Women have been dealing with this problem for years. A size 10 now is much larger than a size 10 was years ago, and the differences between brands and stores is outrageous. It especially makes it difficult to purchase anything on-line. When you sew your own clothes, you have a better sense of what your real measurements are. Which is why custom-made kilts are never made to your "pants-size".

Would a universal standard be helpful? Definitely.