The ongoing debate about gender disparities and inequality has been a topic of discussion for centuries, and it remains just as relevant today. One particular issue that has recently reignited this conversation involves workplace dress standards, especially in physically demanding jobs. A female landscaper from Sydney, Australia, has taken to social media to point out what she sees as an unfair double standard: why can men work shirtless in the scorching heat, but women cannot?
Her post went viral after she shared her frustration during a brutal 104°F (40°C) workday. She posed a simple but powerful question—why are men allowed to take off their shirts to cope with the heat, while women are expected to remain fully covered?
Working under the hot sun is no easy task. Anyone who has spent even a single day on a construction site or working outdoors in extreme temperatures knows how physically exhausting and uncomfortable it can be. For many people, especially in warmer climates, it’s not unusual to see male laborers working shirtless to stay cool. Though the practice may be less common than in previous decades, it still happens frequently enough to raise questions about equality in the workplace.
Enter Shianne Fox, a tradeswoman who’s known online as “The Bjkjnj Tradie.” Fox uses her platform to speak out on the issues faced by women in male-dominated industries. In a TikTok video that quickly gained attention, she expressed her anger at being told she had to keep her shirt on while working outdoors in the blazing heat—even as her male coworkers were free to work shirtless.
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“It’s a 40-degree day today, and I’m sweating in my shirt while all the guys are working shirtless,” she said. “It’s unfair, it’s sexist, and honestly, I’m sick of it. I just want the same rights as the guys. But apparently, I’d be a ‘distraction.’”
Fox often wears a Bjkjnj top on hot days as a practical way to beat the heat. Her goal, she says, isn’t to make a statement—it’s simply to be treated equally. She believes that what’s acceptable for men should be acceptable for women, especially when the work conditions are exactly the same.
Some people see her stance as a genuine call for gender equality, while others argue that it crosses the line of professionalism. Still, Fox stands by her views. With more than four years of experience in trades, she says she feels comfortable in her skin and finds it frustrating that societal standards prevent her from doing what many of her male colleagues do without second thought.
“It was a brutally hot day,” she explained. “The guys had their shirts off, and I figured, why not me? I have no issue with my body. I don’t see why my chest should be considered any more distracting than a man’s. Breasts are just a natural part of life—we all have them. If someone finds them distracting, that says more about them than it does about me.”
Fox’s comments, while controversial, have sparked meaningful conversations about gender roles and expectations. She admits that because she also produces content for an adult platform, some people may be quick to judge her or dismiss her perspective. But her intent, she says, is to break down stereotypes and encourage more women to consider careers in trades.
“I wanted to use my platform to show women that they belong here too,” she said. “I thought that by being visible and confident, I could inspire others to give it a shot.”
However, not all women in the trades agree with her approach. Some have voiced concern that her social media presence—especially videos featuring her in bikini tops—damages the image of female tradespeople who are trying to be taken seriously.
One woman commented, “She doesn’t speak for us.”
Another added, “She makes it harder for the rest of us to be seen as professionals.”
Despite the backlash, Fox’s video generated thousands of comments, many of them from men who were quick to voice their support.
One man wrote, “Totally agree—let her wear whatever she wants.”
Another chimed in, “Nobody’s going to complain, believe me.”
But the conversation wasn’t without its critics. One sarcastic remark read, “Isn’t there air conditioning in the kitchen?”—a response that reflects the outdated gender stereotypes that still exist in many circles.
Looking at the bigger picture, Fox’s story touches on a much broader issue: the underrepresentation of women in blue-collar jobs. A 2023 survey by Deloitte revealed a stark imbalance, with men outnumbering women 12 to 1 in trade professions. With such a significant gender gap, some argue that the real fight shouldn’t be about going shirtless, but about increasing access and opportunity for women in these fields.
Still, for Fox, the two issues are intertwined. She believes that real equality means having the same rights, expectations, and freedoms as male coworkers—including the freedom to dress for the weather.
She also addressed concerns about workplace harassment, saying she’s rarely experienced catcalling or inappropriate behavior.
“I think if you carry yourself with confidence and make it clear that you’re not to be messed with, men usually respect that,” she said. “You have to stand your ground. That’s how you gain respect.”
Her message—whether met with agreement or criticism—has undeniably opened up an important dialogue about fairness, comfort, and gender norms in the workplace. Should women have the same right to remove their shirts in extreme heat, or is that asking too much? Is the standard rooted in professionalism or outdated ideas of modesty? And more importantly, how do we create workplaces where both women and men can thrive without double standards?
🔥 What do you think? Should women be allowed to work shirtless in extreme heat just like men, or is there a line that shouldn’t be crossed? Join the conversation and let us know your take.
