Aussie bloke who embraces 'tradie culture' and wears high-vis for 'comfort' sparks debate

By NICHOLAS COMINO, POLITICAL REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 07:36, 26 April 2026 | Updated: 07:37, 26 April 2026 An Australian office worker has sparked debate after revealing he's embraced what his friends call 'tradie culture,' even though he works a standard desk job. The 28‑year‑old man admitted on Thursday in a Reddit post that he has started picking up behaviours that some associate with the trades industry. 'It started small. I got into early morning servo coffees, started listening to the same radio shows, and picked up some of the slang from guys I know,' he wrote. 'Then I bought some workwear because it's actually comfortable, and now that's basically all I wear on weekends. 'Lately it's escalated. I find myself at Bunnings most Saturdays even when I don't need anything. 'I've started doing random DIY projects, and I've even caught myself saying things like 'knock off', 'smoko' and 'arvo' in the office.' He said that, while some friends think it is 'hilarious', others accused him of 'cosplaying as a tradie', adding: 'I'm wondering if it comes off as forced or a bit cringe.' The post sparked hundreds of comments on social media, with some confirming his fears while others jumped to his defence. An Australian office worker has sparked debate after revealing he's embraced what his friends call 'tradie culture' despite working a desk job (stock image) Some social media users said he had gone 'a bit far' but others said the clothing is comfortable, no matter what someone's job is (stock image)  'Yep, I'd say it's gone a bit far if you're wearing hi‑vis for 'comfort',' one user said. Another quipped: 'Mate, just grab an iced coffee, buy yourself a Hilux, and get yourself an apprenticeship. Problem solved.' A self-proclaimed tradie with a decade of experience was critical of the user's behaviour. 'As a tradie of 10 years, there's nothing more cringe than a clean shirt cosplaying as a tradie.' But others sympathised with him. One commenter wrote: 'I'm sitting in the office wearing a King Gee shirt right now.  'These shirts are so much more comfortable than regular work shirts. I get where you're coming from.' Another person added that functional gear has universal appeal, regardless of someone's job. 'I wear workwear shorts because, as a woman, they are the only shorts with pockets big enough for my phone,' they said. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.