Our Story

Tristar Headwear’s story began in 1972 when our co-founder Kantilal Kuber was forced to leave his home in Uganda, Africa. Kantilal and his family lost more than just their home – they lost each other. While Kantilal was able to immigrate to Canada, the remainder of his family was forced to relocate to the United Kingdom.

When Kantilal finally arrived in Canada, he had neither money nor possessions, however, what he did have would prove to be much more valuable. He brought with him an unparalleled work ethic and a mastery of high-end sewing and pattern making techniques, skills that had been honed over the many years he spent as a tailor in Uganda. This allowed him to find employment at a headwear & garment factory in Vancouver, Canada called Western Cap & Garment. Soon after being employed, he was promoted to the position of Supervisor and began overseeing the factory floor operations of the company.

For Kantilal, however, this was only the beginning. He knew that to establish himself in Canada and reunite his family it would require him to work harder than he ever had before. After three long years, he would finally see his family again. He was able to relocate his parents, three brothers, sister and two children to live alongside him in Canada, a place they were now all proud to call home.

Finally reunited with his family, Kantilal and his family were free to pursue their new goal in earnest — to repay the country that had given him and his family a second chance. Coming to Canada was something that the Kuber family took great pride in, and each member was eager to prove their worth in their new home and embrace themselves in the culture of this amazing country. Having been raised in a culture that emphasized the value of hard work, the Kubers were determined to prove they would make something of themselves without the assistance of the government. Each member of the family began working two or more jobs and resolved to do whatever was necessary to ensure they would be successful in the country that had taken them in.

Over the next few years, Western Cap & Garment would face financial hardship, ultimately being forced to close their doors and sell off their equipment. While the loss of one’s career might have discouraged others, the family chose to see opportunity. He and his brothers decided to purchase equipment and start their own company, storing the machines in their basement as they searched for the right space to establish themselves. Shortly thereafter, Tristar Cap & Garment was created, and the doors opened on Vernon Drive in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The late 90’s and early 2000’s, brought many struggles to the Canadian garment trade. An increase in globalization and imports caused many factories to close, and Tristar was forced to adapt to the changing market. To this end, the decision was made to cease all garment manufacturing in 1996 and begin to exclusively produce headwear. With trust in their product, Tristar focused on the core of what set them apart — offering truly customizable, bespoke headwear accompanied by quality manufacturing. Belief in their product and indisputable quality allowed Tristar to not just survive this uncertain time but emerge even stronger. Proof of this would come in 2010, when Tristar would be trusted to manufacture headwear for all the Canadian fans and athletes competing in the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games.

Sadly, in 2021, Kantilal Kuber passed away. However, the familial spirit of Tristar has continued to be passed down through the generations. In May 2021, the company was re-named to Tristar Headwear Corporation under the ownership of Jack Kuber & his son Jay Kuber.