Now, there is a female landscaper in Sydney, Australia, has set social media on fire after calling out what she sees as a major double standard in the workplace — why can men work shirtless in the heat, but women can’t?
”It’s a f—ing 40-degree day today..”
We all know how tough it can be to work outside when the sun is blazing and the heat is relentless. If you’ve ever had to power through a scorching day on the road or at a construction site, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
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.
