With over 20 years in pattern-making and technical development, Hans Olsson has become a professional at blending old-school tailoring with the latest digital product development tech. As the founder of the Hans Olsson Collective, he now helps brands worldwide create better workflows, improve garment quality, and embrace digital innovation.
Hans has had a remarkable journey, working with big names like Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, & Other Stories, and H&M. Over the years, he’s mastered the art of tailoring and fit while exploring how digital tools can enhance the craft. He’s also built communities, like the IACDE Nordic Chapter and the IACDE 3D Summit, to share knowledge and spark collaboration across the industry.
Today, Hans works as a freelance 3D pattern developer, bringing his extensive expertise to various clients. One of the tools he relies on is Browzwear’s VStitcher. With it, he’s created workflows that combine traditional craftsmanship with modern-day tech, helping brands achieve better results faster.
One of Hans’s proudest achievements is the tailored suit he created in VStitcher—a perfect example of how digital tools can replicate the precision of traditional tailoring. He built the suit from scratch, applying his knowledge of factory workmanship to set up a "3D factory" inside the software.
Every little detail, from shoulder pads to collar break lines, was meticulously designed to replicate how a real suit is made. Hans showcased this digital suit during his presentation, “Digital Bespoke Tailoring – A 3D Workmanship,” in Portugal. Although the initial setup was time-consuming (it involved more than 40 layers!), the payoff was worth it. Now, he can tweak and create new versions of the suit within hours—a game-changer compared to traditional methods.
Pattern-makers are often under pressure to quickly turn design sketches into production-ready patterns, and Hans knows this struggle well. That’s where digital product development technology comes in handy. With tools like VStitcher, he can mock up designs faster, visualize them in 3D, and reduce the need for endless physical samples.
“Some pattern-makers are still a bit skeptical about using 3D for complex designs,” Hans says. “But if you approach it the right way, you can achieve amazing results.”
A recent project proved just that. Hans designed a made-to-measure dress and a raglan jacket using an avatar scan of a customer. By adapting his base block to fit the avatar’s specific measurements, the first physical sample—produced by an Italian vendor—fit perfectly. This experience showed how virtual prototyping tools don’t just speed up the process; they can actually help pattern-makers fine-tune their skills.
One of the features Hans loves most about VStitcher is the combination of the Cluster and Arrangement tools, along with the ability to assign layer values to individual pattern pieces. These tools make it easy for him to simulate garments and quickly assess fit without much trial and error.
“Once you master these settings, you can trust VStitcher completely,” Hans shares. “It’s been a huge help for complex projects like my made-to-measure suits.”
Hans Olsson’s experience shows how blending traditional craftsmanship with digital product development technology can open up new possibilities in fashion.
By using Browzwear, he’s not only making the design process faster and more accurate, but he’s also inspiring others in the industry to see the potential of digital innovation. His work proves that technology and craftsmanship can go hand in hand to create something extraordinary.
