Period Sportswear Tax Campaign
Remove the VAT on Period Sportswear
Following a momentous summer of sport and the first ever gender equal Olympics in history, our fight for menstrual equity on and off the pitch continues.
We axed the tax on period pants, but periods remain a penalty in sports. It is time for the UK government to remove the VAT on period sportswear and help remove the financial, emotional, and social barriers this tax imposes on women and girls.
Join our open letter
We are joining familiar faces from the world of sport to call on the UK government to remove VAT on period sportswear, including swimwear. Our open letter urges leaders to address this injustice in time for the October Budget.
Subject: Removal of VAT on period-proof sportswear, including swimwear
Last year the government removed VAT on period underwear from 1 January 2024, which was a positive step toward equity and affordability. However, period swimwear and other sportswear remain subject to 20 percent VAT. This inconsistency creates an unnecessary financial barrier for women and girls, particularly young athletes, during their periods.
Alongside three-time Olympic champion Hannah Miley MBE and organisations including Welsh Rugby Union, Watford FC, and Scottish Gymnastics, we urge the government to extend VAT exemption to all period-proof sportswear.
Why this matters:
• Research indicates 71 percent of girls avoid sport during their periods. This rises to 78 percent among girls who have already dropped out of sport.
• 1 in 3 children leave primary school unable to swim. In marginalised communities the figures are even more alarming.
Tampons and pads are already VAT-free. Extending zero rating to period-proof sportswear is fair, consistent, and will help more people stay active.
How you can support
• Sign and share the petition with friends, family, and your community.
• Write to your MP and ask them to support VAT removal for period sportswear.
• Talk about period-proof options at your club, school, and workplace to normalise choice and reduce stigma.
The journey so far
August 2017
We wrote to HMRC asking that period underwear be classified and taxed as a menstrual product. The initial response treated period underwear as regular underwear. The fight for recognition began.
January 2021
18,161 signatures and a government response at 10,000 signatures via Parliament petitions.
October 2021
2,962 signatures via Parliament petitions.
October 2022
6,055 signatures and counting via Parliament petitions.
August 2023
28,000 signatures and counting. We continued to push for recognition.
October 2023
M&S joined our case with the #SayPantsToTax campaign. An open letter was written and signed by over 70 MPs. 36,000 signatures reached.
November 2023
We did it - the Period Pants Tax was removed, effective January 2024.
Period sportswear needs parity
Removing VAT from period sportswear and swimwear is the logical next step. It will encourage participation, promote fairness, and support the health, dignity, and confidence of everyone who menstruates.
