Bras should be exempt from VAT to prevent women paying “extortionate” prices for the sake of their health, doctors have said.

At their annual conference today, the British Society of Radiographers is debating a motion calling for bras to be made cheaper to help women’s health. 

The motion notes that women with large bra sizes are often afflicted with aches and pains because of the size of their breasts and that “wearing a good-quality, well-fitted bra could alleviate some of these issues”. 

Speaking to Lunchtime Live, Peaches & Cream owner Sinéad Sanderson said a VAT exemption would “only be a good thing” for women. 

“Bras are essential purchases,” she said. 

“I don’t think any woman in Ireland would really want to spend their hard earned money on bras if they didn’t have to. 

“Like everything else in life, the cost is just going up and up and 23% VAT on bras is extortionate.” 

Amid soaring inflation, Ms Sanderson said many women feel a new bra is a luxury they simply cannot afford. 

“I have had more price increases in the past 12 months than I have in the past 18 years of business,” she said. 

“So, really things have got to a chronic level where costs are just rising and rising. 

“It’s definitely deterring women from buying the bras they need. 

“So many customers come in to me and they’re just getting the essentials.” 

 

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Bras and exercise

At Peaches & Cream, Ms Sanderson said most sports bras retail at between €50 or €70 and many women think that is too great an expense. 

“They’ll just use the bra that they’re using every day to go for a run,” she said. 

“This is having a real negative impact on women’s health.” 

Young woman tying shoelace  before running.

Women who do not wear a bra correctly can develop back pain and Ms Sanderson that can be an expensive problem to deal with. 

“They’re paying a physiotherapist to rectify that [pain],” she said. 

“The amount of times people have been referred to us from a medical practitioner is probably daily at this rate.” 

Generally, VAT applies to all items of clothing except those for children under the age of 11.

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Main image: Young woman trying on bras. Picture by: Alamy.com