http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1556547/Brussels-could-end-the-size-14-dress-lottery.html
THE EU is planning standard sizes. About time too but good luck to them they will need it.
It is a nightmare knowing what sizes are these days , even in catalogs where they print the measurements the clothes aren't sewn up to the measurements they print.
Years ago, I was really impressed by a Lands End operator who offered to measure an actual garment when I was unsure about the size.
Does Lands End sell in the UK? They and LL Bean are my great standbys (usually for clearance stuff) -- the quality and service seldom disappoint me.
It will specially be a nightmare as manufacturers often have to 'readjust' sizes downwards so women will buy more clothes thinking they are only a 12 
But the same seems to be true of shoes, I vary a whole size in shoes depending on whose they are.
Lands End UK - agree they do do nice clothes. And I see they are running a poetry competition, I must have a go 
I bought a sweater a few months ago. The label inside the collar said "S", which I assumed meant "small". When I got it home and tried it on, I realised that it actually meant "sumo" 
@ 'sumo'
As for this adjusting clothes sizes so that women feel better about buying them, that is just daft! Not to mention an insult to the intelligence of the buyer.
Does it work? 
I do think standard sizes are a good idea. Presumably though clothes made in China and the US will be whatever size they were. The labels will fit EU rules, but the clothes still won't fit the buyer.