The more your body deviate from that clothes-hanger the outfit was really designed for, the more difficulties you have in finding stuff that fits. I have to re-taylor everything I buy because if it fits my chest (36D) or my waist (baby 18 months ago and still look pregnant), it's too damn long in the legs (5' 2"). And that's assuming I can find it in the first place! Most places won't stock as much 12-14-16-18 as they do 2-4-6-8, even though there are a lot more of us who wear those larger sizes.
Unfortunately "women's sizes" are too ingrained to ditch any time in the near future, even if no one can agree on a true standard for measurement. Personally, I'd be inclined to walk around naked in protest until it gets fixed, but it's too cold out there right now.
Maybe a "Truth In Sizing Act" is in order.