When brothers Darren and Steve Gable discovered pickleball, they recognized an opportunity to bring a new level of sophistication to performance apparel within the sport.

With more than 25 years of experience sourcing premium fabrics and developing collections for established clothing brands, the brothers envisioned something distinctly their own: A clothing line designed for life on and off the pickleball court that delivered premium comfort, performance and style.

“What drew us to pickleball was the sense of community and the incredible history behind the game,” Darren said. “We saw an opportunity to honor that heritage through something we’ve always been passionate about – creating thoughtfully designed apparel that brings together exceptional quality, timeless style and performance.”

That vision led them to the Pritchard family, who invented pickleball in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. In partnership with the founding family, J. Pritchard was created, honoring Joel and Joan Pritchard (the game’s visionaries) while bringing a refined perspective to modern pickleball apparel.

Joan and Joel Pritchard play pickleball at the original court on Bainbridge Island in Washington, where the game was created in 1965.
Joel and Joan Pritchard play pickleball at the original court on Bainbridge Island in Washington, where the game was created in the 1960s.

The brand’s aesthetic is intentionally understated, defined by sophisticated color palettes, subtle branding and quality fabrics designed to transcend seasons and occasions.

“We’re not a paddle brand trying to make apparel or a shoe brand trying to make apparel,” Darren said. “We’re an apparel brand first. We created a premium collection, and we’ve been very thoughtful with how we’ve curated the line.”

SHOP ALL J. PRITCHARD APPAREL HERE

Use code “KITCHEN” at checkout for FREE SHIPPING!

A heritage reflected in every detail

The Pritchard family’s influence extends far beyond the brand’s name.

The Pritchards were avid participants in the rowing scene, and the J. Pritchard collection pays tribute to that background, as well as Joel Pritchard’s love of golf.

The logo itself combines all of those elements.

  • The ball and tee reference the fact that Joel Pritchard had returned home from playing golf on the day the game was invented.
  • The initials JP are a tribute to Joel and Joan Pritchard.
  • The oar symbolizes their rowing background.
  • The paddle is a silhouette of the original pickleball paddle created by the Pritchards.
J. Pritchard logo explained.

That heritage is also woven into the J. Pritchard color palette, with signature shades such as Pritchard Green and Bainbridge Blue inspired by the family’s pastimes and the coastal landscape where the sport began.

“The Pritchard family’s legacy is at the heart of everything we do,” Darren said. “Their story continues to inspire our approach to the brand, from the details in our designs to the values we uphold. It’s important to us that we honor where the game began while thoughtfully carrying that heritage forward.”

Quality fabrics define the J. Pritchard experience

Drawing on their decades of textile expertise, the Gable brothers dedicated two and a half years to developing fabrics, refining designs and perfecting the balance between technical performance and timeless style before launching the brand.

“From the beginning, we wanted to be thoughtful about every detail,” Darren said. “We took the time to refine our fabrics, perfect the fit, and create pieces that reflect our commitment to quality. For us, it was never about being first to market, but about creating something truly lasting.”

The resulting collection reflects that commitment. Soft, lightweight performance fabrics combine breathability, stretch and structure to deliver a comfortable fit that promotes effortless movement.

A young couple poses wearing J. Pritchard apparel.

Play Proper: Beyond the game

At the heart of J. Pritchard is a philosophy that extends beyond just pickleball: Play Proper.

Rooted in the traditions of the game, Play Proper reflects an appreciation for quality and confidence. It’s about approaching every occasion with intention and taking pride in the details.

From mornings on the court and afternoons at the country club to coastal getaways and everyday experiences, the J. Pritchard collection is designed for a lifestyle where performance and sophistication coexist and apparel moves naturally between sport and leisure.

“Play Proper is about more than how you show up on the court,” Darren said. “It’s a mindset that carries into every aspect of life. We want people to feel confident, comfortable and at their best, wherever the day takes them.”