s viral moment raises an important question: Should women be fighting for topless equality, or is the real battle about breaking into male-dominated industries in the first place?

 

Despite the gender imbalance in her field, Ms. Foxx said she enjoys working in male-dominated industries.

“A lot of people say you get catcalled, but it’s nothing like that at all,” she explained.

“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.”