A simple handwritten sign outside a delicatessen on a Western Australian beach has triggered widespread discussion on social media. The notice specifically asks women wearing thong bikinis to cover their bottoms before coming inside. Many people view it as an example of unequal treatment, especially since shirtless men appear to face no such request. The incident gained traction when a television journalist shared a photo of the sign online.
The sign reads clearly to female customers. “Ladies, if you are wearing thong bikinis, please cover up before entering the store. Thank you! No bare bottoms.” Narelda Jacobs, a journalist with 10 News, posted the image on Instagram. She pointed out that the store is located on a beach north of Perth and noted that men without shirts seemed perfectly welcome inside.
Reactions poured in quickly after the post went live. Several commenters expressed strong disapproval of the wording and focus on women alone. One person wrote, “Disgusting. And why is the message directed only at ‘ladies’?” Another suggested the rule could easily apply to everyone for fairness.
Some users proposed neutral language instead. They recommended something like asking all customers to dress appropriately and cover swimsuits before entering. A different comment labeled the situation bluntly. “Misogyny packaged as ‘decency’.”
Not everyone opposed the store’s position. Several people defended the owner’s right to set rules for a private business. One supporter noted that the only real issue was targeting “ladies” specifically. Otherwise, they fully backed keeping bare bottoms out of the shop.
Other comments highlighted personal boundaries. Some said shirtless men bothered them just as much as exposed bottoms bothered others. A few mentioned they would avoid the store altogether because of the sign. The debate revealed deep divisions over personal freedom and business rights at beach locations.
This case echoes earlier dress-code controversies in Australia. Last January, the City of Sydney Council banned revealing swimsuits at public pools. Such decisions often reopen conversations about body policing.
Culture expert Lauren Rosewarne spoke to The Guardian about the broader pattern. She explained that Australia has a long history of scrutinizing women’s bodies in public spaces. The underlying message frequently places responsibility on women to avoid provoking men rather than expecting men to behave appropriately. Rosewarne summed it up by saying, “Not everything is sexual just because you see it that way.”
Thong bikinis first gained popularity in Brazil during the 1970s before spreading globally. They consist of minimal fabric, with narrow strips at the back, and remain common on many beaches today. Australia embraces a relaxed beach culture where skimpy swimwear is widely accepted outdoors. Beaches like Bondi and those around Perth draw millions of visitors each year who enjoy sunbathing in minimal clothing.
Businesses near beaches, however, sometimes enforce modest dress for indoor areas. Reasons often include hygiene concerns, family-friendly atmospheres, or staff comfort. Private establishments generally hold the legal right to refuse service based on appearance, similar to “no shirt, no shoes, no service” policies common worldwide. Gender-specific rules, though, frequently attract criticism for reinforcing unequal standards between men and women.
What do you think about private businesses setting beachside dress codes, especially when they appear to target one gender? Share your thoughts in the comments.
