A beachside cafe in Western Australia has ignited a heated debate about gender equality and dress code enforcement after displaying a sign specifically banning G-string style bikinis for female customers.
Controversial Sign Sparks Immediate Backlash
The handwritten notice, placed on an ice cream display board outside the deli just north of Perth, was addressed specifically to "LADIES" and read: "If wearing G-string bikinis, please cover up before entering our store. Thanks! NO BARE BUMS." The sign made no reference to appropriate male attire, despite shirtless men reportedly being welcome inside the establishment.
Social Media Reaction Highlights Double Standards
10 News reporter Narelda Jacobs shared a photo of the controversial sign to her Instagram page, where it quickly generated significant discussion. In her caption, Jacobs pointed out the apparent double standard: "Spotted outside a beachside deli just north of Perth, while inside shirtless men appeared quite welcome."
The post attracted numerous comments from people expressing their concerns about the gendered nature of the restriction. One commenter questioned: "Ew!!! And why is this only addressed to 'ladies'?" while another suggested a more equitable approach: "I actually don't have a problem with asking customers to be fully dressed. But make it across the board - 'customers, please be fully clothed before entering the store, this includes covering swimwear'."
Defending Business Rights Versus Questioning Motives
Not all responses were critical of the cafe's policy. Some commenters defended the business owner's right to set dress standards, with one person arguing: "It's their place of business... it should be ok for them to say what grosses them out." They drew parallels with other cultural contexts where specific dress codes apply, such as covering hair in temples or shoulders in ashrams.
However, many women expressed that the sign would deter them from patronising the business, regardless of their personal swimwear choices. One commenter noted: "I don't even wear g string bikinis but this would turn me off going in this store, especially if it's located at the beach." Another alluded to broader double standards, stating simply: "Topless men gross me out."
Historical Context of Policing Women's Bodies
This incident follows similar controversies in Australia regarding clothing regulations. In January 2025, reports emerged about Greater Sydney council's decision to ban "revealing swimwear" at public pools, highlighting an ongoing national conversation about body policing.
Expert Analysis on Underlying Cultural Issues
Cultural expert Lauren Rosewarne, an associate professor at the University of Melbourne's School of Social and Political Sciences, told The Guardian that Australia has a long history of policing women's bodies. She explained: "The undercurrent of these stories is that somehow women are doing something with their bodies to distract men in ways that make men feel as though they're being tempted, and it's up to women to sort themselves out."
Rosewarne continued her analysis, stating: "Somehow, the responsibility is on women not to stir desires in men, because then men might act badly and be punished, so we have to put the responsibility of morality on to women's shoulders." She concluded with a pointed observation: "Not everything is sexual just because you see it as such."
Broader Implications for Business and Society
The cafe's policy raises important questions about how businesses implement dress codes and whether such regulations should be gender-specific. While establishments undoubtedly have the right to set standards for their premises, the selective application of rules based on gender continues to generate significant public debate about equality and fairness in public spaces.
As Australia continues to grapple with these issues, incidents like this beachside cafe's G-string ban serve as flashpoints for broader discussions about body autonomy, gender discrimination, and the evolving standards of appropriate dress in different social contexts.
